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AnmRanch · Flour Bluffian in training Joined: 26 Jul 2013 Posts: 353

I'm looking to upgrade my surf rod reels.
What's a good for the dollar bait caster with levelwind?
I'm not wanting to break the bank, is there anything good for around $75?

KingKilla · Posted: Wed Sep 18, 2013 10:31 am Post subject: Reels

I am not sure what size line that you are looking to use. I don't use any levelwinds for surf fishing with anything bigger than 25# mono or 30# braid.

That price limits your choices a little but here are a couple close to that range that I use.

ABU 6500 with 15-17 pound mono or 30# braid. Large lure caster

Shimano TR200G with 20-25# mono. Live bait fishing for reds, jacks, etc. This is a bushing reel but it still casts pretty decent for a levelwind. They also make a TR100G (they used to anyway).

You could also look for a used one of some of the higher priced reels.

hickroots07 · Posted: Wed Sep 18, 2013 11:10 am Post subject:

If you are looking to cast far I would recommend something without a level wind. Like a daiwa sealine. They are 109 at Roys and are awesome at casting. May be a bit over the price range but with every penny in my mind. If you want to go cheaper try a Penn 209 or something like that but their casting ability is nothing like a sealine.
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Jetty Bandit · Posted: Wed Sep 18, 2013 12:11 pm Post subject:

Tyler · Site Admin Joined: 06 Mar 2006 Posts: 12865

If using lures I would stick with the level wind.
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Hoggeman · Posted: Wed Sep 18, 2013 12:55 pm Post subject:

What kind of fishing?
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Fin in the wind

AnmRanch · Flour Bluffian in training Joined: 26 Jul 2013 Posts: 353

I typically just soak bait (either live or cut) with my surf rod with 20lbs mono.
I haven't used a reel without a levelwind besides my 114. I tend to check the bait more often on my surf rods. How much trouble is it without the levelwind?

The disease reel sounds interesting, I'm going to have to look into it.

Hoggeman · Posted: Wed Sep 18, 2013 6:28 pm Post subject:

There is a penn squider in Victoria for $80 on Craig's List

"this is a older penn squidder made in the u.s. its very clean and super smooth I'm asking 80 for it these reels are hard to find . call or text 361-935-1734 thanks
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Fin in the wind

Hoggeman · Posted: Wed Sep 18, 2013 6:45 pm Post subject:

Level wind is great if you are using artificial lures and you keep it clean and lubed. Soaking bait I would go without!!! I have had one jam from sand in the groves. The squidder is a classic that has a nice loud clicker and you can take apart with one screw. You can also upgrade with a Tibrone frame and spool later on. It casts well and you can sell it for what you paid for it.
Hoggeman
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Fin in the wind

hickroots07 · Posted: Wed Sep 18, 2013 8:18 pm Post subject:

troutless · Posted: Wed Sep 18, 2013 8:49 pm Post subject:

I would look at the Daiwa Sealine SHA 30-50 and they cast really good and for the $109.00 you can't beat it.
It does take long to get used to the reel with out a level wind.

justletmein · Posted: Wed Sep 18, 2013 9:46 pm Post subject:

What is your current reel you're upgrading? Daiwa SealineX sha series is great, Penn Mag series is even better. I have two 40sha reels and a 525 mag and they are my staple rigs every time we hit the beach. If you insist on having a levelwind I have a pretty much brand new Penn 209 you can have.
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AnmRanch · Flour Bluffian in training Joined: 26 Jul 2013 Posts: 353

I'm upgrading from some Shakespeare reels (really cheap, but couldn't get more at the time).
I don't mind spending a little more to get a reel that is alot better. I'm wanting to get the nest for my money. I was hoping to upgrade both, but if a $200 reel is a lot better than $100, then I don't mind spending the $$$.

hickroots07 · Posted: Thu Sep 19, 2013 10:03 am Post subject:

I don't think that getting used to a reel without a levelwind was hard. Especially for something that you aren't going to be casting and reeling constantly. I think for the money the sealine is the best you can buy although I have not tried the Penn reel that is in a similar class. I can also say the sealine stands up to lots of abuse with minimal cleaning and still works flawlessly.
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Great captains, the stuff of legend, are made not by what they have caught, but by what they have given back.

cuzn dave · Flour Bluffian in training Joined: 06 Mar 2006 Posts: 465

If you want to stick with a levelwind, the garcias are very good, cheap, and easy to service.
For a smaller, lo profile the Daiwa 153 are goovalues.

No levelwind- Sealines, Penn 525 ,Squidder and yes, the lowly Jigmaster is a very good casting, durable reel.
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