[JACKSON]

hey guys----i have a 10' ron arra lami and currently use a calcutta 400 with 20lb test. The set is great for bucktailing off of jetties and casting swimming plugs----BUT----i do not like the shimano calcutta reels. I had the bearings replaced twice in 3 years.

Can anyone recommend a reel with a level wind that casts well, can handle 20-25lb test, and that is more durable that a calcutta

 

[gruveking]

While it's still a pretty new reel to me,the Penn 975 seems to be holding up very nice.And I'm not very easy on my equipment between routine maintainence.

 

[623428]

I dunno---I've had a Calcutta since they first came out, and my Penn 975 didn't last a year before it experienced major problems. Anyone can make a lemon.

I've had both apart---the Calcutta is a better made reel. There's a lot of plastic inside the Penn. Including the entire bridge plate.

These reels are high-maintenece. I don't know how you're maintaining your Calcutta. Or what kind of oil your using in the bearings. Going around the internet, you see a lot of guys yapping about Rocket Fuel. That stuff isn't for practical fishing--spit lasts longer in the bearings than that stuff. Try gun oil or 3 in 1 oil. You could also try some aftermarket ABEC bearings in the Calcutta, if the bearings are the only problem area.

That being said, Abu reels might be what you want. Simpler inside, less tempermental to maintain. Not as smooth but there's a trade-off in everything. If you want something for 20-25 pound mono, go up to the 7000C3. The 6500 size is adequate for 20 but too small for 25.

 

[Hunt n' Fish]

Tica Caiman, available in right or left hand models.

 

[JACKSON]

I appreciated you're advice. As for the penn 975-----piece of crap (My opinion)----i have had this reel since may and although i am happy with its casting abilities and smooth drag, i have had major problems with the reels locking mechanism. When i turn the handle to lock it, it sometimes won't engage and when you turn the handle it makes a clicking noise. It seems to be a defect in the reel or the reel model itself. I have showed this reel to the guys in Stella Maris b+t and they are stumped. I used the abu 6500 at montauk yesterday and got yelled at by the locals for not controlling my fish (19lbs). There has got to be some kind of reel with great performance, adequate size (not to big or small), and durablitiy

 

[JACKSON]

Hey dough boy, i just checked out the tica reel website. They have reels with 12 bearings in them. Thats crazy, these reels must be super smooth. How has this reel held up for you, and how often do you maintenance it.

 

[gruveking]

Man,too bad about the problems you guys are having with the 975.I started using mine in April at Ditch and I haven't had a problem at all with it.Same thing with the 965.That being said,the Abu 7000 is also a reel that I have never had a problem with.I love the 6500's and 5500's just as much,but the 7000 is more the size I'd say you're looking for.
The Tica's have a few too many parts for my taste,but I guess I could get used to it.

 

[reelman945]

abu garcia ambassador 7000 C-3. Has a lever wind, anti backlash. I use it most of the time for casting chunks in the surf but it does well with the plugs/bucktails.It was a bit on the expensive side but it is a great reel.I have had it for about 7 years or so with no problems. I dont remember what I paid for it but it was worth the bucks being I have had no problems with it and the reel gets used alot

 

[Hunt n' Fish]

Jackson,

I have had a similar problem with my 965. I found that it was due to too much grease built up in the handle side of the reel. My fault. I simply sprayed a little W-D 40 in through the plate and it loosened it all up right away. It has never been smoother.

I have the Caiman CT201 with only 6 bearings, but it is extremely smooth casting and drag. It was a little noisy at first but I cleaned and relubed the bearings and it got much quiter. I got it in the spring over a Penn because I WANT LEFT HAND CONVENTIONALS. Especially if I am doing a lot of casting. I unfortunately only used it a few times because the rod I put it on was too heavy for the plugging I do (11 foot, Heavy), so I haven't had to maintanence it other than relubing the bearings.

I was waiting and waiting for the distributors to get the Penn Big Game Surf rods in 10' MH but they haven't come in in over three months. I spoke to a guy who told me the Diawa Sealine XS is the same blank with more and better guides, so I ordered that. I just got the new rod in the mail today and I will be putting it to some use/abuse tonight and tommorow and the rest of the fall.

Anyone want to by a great bait stick? I put it up in the For Sale forum.

 

[PaddleOn]

I feel antique ish

I've not updated my surf gear for .........to many years to count!
My trusty old Garcia Cardinal 757 is still going strong but I must admit I've taken the last 8 years away from fishing due to kids/work/bought a house etc.
Economics says I will go into this fall season with my trusty old gear.............but at least I'm back into fishing again

 

[meandtheboyz]

Surf equipmaent

It the jury is still out on the TICAS. i have one 13 ball bearing which I use for freshwater, real nice. I bought 3 cheaper surf Models seven ball bearings(I believe), I had to return 2 because the anti_reverse broke after one use.They did fix them free of charge

 

[hdcycles]

Reels

I just baught the Abu 7000 c3 J&H has it on sale again. I love it.

 

[629660]

I gotta agree

Abu 7000 is the way to go.Alittle heavier than most but can handle the toughest of conditions.I do my maintance every winter,& minor maintance during the season just to keep up on them.I just wish they would make a left hand retrieve model.They would probably sell alot more of them.

 

[621700]

Surf Fishing

Going to Kirk Park Beach next weekend,
would like to know about the surf fishing in this area. This will be my first time surf fishing, and first time fishing on Long Island. Please HELP!

 

[621700]

Surf Fishing

Going to Kirk Park Beach next weekend,
would like to know about the surf fishing in this area. This will be my first time surf fishing, and first time

fishing on Long Island. Please HELP!

 

[629660]

Start a new topic

You might get a better response that way.

 

[JACKSON]

hey Uffah

I'm trying to get a little information here-----if you wan't information on a different topic click on "post a topic" and then ask you're questions. People get very distracted on this website, and i really need some helpful replies. THANKS, Richie Jackson

 

[maniac]

Kirk Park?

lived on long island 35 years,never heard of kirk park. Where is it?

 

[JACKSON]

hey guys----i have a 10' ron arra lami and currently use a calcutta 400 with 20lb test. The set is great for bucktailing off of jetties and casting swimming plugs----BUT----i do not like the shimano calcutta reels. I had the bearings replaced twice in 3 years.

Can anyone recommend a reel with a level wind that casts well, can handle 20-25lb test, and that is more durable that a calcutta

 

[Hunt n' Fish]

Dejavu like a motha.....