casting conventional

[numbskull]

Depends on where you are fishing (and to a lesser extent what rod).
Almost all my fishing is done with plugs 2-4 oz. For most of it I use a Calcutta 400, Abu 6500, Newell 229, or Calcutta TE. I think the mid-sized reels have plenty of power to do the job (the canal may be an exception because of line capacity issues) and are much more pleasurable (easier to cast and lighter) to fish than their bigger brothers.

[steve]

For 3 oz plugs you can use the 7000 ambassedeur. I prefer the 6500 model, specifically the pro rocket in either black or chrome. The 6500 and 7000 Big Game is also good. I use 25 pound mono , Berkley Big game clear or Ande back country. I never tried braid on a casting reel in the surf. Also, the Shimano Calcutta 400 is probably the best surf reel. A very good fisherman, Bill Nolan, who fished nothing but conv. when he surf fished, tried them all and said the Calcutta was THE best. He only used 20 pound test, Ande back country, with a very long , 2 wraps around the reel, of 50 pound mono for a shocker. He was the best conv. casters I ever seen with that outfit. He mostly fished regular sized live eels but could also cast artificals . I think he used a 9 ft medium action rod.

[piemma]

I agree with Steve. #^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^& was/is the master of the Calcutta 400. I have 3 myself and have used them with up to 4oz plugs.

[SeaWolf]

i agree w/ others in this thread that the Abu 7000-class reel is about the standard and easiest to master. i've had years of experience on these reels. stick to a "C3" model, which has bearings on the spool shaft and a levelwind. the "CT" models are w/o levelwinds. the 6500-class Abu's are nice, but can be outgunned in some heavy current areas if targeting larger bass. the stock drags used to be junk, but the newer Carbonex drags may be an upgrade. either way, get Smooothies replacement drag washers for your Abu. the 6500-class reels are generally easier to cast and much faster reels than the 7000s.

i have a friend that fished a calcutta 400 for years and had great success with it. i cannot comment on the reel as i never used one due to having good success with Abu's. the few times i did cast a calcutta 400 i found it too slow, but it wasnt my reel.

the newer avet's with spool controls may be worth the look. they are fast reels and require an educated thumb.

diawa makes a couple of models as well that have had good success, but are not as popular in the northeast it seems.

the newells are also fast reels and require an educated thumb. some have had very good look with them.

one piece of advice, i would suggest starting with mono and as you get better with casting move to braid. your window of controlling an overrun using braid is much shorter than if you were using mono. casting lures under 2 ounces, especially if they are not rear loaded like poppers, or eels with braid can take a while to master.

[Mr. Krinkle]

Originally Posted by numbskull

Depends on where you are fishing (and to a lesser extent what rod).
Almost all my fishing is done with plugs 2-4 oz. For most of it I use a Calcutta 400, Abu 6500, Newell 229, or Calcutta TE. I think the mid-sized reels have plenty of power to do the job (the canal may be an exception because of line capacity issues) and are much more pleasurable (easier to cast and lighter) to fish than their bigger brothers.

Are you using braid on those reels or mono?

Also, some of those reels have a levelwind, are you taking that off or casting with that on?

[numbskull]

Originally Posted by Mr. Krinkle

Are you using braid on those reels or mono?

Also, some of those reels have a levelwind, are you taking that off or casting with that on?

I like fireline 20 or 30 for most fishing. I also use mono 25-30, only on the Newells. I fish with the levelwinds 75% of the time ( and always when boat plugging). The one place they are an issue is the canal. With very hard casts using a powerful rod, fast reel, and really high line velocities you will eventually get a loop during your release that snags the levelwind pawl screw/post and breaks you off. This isn't a problem at night from shore throwing large plugs, when you are pacing yourself and casting smoothly. I don't feel the levelwinds cost me any appreciable distance with most plugs, and I think they help control the reel. I find I can concentrate better on what the plug is doing (though thumbing gets near automatic eventually). They can be an issue in sandy surf.....but I don't fish that much anymore (when I did I used a 6500 and was OK). It is also very hard to fish a pencil or spook in still water with a non-level wind reel. For creeping eels the levelwind is unnecessary.

I can't speak for a magged Avet, but it is hard to believe anyone would be unhappy owning a Calcutta 400b. They are very useful reels.

[steve]

Numbskull, we just got some new green colored Fireline at the shop. I spooled up with 30 lb on a 150 VS and used it in Providence for winter over stripers before it iced over last week. I really liked it and my question is - Is this the same Fireline as the gray stuff only dyed green? This green stuff seemed more supple and slicker than the grey line. The packaging was the same as always. Are you aware of any changes? Thanks, Steve

[Back Beach]

I've used a newell 229 since I started fishing. Works nice with 65# braid....its a fast reel with no levelwind, casts well, very light, high speed retrieve, and good drag...but they're not for everyone.