Conference wahoo::fishing

    
    
      Bass Pro Shops has Shimano 100, 200  and 300 aq's for 16.97 this
    month. I own 3 of these nice compact and reasonibly priced reels.
    At that price I will have 5 soon.
    
    Bassmaster,
    
    Dave Sullivan
    

    I too own a Shimano Spin reel (GTX) and Baitcaster (BLACK MAGNUM)
    I like them both and plan on getting one more of each this winter,
    
    I recently fished with someone who had more rods and reels on his
    boat than I would know what to do with,  all his set ups were the
    same, all bait casters and reels, his spinner sets ups and his 
    ultralight set ups, etc, he had about 3-4 of each.  When I asked him
    why he said, "when you like one and feel comfortable with it stick
    with it".   Seems to make sense to me, if you have many different
    kinds you will end up fishing with one or two all the time for the
    reasons he stated, thats what I do, 3 of my rods and reels have cob
    webs on them in the rack until tournament time, but then I still
    dont use them.
    
    But then in the words of TBDW there is always the famous UPGRADE
    when you buy new.
                 
    Les

Although the base note is titled "spinning reels," I have a question about 
my Abu 521 bait caster.  I know several of you have this reel so maybe you 
can help.  

My new 521 constantly piles the line up on the left side of the reel.  I've 
noticed that when I hit the thumb bar and cast, the line guide doesn't 
always engage until I have turned the crank 3-4 times, leaving the line 
guide on the left side of the reel.  Is this common to the reel or is 
something wrong?  I've totally disassembled the reel, cleaned, greased and 
oiled the reel.  The line guide seems to be plenty free with no sticking, 
but it just doesn't engage after the first crank of the handle.

Thanx...

-HSJ-

    Joe, I was loading line on to a baitcaster last night, and I observed
    the same phenomena. If you tip the reel slightly the other way when
    you retrieve, line build up will level out. Most of us always hold
    our hand/reel in the same position during retrieve, so next time
    you're fishing check out yours and vary it a bit occasionally. Check
    out the spool - you'll see the build up disappear.
     Re: the "engage" problem: call Bucko's or the factory ASAP for
    advice whether this is indicative of a larger problem! I just sent
    a brand new 521 back that briefly (!) had the same systems, then
    all of a sudden - no spool engage at all. 
     In case you guys don't know it, Bucko's in Fall River is a factory
    authorized repair place for ABU-GARCIA. Send them a note on date
    of purchase (approx.), ,and a cheque for $2.50 for return postage,
    and you're set! By the way, somebody (Bassin' Boob ?) mentioned
    sending Garcia stuff to the factory yearly for free cleaning. Is
    this true, and if so, what do you need to enclose/where do you send
    them ?
    
    --The Skoal Bandit
    

My 521 is a left-hand crank, so I suspect that the reel is slightly tilted 
to the left while I crank.  Nonetheless, it would seem to me that the 
free-floating line guide should engage in ANY position, and at the proper 
time.  I'll try tilting the reel to the right a little to see if it makes a 
difference, but it will have to be deliberate and probably not at all 
comfortable.

Thanx,

-HSJ-

BTW...

I know Bucko's address & phone number is listed in here somewhere, but what 
is it?  My system response time is s-l-o-w, so it takes forever to do a 
search.

Thanx again!

    	Except for ultra-cheapo stuff (i.e. less than $8) I have had
    very little problem with anything except one ABU Garcia. I don't
    remember the model but it was a large one for surf casting and had
    a button near the bail that would flip the bail closed. The bail
    mechanism self destructed and somehow the bail itself was sprung.
    I have stayed away from ABU Garcia since and have used Daiwa, Mitchell
    (old ones), Shimano, Zebco, Shakespere, and Penn reels with no 
    problems.

    RAYJ

    
    -HSJ-,
    
    I to have the 821 with the same problem....tilting the dam thing
    aint gonna fix it.  I haven't had time to have it looked at.
    
    Quite frankly I am VERY dissapointed in this piece of poop.....
   
    GARCIA,NEVER AGAIN!
    
    I will stick with DIAWA, SHIMANO and QUANTUM. 

