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Ol Sanch · Flour Bluffian in training Joined: 05 Jun 2006 Posts: 320

Well I think it's time to upgrade from my old surf fishing reels and I thought I'd ask for some advice from the forum.

Let me give some background. I've used Abu Garcia 5500 and 6500 C3's forever. Not the new ones but the old ones. These are one of my favorite reels ever. I love the durability and the price.

I'm fishing for redfish with these reels. These are strictly for the sand. I set up 4 or 5 rods with a hunk of mullet or crab and a 2-6oz spider weight and drink beer and watch my rods. It's actually one of my favorite kinds of fishing.

Value is very important in my purchase decisions. I don't expensive crap just because it costs the most. Let me illustrate, some of my reels are Penn 309, Daiwa BG 15 and 20, and the previously mentioned. I don't mind spending the money if I need to (I have a Shimano Curado) but price, durability, value are key for me.

With that said, I'd appreciate some ideas.

Thanks,
OS
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Stickmanmitch · Finger Mullet Joined: 05 Oct 2013 Posts: 29

Really like the daiwa seagate (newer version of the sealine). I have a 50 but a 20 would be killer for redfish and cast a mile.

ACinSA · Posted: Mon Mar 16, 2015 5:19 pm Post subject:

This one is easy for me! I always have 4 rods in the water and one in my hand fishing the sholeline. I keep two rods as far as I can throw them from neck-deep water, staked out on the sandbar...Abu 7000's. I keep two rods running over the second sanbar...Abu 6500's. And the one in my hand is a 5500.

Basically, I can't argue with your logic at all! The newest reels in the bunch are my 7000's...I have only had them about 12 years!

I have others. But nothing has been more reliable then my Abu Baitcasters. So when I was looking to get a couple to use for the Kayak, I actually spent some money and bought me a couple...yep, Abu's! This time I opted for the Revo Toro. I figure, if they last me half as long as my 20-year olds, I would still be happy!

BAITCASTER OR BUST!

Cheers!

Aaron
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2013 Mango WS Ride 135

hickroots07 · Posted: Mon Mar 16, 2015 8:39 pm Post subject:

Ok so I used to own all Penn reels. 209, 309, 320, 330, 4/0, 6/0, 9/0.... then I won my first avet and it was all downhill from there. Honestly in my experience they are the best reel I have owned. Easy take down and tear apart, insane drag, and cast like a champ even into the wind. I know you are looking for value. They hold their value if you don't like them, but to me it's started the avet addiction. I think the SX is all you need to target reds. We hailed in up to a 4.5 foot shark on a cast bait and it works like a charm. Light enough to cast forever and haul in pomps or strong enough to fight a 5 foot shark. I don't think you would be disappointed. Just my 2 cents.
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btoutdoors · Posted: Mon Mar 16, 2015 9:24 pm Post subject:

I am a ABU fan( not the new big box store ones). I bought two 6500 pro rockets with upgrades to ceramic bearings and they are awesome reels. I Fish the surf and get them wet several times a year and they are good to go with a rinse off. Check them out!

Baffinboy · Posted: Tue Mar 17, 2015 7:34 am Post subject:

I prefer spinning reels for the surf, way less BS casting into the wind but you may be more skilled than me.
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Bighead · Posted: Tue Mar 17, 2015 2:19 pm Post subject:

Sealine x sha 20.

End of discussion.
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Slow and steady wins the race...unless of course, it's an actual race.

Sherkus · Posted: Wed Mar 18, 2015 9:57 am Post subject:

Diawa Sealine SH-a30. Is a good one, but the winner is the Avet MXL mc. I own two of both. The Avet is an awesome product. 100% USA ! A true masterpiece which is incredibly affordable for what it is. I have one on a Breakaway HDX, and another on a St Croix Mojo 10.6. The Diawa's are now backups
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I wouldn't take Tuesday off if you will show me a fish that bites on weekends!

lagunarat1975 · Posted: Wed Mar 18, 2015 10:14 am Post subject:

Shimano Corvallis is a good replacement for the Abu. The new 5500 and 6500 are no where near as good as the old ones. The Corvallis isn't a cadillac but definly an upgrade from the garcias and will only set u back about 75 -80 bucks the 200 is like a 5500 and the 400 is like a 6500 find em at roys
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Tyler · Site Admin Joined: 06 Mar 2006 Posts: 12865

Shark_Reeler · Finger Mullet Joined: 04 Sep 2014 Posts: 11

rockhopper · Finger Mullet Joined: 03 Jun 2013 Posts: 17

Abu for life

Sherkus · Posted: Wed Mar 18, 2015 9:43 pm Post subject:

I honestly did not consider a level wind model in this discussion. I agree with Tyler, the Abu wears through the worm gear at an unacceptable rate.

I guess it really comes down to the weight your looking to throw. 2-6 ounces is perfect with the Avet. An Abu might be a better choice for lighter baits.

Winding a non level wind manually is no big deal. It's an automatic thing after a while. So much so, when I do fish a level wind, I find myself going through the motions of winding it anyway....
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I wouldn't take Tuesday off if you will show me a fish that bites on weekends!

Jetty Bandit · Posted: Wed Mar 18, 2015 11:01 pm Post subject:

Sherkus · Posted: Thu Mar 19, 2015 10:13 am Post subject: