Cabela's Salt Striker Bait Feeder Spinning Reel Review

[dematteoss]

Now that I’ve put this reel to work for three weeks I figured I would write a review on it.

About a month ago I was in the market for a bait feeder style spinning reel. I looked at some of the obvious choices such as Shimano’s Baitrunner and Okuma's Epixor Bait Feeder though neither of the two were for me. I know that Shimano’s Baitrunner is a work horse and will probably work for ever though it was a bit to bulky feeling for my taste. I did not know much about the Okuma's Epixor and never owned an Okuma reel before so I decided not go that route.

I have purchased many products made by Cabelas for both hunting and camping and have always been pleased with the quality so I decided to try out Cabela's Salt Striker Bait Feeder Spinning Reel model SBF-40 for $59.99. As other Cabelas products, the quality is there. This reel appears to be built well. Have a nice large crank handle for some power reeling and is just a smooth as some of the higher end reels out there on the retrieve. Casting is a breeze with this reel. I am casting 2-3 oz pyramid weights using a Ugly Stick Medium/Light action with this reel. The Bait Feeder feature works like a charm on this reel. I’ve spooled it up with Stren Original Clear 15# line. In the last two weeks, I have boated 8 keeper rockfish with the reel and probably at least 25 smaller release rockfish. I am pleased with the reels performance and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a slightly more compact bait feeder style reel. I am not 100% certain on this but I think Quantum may make this reel for Cabela’s. I know they have other deals with Quantum going so thought this might make this one for them. It has the feel and looks of a quantum reel.

[HullSlap]

The Cabela's model you purchased is an Okuma Epixor with Cabela's logos and a different paint job. I think the price is a little less than the Okuma.
Look closely and you will see they are the same. Notice the reel body particularly at the bottom.
http://www.reelokumafishingreels.com/epixor_eb.htm

They are good reels for the money. I've had one for three years now and it's smooth as ever.

Cabel's reels are made by Pflueger, Okuma and Daiwa. Not sure about Quantum (Zebco) but they're probably in on the action too.

[dematteoss]

I would agree with you based on the looks and the body but it felt much different then then Epixor when I tried em out. Eh either way, it's a great reel.