    TBDW

    It appears to me that most of the major reputable manufacturers 
    offer quality equipment.  I have reels from fly to surf by ABU, 
    Ryobi, Shakespear, Shimano, Quantum and Zebco (ProStaff), all of 
    which have done well.  I've had one Quantum baitcaster replaced 
    and one Shimano baitcaster repaired and eventually replaced - both 
    of the replacements have worked fine.  I also have a couple no-name 
    reels that are more or less junk.  I've been impressed by Quantum
    spinning reels, I have 3 QMD20's and a QSS2, all of which perform
    great.  I have one of the ABU Lite baitcasters, that I think is a 
    great reel for the money (half the cost of one of my other baitcasters).
  
    RE: line guide on bait casters - one of my baitcasters has an
    adjestment screw for this (Shimano I think), but with the free floating
    mechanism, the 521 probably doesn't have it....
    
    don mac  
    
    ps: also try a DIR/KEY=TACKLE
    
    

    Re .0
    
    What do you mean YOU are in the market for another reel......
    
    I thought you bought that new rod for ME????????
    
    
    Which would mean that I SHOULD DECIDE what I want for MY new rod.
    
    Situation Summary:
    
    Daiwa rod returned because of damage.  Must wait 6-8 weeks for new
    rod to be sent back from factory.  Therefore can't possibly survive
    with only 2 rods, SO...buys another rod.  Wife snaps.  Get's the
    "But honey I bought this FOR YOU" routine. "and for now while my
    Daiwa is being replaced we'll put my Shimano reel on the new pole
    FOR YOU TO USE, and when I get my Daiwa WE'LL go out and buy YOU
    a new reel"!!!!!
    
    This line of bunko falls into the same category as "Honey let's
    go fishing so we can spend some time together" (i.e., he needs
    someone to help him carry the boat.)
                                    
    So fellas please direct further comments to..
    
    Mrs. Casinghino
    (the RIGHTFUL owner of the new rod)
    
    
    

    RE .11  I love it!  
                                  
    Mr. (didn't catch your first name) Casinghino,
    Take it from someone else who's wife is a notes reading DECie,
    be careful how you say things!  For example, if HSJ's read this
    file he'd have been divorced YEARS ago!
    
    Don Mac
    

    I have *one* Shimano MQII spinning reel, with "Fightin' Star" drag
    (they can't pronounce the "g") and I really like it. I've heard
    good stuff about Abus, Daiwas and Quantums, too. Mine also has a
    "fast-cast trigger", a lever that lets you open the bail with one
    finger on the same hand you're holding the rod. I imagine it's a
    fairly common feature though. I might like to get a Shimano Speedmaster
    or Baitrunner next, though.
    
    One thing bothers me, though. I kind of hate to send any more money
    over to Japan, but they seem to have the corner on the market for
    good, inexpensive fishing reels. I bet the Abu Garcias are made
    over there, too. (SUPPOSED to be Swedish!)
    
    Ed
    

     BUCKO"S
    191 STAFFORD ROAD,
    P.O. BOX 87,
    FALL RIVER, MA. 02724
    508 - 674-7900
     Call them and describe your reel problem, HSJ. Maybe you got a
    "bummer", but I noticed the problem spooling a Shimano; in fact,
    I almost always notice it when putting line on a baitcaster rather
    than when I'm fishing. Bucko's is the best!! I'm sure they can /will
    tell you if your reel has a mechanical problem.
    
    __The Skoal Bandit (who just bought a rod/reel combo to go along
    with the Shimano Bantam Speedmaster he literally took off the UPS
    truck yesterday).

YO Holeshot,
              Sounds like a defect. I have had no problems with my 521
    and like it alot. What you describe does not sound right. Mine "clicks"
    and engages right upon retrieve.
    
    As far as spinning reels go, I think DonMac is probably right. The
    quality is getting to a point where most are good products. It is
    getting down to pure preference. In spinning I prefer Mitchell. I also
    own Penn and Zebco graphite jobs and both perform well...I 
    own two Diawa spinners, the ultra lite is ok, but I won't talk about
    the other one. Nuff said.
                                           NIGHTCRAWLER~~~~~~~~~~~~~
                          

    	I notice the line build-up on my ABU-LITE+.  I have found that
    the line build-up occurs on the other side of my reel if I cast
    with the other hand.  Might have something to do with the pressure
    of the line pulling the guide during casts.  Might just be because
    I'm too cheap to buy that expensive equipment.  :-)

    re.-1 
    Wayne, my top-of-the-line Quantum baitcaster cost about twice as much 
    as my ABU Lite.  Although the Quantum has more features, I seldom
    use them.  The Lite works fine (although I haven't tested the drag
    on a 6-7lber yet).  The Lite wasn't available when I bought the
    Quantum, if I were to spend that much $ again, I'd get 2 Lites rather
    then the one expensive job. 
    donmac

    I'm a die-hard spin and fly caster who just bought a baitcasting
    outfit (Shimano Speedmaster). I'm a rank beginner at using small
    baitcasting reels and am having the usual bird's nest problems.
    I've got the magnetic anti-backlash control turned up fairly high.
    I'm also using pretty light line ( 6 lb. test). Does light line
    increase chances of backlash, all other things being equal? Or,
    put annother way, would it be easier to spool up with 10 or 12 lb.
    test and learn that way before tackling lighter line?

