Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum
Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: The Fish Hunter on January 31, 2013, 10:30:57 PM
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Hey!
Looking for opinions on low profile baitcasting reels for salmon and steelhead
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That's all I use. I have 2. Abu Revo S and Quantum Pro Tour. Quantum reels are excellent and Revo just works for years.
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Shimano Chronarch or Curado.
(http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc90/fishingwithrod/2012/120925-5.jpg)
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Thanks! I currently have a Abu Garcia c4 6600 and a shimano Cardiff and I was thinking of trying a low profile reel now... I was looking at the shimano caius 200..... It's a good price... But maybe too cheap lol
I do like the looks of the chonarch!!
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Low profile baitcasters are a product of the competitive bass fishing circuit, and they suit that purpose very well. They are awesome on lighter 6-7 foot rods and up to 12-pound line test.
But frankly, I find the low profile baitcasters unsuitable for our West Coast 10 to 12-foot salmon and steelhead rods. They even look out of place when matched to one.
1. They don't balance the rod properly.
2. Their line capacity leaves much to be desired.
3. They tend to backlash when throwing out heavy setups.
That said, they are much easier to handle for hours on end compared to round reels, especially if you have small paws.
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Low profile baitcasters are a product of the competitive bass fishing circuit, and they suit that purpose very well. They are awesome on lighter 6-7 foot rods and up to 12-pound line test.
But frankly, I find the low profile baitcasters unsuitable for our West Coast 10 to 12-foot salmon and steelhead rods. They even look out of place when matched to one.
1. They don't balance the rod properly.
2. Their line capacity leaves much to be desired.
3. They tend to backlash when throwing out heavy setups.
That said, they are much easier to handle for hours on end compared to round reels, especially if you have small paws.
Milo, I disagree on all points.
Low profilers are the best thing for Lower Mainland rivers, wouldn't use anything else.
Regular reels are clunky and waste a lot of line.
I can fish all day and not feel a thing and I never ran out of line.
That's all I've used for the last 5 years and would never buy a regular reel again unless it's for salt.
They balance rods perfectly since all new rods are much ligther.
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Milo, I disagree on all points.
Low profilers are the best thing for Lower Mainland rivers, wouldn't use anything else.
Regular reels are clunky and waste a lot of line.
I can fish all day and not feel a thing and I never ran out of line.
That's all I've used for the last 5 years and would never buy a regular reel again unless it's for salt.
They balance rods perfectly since all new rods are much ligther.
X2,Luv my ABU Revo
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Many gear rods are "clunky" - tip heavy as a result of a heavy blank or heavy, double footed guides.
A properly built rod has a low swing weight is very well balanced with a low profile reel.
I use a Curado 200E7 with Slick8 braid on my 11'6" custom and I like it a lot better than my upgraded Abu C3 for balance and weight.
The Abu casts smoother, though I have stock bearings in the Curado.
The only downside is that these smaller reels have smaller drags. I was hesitant to crank it down on chum last fall and burned my thumb a bit :-\
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i have the quantum energy pt its fantastic that and the shimano canien both fantastik both aRE PAIRED WITH THE LIGHT ACTION old shimano convergences they are fsntastic
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Once you start using low profile, there is no going back for most people.
I use an older model Curado E7 on my Lamiglas or Sage rod and it balances perfectly.
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Milo, I disagree on all points.
Low profilers are the best thing for Lower Mainland rivers, wouldn't use anything else.
Regular reels are clunky and waste a lot of line.
I can fish all day and not feel a thing and I never ran out of line.
That's all I've used for the last 5 years and would never buy a regular reel again unless it's for salt.
They balance rods perfectly since all new rods are much ligther.
Each to their own, Sasha.
I tried a state-of-the-art low profile baitcaster reel 10 years ago matched to my TFO 3113 drift rod and didn't like it one bit. Everything felt wrong (see points 1-2-3 above). But then again, my hands are really big...low profile baitcasters feel like toys in my hand.
I will stick to my classic round reels for what is left of my fishing lifetime...and I have a very handsome collection for just about every application. But I do encourage people to try out different setups and find what suits them best. My point of view is just that: one person's perspective that I am happy to share.
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Each to their own, Sasha.
I tried a state-of-the-art low profile baitcaster reel 10 years ago matched to my TFO 3113 drift rod and didn't like it one bit. Everything felt wrong (see points 1-2-3 above). But then again, my hands are really big...low profile baitcasters feel like toys in my hand.
