[623159]

Hey Guys,

I'm very curious about those gorgeous van staal reels..I know they are made primarily for surf, but I want to know if anyone has ever tried using one off a party boat,jigging for blues??? I heard they are super smooth, and totally amazing to fish with..
For those that have experience, do they perform as good as they look??? and are they worth $500????

 

[skatemaster]

The waterproofing and lack of a bail do nothing for you on a partyboat. They are geared more for power than speed jigging. But they still look good and will definitely work.

 

[sam843]

I have 4 of them
The bailess and water proof function makes
them bullet proof nothing to break.
I use them mainly for surf
but when I go on a boat my ace in hole is a 150 filled with 50lb power pro match to a 8ft medium Lamiglas.
This outfit have saved many a trip.
Fluking when there is no wind no tide I can flip out
a 2oz bucktail a mile and
work back and get fish when no else is.

(This post edited by sam843 on 04/16/2003)

 

[614668]

If you are thinking about buying a high end reel of similar machined quality to a van staal then I would look at the Avet reels. Although I have yet to fish with one the reviews I've heard are outstanding. Sharp looking reels. I would avoid spinning reels on party boats unless you are jigging for weaks and blues but most party boat fishing is bait fishing so why bother bringing a spinning reel.

 

[Gamakatsu]

IF you like to fish with spinning reels on a party boat and IF you have the $$$ to buy a VS, by all means do it. IMO, they are not "super smooth" but they are super reliable. Also, once you get used to fishing without a bail, you'll never want to use one again. You have much better line control without a bail and making small adjustments in line tension is much faster. I happen to like fishing a spinning reel on party boat when the conditions are benign and I use a bailess reel, albeit not a VS.

Gamakatsu

 

[Billy40]

THEy are super smooth...compared to a Penn 706. The first time I cracnked it I hated it. you know how you can spin teh handle reel fast and let go? TEH VS I played with stopped after 1/2 a turn. Although it was a smooth 1/2 turn.