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Random Quote: Guess What? I got a fever... and the only prescription is.... More Cowbell!!!
Looking for (2) decent quality moderately priced conventional trolling reels for stripers. Level wind and infinate anti-reverse is a must. I have an idea of what i want but looking for suggestions and wanted to knowpros and cons of the line counter reels..........Thanks
__________________ 2006 Skeeter ZX24 Bay
2006 Yamaha 300 HPDI
2010 Ford F-150 FX4 5.4
Team: EAT-SLEEP-FISH---~ <)))))<
Trying hard to become a 1%er www.ramseydoor.com www.raynoroverheaddoor.com
I use shimano tekota 700 level wind with 40 lb monel. You can't beat the reels but you have to spray them with reel oil when your done. The Tek 700 doesn't have the line counter but the smaller Tekota does. I feel the smaller reel with the line counter doesn't have enough capacity for 40 lb monel.
right now for wire i'm using the traditional senator hsp w/monel. but i asked an "expert" if i could use my 330 gti's and he suggested the markings on the wire would mess up the level-wind mechanism. but my choice would be levelwind for wire, making it so much easier to reel in. i once trolled with a bud that used the daiwa sealines with line counters, and they were awesome. you always knew how much line was out.
i also have two setups with 30# mono and 330 gti's for the mann's deep divers. this works great, but certainly limits your options unles you add drails- which i plan to experiment with this season.
I am just getting into trolling and i like it.......I will be using power pro most of the time with fluro leaders. I will be using mann's stretch deep divers as well as spoons and other metal. I like the penn gt's a lot but they are not infinite ant-reverse as well as the sealins. I was leaning towards the okuma catalina line but i dont see any line counter reels which they did have in 2007. I might have to make a compromise with the sealines line counters but i dont think they are level wind. Thanks for the input....Keep it coming........Tom
__________________ 2006 Skeeter ZX24 Bay
2006 Yamaha 300 HPDI
2010 Ford F-150 FX4 5.4
Team: EAT-SLEEP-FISH---~ <)))))<
Trying hard to become a 1%er www.ramseydoor.com www.raynoroverheaddoor.com
My Penn 320's work great for plugs and spoons. I found them on sale around 6 years ago for $65 each. My Penn 113H's work great for umbrellas. I got them in a rod and reel combo for $99 each. Reels a very watertight, keep the outside clean, good to go. I personally don't think infinate reverse is important for trolling.
I troll 8 lines without outriggers or planer boards and use all 330GTI's but would like to switch to 320GTI-LD's for all except the umbrella poles. No need for line counters on a level wind. Each "bar" (complete side to side movement of the level wind) equates to around 12' of line on a 330gti.
For poles, I dont think you can beat Penn Senator 3/0 rods. They have a med action, AL reel seat, slick firm butt, Aftco stripper and tip, and chrome guides in between. Good value price too
For trolling braid, you can get away with a smaller reel.. I have several ABU 6500 "trophy Collection" models (which have the 7000 size handle and infinite anti-reverse) I use them to pull diving plugs, like the stretch's, bomber 26A's etc.... They've worked fine on fish to over 40#. I also have in this same size class, a couple Shimano Calcutta 400's , which are also a great reel, albeit more than 2x the price of a 6500.. Of course these reels are way to small for wire.. If you are looking for a larger reel with an infinite anti-reverse, look at the Calcutta 700.
(wellv20) I actually like the penn gt's from using yours. You are probably right about the anti reverse but i think the line counter feature might come in handy. I have all winter to think about it and the Rockland County Sportsman show isnt too far off where you can get some good deals!! If you want to go to it let me know!!
(Provie63) The abu6500's are something to think about. Ill have to check them out on their web site. I have a few calcutta's already but for trolling they are out of my price range right now. Thanks for the info!!
(B-faithful) I like the penn lever drag reel also. Thanks for letting me know about the 12" of line per side to side of the level wind (i didnt know that).
__________________ 2006 Skeeter ZX24 Bay
2006 Yamaha 300 HPDI
2010 Ford F-150 FX4 5.4
Team: EAT-SLEEP-FISH---~ <)))))<
Trying hard to become a 1%er www.ramseydoor.com www.raynoroverheaddoor.com
Quantum CLW30PT... I have some that have lasted 3 seasons of Charters
Very nice! How much are they??
__________________ 2006 Skeeter ZX24 Bay
2006 Yamaha 300 HPDI
2010 Ford F-150 FX4 5.4
Team: EAT-SLEEP-FISH---~ <)))))<
Trying hard to become a 1%er www.ramseydoor.com www.raynoroverheaddoor.com
Just bought (1) okuma CT-30L. Seems to be a nice reel. Much better quality then the convectors that i disliked. Penn Gt's were tops on my list but the local bait and tackle shop said the the last few years the Penn's coming out of China arent the same Penn's of prior years. The okuma was on sale from 139 down to 105. I'll get another when they arrive!! Thanks for all the input!
__________________ 2006 Skeeter ZX24 Bay
2006 Yamaha 300 HPDI
2010 Ford F-150 FX4 5.4
Team: EAT-SLEEP-FISH---~ <)))))<
Trying hard to become a 1%er www.ramseydoor.com www.raynoroverheaddoor.com
When I'm trolling I use Penn 113H. For both wire and lead core. I'm not to keen on useing a level wind with either line. Nor do I like the idea of a line counter. The lead core is already marked out for you by colors. When useing the wire line set up. The line can get caught in the level wind guide because of the knots and mess it up.
jigger - 2/4/2008 5:39 PM When I'm trolling I use Penn 113H. For both wire and lead core. I'm not to keen on useing a level wind with either line. Nor do I like the idea of a line counter. The lead core is already marked out for you by colors. When useing the wire line set up. The line can get caught in the level wind guide because of the knots and mess it up.
Not interested in using lead core or wire however my rods are capable if i want to try that in the future but thanks!t
__________________ 2006 Skeeter ZX24 Bay
2006 Yamaha 300 HPDI
2010 Ford F-150 FX4 5.4
Team: EAT-SLEEP-FISH---~ <)))))<
Trying hard to become a 1%er www.ramseydoor.com www.raynoroverheaddoor.com
Agree with Jigger- I only use Penn 4/0's with 300' of 50lb monel, 8-10' of 40 or 50 lb flourocarbon, YOU CATCHEM UP ALL DAY- umbrella rigs and bunker spoons trolled at 3 knots will keep rigs down 25-30', below the bluefish and right on the bass. Sea Isle out of Freeport, New York make the best custom rods, especially for strippers. Great feel and strong enough to pull umbrella rigs deep and also spoons while still getting great action. Still using my Dad's outfits that are 30+ years old- keep up with them and they'll last forever.
Trolling reels for Stripers!!! 