I will stick to my classic round reels for what is left of my fishing lifetime...and I have a very handsome collection for just about every application. But I do encourage people to try out different setups and find what suits them best. My point of view is just that: one person's perspective that I am happy to share.
We agree to disagree ;)
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Abu revo 3 stx reel super light,great drag system ,smooth casting,great for braided line and very hard to backlash the with new break system.
Personally I'm done with heavy baitcaster
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I like the low profile bait castors! Last year I went out and purchased the Abu Revo! I started to have problems with the release button on the second trip out that could not be solved! It kept getting stuck between engage and disengage! Brought it in right away for a once over and back out to the river with it! Once again, same problem! Other than that it , when it was working properly and very smooth casting and a great drag. But still problems with the engage button. Was very frustrating!
Then I had it replaced with the new Daiwa Lexa! This reel was designed to give the revo a run for its money! Daiwa did not disappoint! I feel that the casting is pin point accurate, smooth drifts, An actual anti-backlash system that works that can be adjusted to suit your needs extremely accurately. The high ratio retrieve is superb and the drag system is accurate and super strong. I have been using this with my sage 2106 rod all winter and have to say it is a much better reel than the Abu Revo! Over and above it by a long shot!
hotrod
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I like the low profile bait castors! Last year I went out and purchased the Abu Revo! I started to have problems with the release button on the second trip out that could not be solved! It kept getting stuck between engage and disengage! Brought it in right away for a once over and back out to the river with it! Once again, same problem! Other than that it , when it was working properly and very smooth casting and a great drag. But still problems with the engage button. Was very frustrating!
Then I had it replaced with the new Daiwa Lexa! This reel was designed to give the revo a run for its money! Daiwa did not disappoint! I feel that the casting is pin point accurate, smooth drifts, An actual anti-backlash system that works that can be adjusted to suit your needs extremely accurately. The high ratio retrieve is superb and the drag system is accurate and super strong. I have been using this with my sage 2106 rod all winter and have to say it is a much better reel than the Abu Revo! Over and above it by a long shot!
hotrod
Which revo did you get cause they are 12 different ones on the market including the gen2s from last year .The 2013 revos are top notch as long as you don't get something below the stx .
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I like the low profile bait castors! Last year I went out and purchased the Abu Revo! I started to have problems with the release button on the second trip out that could not be solved! It kept getting stuck between engage and disengage! Brought it in right away for a once over and back out to the river with it! Once again, same problem! Other than that it , when it was working properly and very smooth casting and a great drag. But still problems with the engage button. Was very frustrating!
Then I had it replaced with the new Daiwa Lexa! This reel was designed to give the revo a run for its money! Daiwa did not disappoint! I feel that the casting is pin point accurate, smooth drifts, An actual anti-backlash system that works that can be adjusted to suit your needs extremely accurately. The high ratio retrieve is superb and the drag system is accurate and super strong. I have been using this with my sage 2106 rod all winter and have to say it is a much better reel than the Abu Revo! Over and above it by a long shot!
hotrod
After 5 years I noticed I was having this issue. I figured I never maintained the reel and all the sand and borax must have done it's work. I had Mike's Reel Repair maintain the reel and it's back in tip top shape.
But my Quantum Pro Tour that Steelhead_King recommended to me years ago is a fantastic reel.
1,2,3 and the line is in.
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Thanks!!! Super helpful!!!
I was looking at the chonarch and canien today! Decisions decisions :)
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Thanks!!! Super helpful!!!
I was looking at the chonarch and canien today! Decisions decisions :)
If you can find one the Curado E series was rebranded as the Chronarch and is less expensive. The Curado G series is lower quality.
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Definitely have a look at the Curado 300. It holds about 275 yrds of 30 lb braid has an awesome buttery smooth drag. I bought one last year just for fishing the Vedder and it works really well.
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The Abu Revo Toro is the smoothest reel I have and I have a few of them.
Milo, reels have come along way over the past 10 years so you might want to have a look at them again. The Revo Toro comes in two sizes, I have both, the larger size is best for Vedder Fishing and balances quite nicley with my Fenwick rods. The Revo Toro is as smooth if not smoother than my Shimano calcutta if that means anything to you.
(http://sphotos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/150960_10151285660866173_485595702_n.jpg)
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Milo, reels have come along way over the past 10 years...