    
    
    Best to start off using cheap 14# mono to practice with. As you
    start to get better casting ( read: few to none backlashes) 
    drop to 10 - 12# quality line.  I use trilene XL, 
    
    I use light line (under 10#) for spinning gear.  8# on 
    my shimon custom 2500 and 4# on my shimono 110 ultralight.
                                      
    Good luck,  after my first full year using baitcasters, I
    seldom use my spinning gear unless the situation call for
    it such as light line for trout, or casting up wind .
    
    The Harbormaster
    

    I'd agree with the harbor master, use heavier, and possibly cheaper
    line.  I also usually use 8lb on the spining rods and 12lb on the
    baitcasters.  Normally, quality line is a must - but when learning
    to use a baitcaster, you tend to go thru line fairly quickly - when
    the nests are too deep, you have to cut.  But hey, it's only money..!
    
    donmac

    I've found that light line and baitcasters equal alot of backlash
    problems. The lightest line I put on my baitcasters is 10lb test
    and that can be a problem some times in windy conditions. I prefer
    12 lb and if I follow the manufactures setup instructions I can
    fish more often as opposed to fixing birds nests. I also found that
    line brand can affect your backlash potential. The Molester turned
    me on to Bass Pro Shops excel line it seems to have less memmory
    than Stren, which I used alot, and that also decreased my backlashs.
    Practice doesn't hurt either, we all have to pay our dues.
    
    Ray (who always carries spare spools)

    Thanks, I figured that using a light line would create alot of these
    problems, but it's best to check with those who've "been there before".
     I'll respool with some of my cheap heavy stuff.

    I've noticed a lot more trouble with "professional over-runs" on
    the first few casts, while the line is dry.  Read about dipping
    the reel in the water when you start, to make sure the line is wet.
    I'm planning on trying this the next time out.

    Couldn't dipping the reel in water cause problems with the internals
    of the reel? I know they make them to get wet, but it seems as though
    dunking them might not be overdoing it. The instructions for my
    Shimano reel suggest spraying it w. WD-40 after each use (which
    I've only done once so far), so it seems as though getting the innards
    full of water can't be a good idea. You could wet the line some
    other way... 
    
    Ed
    

    YO,
         All I ever dunk are donuts and I do that rarely since I hate
    them. Getting a "freshwater" reel dunked should cause no problem
    tho. Most parts are stainless/graphite. I have dunked mine many
    times when my beer got in the way. No sweat. Salt water however
    can take its toll your equipment. I suggest hosing off reels, rods,
    and lures after use, excuse the digression. As far as dunking and
    helping casting.....if it works for you, DO IT!
     
                                                NIGHTCRAWLER~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    
    
    Keeping your line lubricated is a good idea.

    I use fish formula...several drops onto the spool should do it.
    

    	Another little trick I use to remove dry memory before fishing
    is to hook my lure onto the bumper of the car, a tree, anything
    handy and just back off unspooling about 60% of the line on the
    reel.  Then set the retrieve on the reel, tighten up the drag, and
    STRETCH!!!!!  This does 2 major things.  It straightens the line
    and it lets me check my drag for correct tension.  Keeps me from
    setting the hook on a fish with the drag loose.  (Talk about BLUE
    water.  Set the hook with the drag off sometime in a tournament.)

    I have 2 sharespear sigma supra graphite reels with rear drag. One
    hugh one for the surf and a small one for fesh water and ultra light.
    I have taken several blues (to 13 lbs) on 8lb test on the little
    guy and the drag has never failed. While casting and smooth retrieve
    are important, in the salt when you can hook up with almost anything
    the drag is the most important feature to look in to. Some day I
    am going to find that lunker striper and I don't want to have my
    drag sieze up.
    
