casting conventional

[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.