I am very well aware of that, Vic.
Thing is...I have a soft spot in my heart for vintage ABU reels. I collect them and fish with them.
My to-go Vedder reel is a 1969 Ambassadeur 5000C with a little extra something in its innards that make it as smooth as any reel of today. My to-go fly reel is a 1970 ABU Delta 5, and my to-go Spinning reel is an Abu Cardinal 4. I have learned to service them myself - something that would be difficult for me to do with newer reels because of all the parts inside. The beauty of vintage ABUs lies in their simplicity.
As I said before, people in the market for new reels should try everything out in order to find out what works for them. As for me, I already have more baitcasters than I will ever need in this lifetime, and they all work great for me. I don't need to have the latest and greatest
Cheers,
Milo
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Nice, I think we need to hook you up with some Abu swag for all that brand loyalty. I will see what i can find so come see me at the Abby show.
I also have an old 6500 with some upgrades to the guts, great old reels for sure. If you noticed in the pic, all my reels are Abu or Penn, great products.
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Nice, I think we need to hook you up with some Abu swag for all that brand loyalty. I will see what i can find so come see me at the Abby show.
I also have an old 6500 with some upgrades to the guts, great old reels for sure. If you noticed in the pic, all my reels are Abu or Penn, great products.
Sounds good, thank you. :)
See you there.
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I am very well aware of that, Vic.
Thing is...I have a soft spot in my heart for vintage ABU reels. I collect them and fish with them.
My to-go Vedder reel is a 1969 Ambassadeur 5000C with a little extra something in its innards that make it as smooth as any reel of today. My to-go fly reel is a 1970 ABU Delta 5, and my to-go Spinning reel is an Abu Cardinal 4. I have learned to service them myself - something that would be difficult for me to do with newer reels because of all the parts inside. The beauty of vintage ABUs lies in their simplicity.
As I said before, people in the market for new reels should try everything out in order to find out what works for them. As for me, I already have more baitcasters than I will ever need in this lifetime, and they all work great for me. I don't need to have the latest and greatest
Cheers,
Milo
You like me Milo, old school type I got some 70's Garcia ABU 6000C, 5000C and special 1991 6000C Anniversary model. I love the single handle knob and it is built heavy. I even got some old Mitchell 300 spinning reels and it was one these reel where I caught my 1 steelhead with back in the 70`s
Silex-user
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I was in the same boat past year debating a low profile or standard bait caster. Ended up with the Abu Garcia c4. It's okay but wish I had gone with a low profile bait caster, it's a little to big for my tastes.
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Hmmm I might have to have another shot with one of these low-pro bait casters. I had one years ago, and actually caught a ton of fish on it without any problems. Perhaps I'll have a look at those Revos 8)
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While I’m more used to the feel of round reels due to many years of using a Calcutta, last year I had a chance to borrow a friend’s Curado (or something similar) paired to a GL3 for a few trips and was really blown away by the difference in weight. A few ounces may not sound like much, there’s a noticeable world of difference especially when you consider having to sling a rig all day long. You could conceivably put together a set that weighs half of the typical setup you’d see on the river and it would feel like casting with a feather by comparison.
I’m now looking to pair a ~6 oz reel and a uber light rod for this year and I think only low-profiles have anything in that class. Unfortunately it will be a pricey exercise but based on last season’s experiences I’m really looking forward to using it.
I can certainly appreciate the trust people have in their older/’vintage’ gear. I still have a selection of older Abus and Shimanos that have served me well over the years that I could never bear to get rid of but have basically been relegated to displaying on the shelf or loaner duty now that modern reels have gotten so good.
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If you are looking for a larger line capacity low profile reel , you may want to check out the new for 2013 Daiwa Lexa 300. It holds 120yds of 20lb mono which will do for most winter steelheading situations.
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all this talk about line capacity!!! seriously when was the last time a fish took you over 75yds on the vedder??? A few years ago I landed 26 springers on the Fraser using a Curado E7 low profile baitcaster and 30# power pro....mind you I did come close to getting spooled a few times but generally it worked fine. Low profile reels are the future for fishing smaller rivers, they are just way easier to fish. I don't however want to discount personal preference. I choose to fish with a centerpin which is a lot more archaic method than a large bait caster. Its not always about ease. IMO if you want to fish a low pro dont let line capacity stop you.