    Bruce

    
    re .28
    
    I also have 2 Sigma spinning reels by Shakespeare and have had no
    problems with either if them.  One is a Supra 030 ultralight that
    is strung with 4lb. and the other is an 040 which is strung with
    8lb.  I really like the ultra light and the drag appears to be
    smooth and non-binding.  The larger model is a bit too heavy, but
    fairly smooth.  For the cost, I think they are a good deal (I think
    I paid about $25.00 for the ultralight). 
    
    I also have an Ultralight Quantum that is *VERY* smooth both in
    the drag and the operation, however, I find it has one bad point:
    Whenever I attempt to really toss the lure with a good deal of force
    the bail flips back over about 1/4 of the way through the cast.
    I don't think it's a technique problem, because I have NO problems
    with the Sigma, even though it's the sam set up.  Does any one 
    out there have any similar experience with the quantum, or is there
    and adjustment for the bail tension??  
    
    Any help would be appreciated, because all other aspects of the
    quantum are really super except this one problem.
    
    Thanks in advance
    
    Gus
    

    I have the Quantum QSS2 ultralight and don't have any problems with
    the bail.  I just have problems tangling up the spider web line
    I try and use on it.  
    
    Don Mac - from now on it's >= 6lb test for me

    I have Sigma spinning reels and like them alot. My only suggestion
    is that if you do alot of playing of fish on fairly light line (i.e.
    really exericise that drag), it's a good idea to clean or replace
    the drag
    washers each year or have someone do it. It dosen't take long for
    them to shows signs of wear and develop sticking problems.

    For spinning, I am most satisfied with a Daiwa ultralight that's
    seen a lot of use over the last 3 summers.  I also have a Shimano
    Baitrunner that I don't like mostly because it's too damn big and
    heavy.
    
    I have the ABU Lite+ and know what previous notes are talking about.
    It is a built in problem due to the late engagement of the levelwind
    device.  I haven't found a way to compensate for it.
    
    I think every manufacturer has built his share of dogs and solid
    citizens.  You almost have to evaluate each model individually.
    
    Steve

     I bought a Quantum spinning reel to use on Steelhead last year
    because I liked the idea of a bigger drag surface for more uniform
    pressure, plus a larger range of drag settings.
     After using this beast for a year, i have 2 comments:
    
    1. in cold weather the drag sometimes seizes after a couple hours
    and you have to rotate the rear knob back and forth several times
    to clear it. If you forget to check it - bye bye metalhead. This
    never (!!) happened with my shimanos.
    
    2. I think you actually get fewer drag variations with the Quantum.
    Am I going back to Shimanos ? You betcha !!
    
    --The Skoal Bandit
    
    
    2

    	Why all this fancy expensive stuff???  What ever happened to
    the old stand-bys????  You know???  Mitchell 306 for salt water
    heavy, Mitchell 300 for general fresh water, and Mitchell 308 for
    ultra-lite????  I won't say how long I have had my 300 and 308.
    Suffice it to say that it was when they were fairly state of the
    art reels.  They are tried and true.  Now as for some of the newer
    Mitchell garbage, don't look at it.  Plastic just doesn't cut the
    mustard in reels.

    Ahhhhh....there's the rub.
    
    [Original] Mitchells, especially the ones mentioned, were almost
    indestructible. 300's were sold by the millions. Then, for some
    reason, Mitchell and Garcia ended their agreement (Garcia had gotten
    into $ trouble when trying to expand to other lines). Mitchell (of
    France) couldn't go it alone, and sold the rights, etc., to Browning.
    Browning promptly re-designed and re-engineered everything. (Thankfully
    Abu hung in with Garcia) Browning painfully learned the lesson of:
    "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." After taking large losses, and
    just about destroying the Mitchell name, they sold everything back
    to a group of people who originally worked for Mitchell in the states.
    This was about 2 years ago....when 300's started looking like 300's
    again. Unfortunately, they have not yet revived some of the other
    older models (304, 306, etc) yet, but if and when they do.....
    
    Bagel

    re -1
    
    Oh yeah... the preceding info was gleaned from a long conversation
    with a Mitchell rep. at last winters Fishing Expo in NY.
    
    Bagel

    Yea, me I got seben(7) Mitchell 301s an som oder Mitchell 300 an
    400s. Dey so simple a coonass kin fixem an keep on fishin. I always
    carry extra spools, bale springs, an lubricatin stuff in my tacklem
    box... Many times I dipped one in de lak jes to lubricate it!!
    
    I also keep dem aroun for guests. Bout de onlyting dey kin do bad
    is to lose dem.
    
