Van Staal VM 150

[MikeToole]

Google up "Van Staal VM150 A Day At Montauk" there is an excellent write-up and break down of this reel with a lot of pictures.

I've used the reel but don't own it. The reel has a good feel and cast well. To me it will hold all of the 50# braid you will every need but you will need to keep it full. Meaning if you break off 50 yards you may need new line depending on the type of fishing your doing. The reel is a little heavy for the size but not to bad. The drag worked real well. I don't think i would reel in with this reel underwater but I'm sure it can handle plenty of good dunkings without a problem.

While you might be able to get a used VS200 for about a 150 more you would have trouble getiing a used bailed one at that price. So if you want a used bailed it would be more like 200 to250 more.

[JohnnySaxatilis]

Originally Posted by MikeToole

While you might be able to get a used VS200 for about a 150 more you would have trouble getiing a used bailed one at that price. So if you want a used bailed it would be more like 200 to250 more.

i love my bailless vs, so much easier and smoother to operate this coming from someone who used a 704z for a long time

any advantage to a bail surfcasting?? the only argument ive heard FOR a bail is when using a boat and doing a lot of verticle jigging. the line on the roller might come off during the slack occurring in the line. mythbust please, true or false?

i guess my question is what the hell do reel companies mess with bails for?

[MikeToole]

Originally Posted by JohnnySaxatilis

i guess my question is what the hell do reel companies mess with bails for?

I guess it's because of old people like me who have used bailed reels for years and see no reason to change. Had a VS 200 for one season and hated it. Couldn't sell it fast enough.

[Chubby-Chaser]

I have the VM150, fished it for the fall run eeling in big surf where it was dunked numerous times. I haven't caught a 40+ pounder with it, but It handled the fish with ease. Great drag, durable, $400 VS $800 for an entry level rock hopping reel is well worth it in my mind.

I own a Saragossa 14 and 8 and actually sold my 8000 to get the VM because of the type of fishing I was doing. Plugging the canal I preferred the 8000 hands down, but on the rocks where the reel sees a lot of sand and water the VM is the way to go.

The line capacity is fine on the VM for shore fishing

[MAKAI]

Originally Posted by JohnnySaxatilis

i love my bailless vs, so much easier and smoother to operate this coming from someone who used a 704z for a long time

any advantage to a bail surfcasting?? the only argument ive heard FOR a bail is when using a boat and doing a lot of verticle jigging. the line on the roller might come off during the slack occurring in the line. mythbust please, true or false?

i guess my question is what the hell do reel companies mess with bails for?

A hundred years ago I used to hacksaw off the bail arms of my slap happy penns, daiwas and shimanos. Took all of 2 seconds to feel at home with my vs's.