Fin-Nor Ahab Spinning Reel Feedback - Striper Talk Striped Bass Fishing, Surfcasting, Boating

Spanish Fly · 02-07-2007, 11:10 AM

Has anyone used these? I have heard that they are a reliable reel but have never had any experience with them and I'm looking for some feeback on them. Thanks guys

Back Beach · 02-07-2007, 11:42 AM

Smooth,solid,reliable. Good reel for the $$, plus they have an excellent drag system. I use a size 8 with 30# braid for a lot of my surf fishing. Would recommend this reel if you don't want to spend VS or Saltiga money.

bart · 02-07-2007, 11:43 AM

great reel with excellent drag. only downside is there isn't much line capacity...

jim sylvester · 02-07-2007, 11:47 AM

solid reel.....one of the best drags on the market

a little on the heavy side and doesn't like to be dunked..l

if you are not swimming or a deep wader.. a great reel for the money

Back Beach · 02-07-2007, 11:48 AM

The 8 is actually a little small for all purpose surf fishing. You want the 12 or 16 if its going to be used with mono or heavier braid. I forgot not everyone fishes the same way I do. I use the 8 on open beaches and lighter tackle applications like medium to small plugs and sluggos.

Terence · 02-07-2007, 01:35 PM

I had one of the originals . Heavy but great unless you splashed it and got the drag wet. If that happened , slip city.

Slingah · 02-07-2007, 01:42 PM

I actually fished a Ahab 20 from the surf for years....heavy as a mofo..but the drag was 2nd to none...landed many a big gal with that reel and have to say the drag played a big part...and the mono as well.....I'll never forget the fun I had with that set-up....thinking of bringing it back into action this season....in a dry stationary place

Mike P · 02-07-2007, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bart

great reel with excellent drag. only downside is there isn't much line capacity...

True. I was only able to get about 220 yards of 40# braid on the new 16 the wife got me for Christmas.

Anyone know whether a 20 spool will fit a 16?

fishpoopoo · 02-07-2007, 02:26 PM

i have an older 16A that is built like a brick chit house. stainless steel construction, teflon-impregnated cork drags.

it CAN be dunked - if you pack the housing with grease.

as noted, not terribly braid friendly, relatively small line capacity, and ... HEAVY. that and the internal gears are a little brittle and might need to be replaced frequently.

but otherwise a great reel.

fishermanjim · 02-07-2007, 02:34 PM

had a spinning and casting reel,,,the casting reel was junk,,,lots of plastic parts inside the reel that would break too often,,, the spinning reel fell apart also,,, first the nice wooden handle broke then the drag crapped out (got wet) the never was the same,,,then the main shaft corroded inside the bearing,,,both reels look nice on my wall of SHAME,,, Van Stall is working fine,,, Shimano Calcutta is working fine

fcap60 · 02-07-2007, 08:05 PM

I'm willing to bet that Spanish Fly's intentions were based on the new model fin-nors and not the older ones.

MassBass · 02-07-2007, 08:11 PM

It's one heavy motha!!!

ThomCat · 02-08-2007, 08:39 AM

We got them at the shop before Xmas. Look about the same as the older ones. They are now making a bigger reel, the Offshore series. The 7500 looks like it could crank in a Buick with it. Fin-Nor is now part of the Zebco family which, as most know, includes Van Staal & Quantum.
They are also producing some good looking boat rods. E-glass/ graphite. Haven't heard much on them yet. Good luck......