    Coonass

    Say Coonass,
    
    where 'bouts you find dem bail springs? I got one ob dem Mitchell
    300s, but de dam bail spring done got busted. I used to lak de reel,
    but the bail don't close no mo. I needs some help to find me anudder
    ob dem bail springs, so's I can use de reel again. Ain't got none
    ob dem up in yankee country, leas' none dat I could find.
    
    Le Docteur

    	Regarding Mitchell 300's
    
    	I had two old originals that broke in the same place. The cast
    piece that runs in between the reel and the rod broke. On one, I
    dropped the real, on the other, I leaned the rod against the wall,
    it slid sideways, and broke the reel. After seeing this happen to
    2 of them, I said no more Mitchell 300's. I still however have a
    very old 308 I still use on occasion and although my Mitchell 300's
    broke there, I've never heard of anyone with the same problem. Must
    have just been a fluke.
    
    	RAYJ

    Hey, I sen chew wun trew de male, OK??? Dats de orifice male, right??
    
    Coonass

    Shore. Inter-orifice male stop is PKO3-1/18C. Tanks, Coonass.
    
    Le Doc

    Coonass,
    
     Merci beaucoup for de bail spring. I jes got it in de mail.
    My Mitchell 300 will live to cast again!
    
    The Doctah

    Thought I might try an ultr light set up and do some finesse fishing.
    
    Has anyone tried any of the new long casting reels yet?
    
    I have some experience with the Daiwa Long Casters they cast a mile but
    are the most clunky, massive reels around.
    
    Has anyone got one of the Shimano Aerowraps, Abu Garcia Black Max etc? 
    Whats your experience with these types of reels?
    
    Brian

    I disagree with the comment on the Daiwas.  The wife bought me a 1305
    for Christmas (packaged with a 5'10" med/hev BPS Tourny Special) that
    quickly became my favorte spinning outfit.  I love it.  The longcasters 
    come in a number of different sizes, you may prefer a smaller version.
    
    Before getting the 1305 I tried Keith Dilsworth's larger 1605 (?)
    and although I liked the reel - it was too large for my taste.
    
    Besides Daiwa, I haven't notices any other 'longcast' ultralights on the
    market (or course I nolonger look at anything manufactured by Shimano,
    so I may have missed something there, but no great loss 8^).
    
    As far as Ultralights go, I like my little Quantum QSS2, teamed up with
    a 4'9" Quantum XL ultralight rod - fun stuff!  I know R/O Palmer enjoys 
    his QSS2/XL ultralight setup as well.
    
    Also, many of the finesse fishing techniques require a rod with some
    hookset capability.  If you plan on fishing single hook lures, don't
    get an ultralight that's too soft.  Some ultralights do have enough
    backbone to offer a descent hookset - assuming your hook is real sharp.
    
    -donmac

     I've got a Daiwa 1305 and a Shimano "Aerowrap." I'll use the
    "Aerowrap" for steelhead in the future - it casts a mile - but
    sometimes wraps a "loop." I think the Daiwa 1305 is the best reel for
    the dough I have EVER seen - and, as you know, I've tried EVERYTHING.
    
    --The Bandit

    I only have two Daiwa 1305's.. I love them. 
    Lav

    I have a Daiwa 1605 in a combo from Bass Pro and it's my favorite
    combo. The medium/heavy rod really buries the hook. The reel does loop 
    once in awhile so you have to be careful. I also have an Abu Gold Max
    longcast and this reel appears to be everything I wanted. I've only
    used it twice but I feel it's worth the money. Plus you get Abu's lifetime
    warranty.
    
     Don B.

    There are a couple variations of daiwas 1305 pr's, ps's etc, which ones
    are you guys referring to?
    
    Brian

    I'm referring to the "Samurai Longcast" PS1305, the bargain basement 
    model (BPS $34.95 or packaged w/ the tourny special for $49.95) 
    
    -donmac

    I was talking about the $60 buck model.. Think its PR1305.. Have to
    check... If my wife only knew!!!

    Hagerty is correct. Skip the Samurai, you'll only end up buyin' the PR
    anyway. The Pr may be my favorite yet.
    
    Technically,
    
    --The Skoal Bandit

    The PS1305 is on sale at BPS for $29.95 - if you want to spend $60 buy 
    TWO!!!   The PR gives you another ball bearing, that's all.  The reel 
    is smooth with the single ball bearing. 
    
    The bandit is a spendaholic!  8^)
    
    -donmac