Vermelho

Despite what the so-called "Pros" do on the fishing shows, I am inclined to use a net whenever possible. It's a more sure way of landing the fish, and it puts less stress on the fish. Also, it's a more sure method of keeping hooks out of your fingers.

I agree 100%....just buy it. It's a great reel and an incredible deal. And...if you don't like it, then my offer still stands and, I'll pay for shipping, too. Verm

If you buy the reel, I will purchase from you for $80. Verm

USA-RET, I agree with everything you say for I have done some research and talked to Shimano Reps and they say the same thing. Here's what I learned: The Citica 100 DSV is constructed in Japan in the same plant as the Curado 100 (the reel foot aand the box say "made in Japan"). The Citica is especially targeted to saltwater fishermen who need the extra line capacity for casting to Reds, Specks, Snook and such. (actually, I think the Curao 100D line capacity is just fine - but there are just so many barnacles and oyster reefs to break a line that the extra capacity in the 100 DSV comes in handy). The Citica 100 DSV has brass gears in order to be more "Saltwater Friendly" (i.e., this inhibits corrosion). Also, I have learned from my experience and that of others that the Citica's spool bearings are pretty-much packed with silicone grease and that the insides are also packed with grease. For example, before cleaning my nearly-new citica, I noticed a "ever-so-slight" slight backlplay on the handle. I cleaned the reel - and this meant flushing the spool bearings and ridding the innards of excess grease. I also cleaned and re-lubed the one-way roller bearing. As a result of the cleaning, the Citica casts and reels as smooth as any reel and the "ever-so-slight" handle backplay is gone - this sucker is exceptionally tight and smooth. So...looks like Citicas are packed with grease and this is probably because Shimano feels (I'm guessing) that anyone buying a reel at this price point doesn't really perform good maintenence - and the extra grease provides additional protection to overcome the abuse. Verm

I use Big Game 12# and have been very pleased with it. It's the only brand I use. However, unlike Suffix (really great line too), it has more memory so you've got to wait a few casts until the line gets wet and "un-coiled" for it to work its best. I use Berkely because my fishing situations cause me to change line as often as most people change socks (I nick the line a lot on rocks and shell) - so I need an inexpensive but very reliable line. However, for some of my apps - flats and freshwater apps - I think I'll move to Suffix this year, but I'll still always use the Berkely. I hope this helps.

Great post ww2farmer - I couldn't agree more! Also, I'd like to add that no matter what reel you buy, it's performance and reliability can probably be significantly enhanced with good general maintenence and cleaning technique.

The last time I check Woodland, Wa was part of the USA Yeah...but this doesn't make Loomis any more American than Toyota. Last time I heard ownership discussed, it appears Loomis is owned by a overseas company. Loomis is just the American name.

Exactly...and that stuff will harm the line.

G-Loomis? Wouldn't you rather buy an American Rod?

I actually use a common - and sometimes very dangerous - chemical to soften my line: Dihydrogen Monoxide. Dihydrogn Monoxide has been known to cause death by asphyxiation (inhalation) and retention of bodily fluids. But...used with care, there is nothing much more effective, or cheaper. I reccomend Dihydrogen Monoxide - but be careful. Dihydrogen Monoxide (DHMO) is a colorless and odorless chemical compound, also referred to by some as Dihydrogen Oxide, Hydrogen Hydroxide, Hydronium Hydroxide, or simply Hydric acid. Its basis is the unstable radical Hydroxide, the components of which are found in a number of caustic, explosive and poisonous compounds such as Sulfuric Acid, Nitroglycerine and Ethyl Alcohol. http://www.dhmo.org/

Reel Magic and other silicone sprays might make your line more mangeable but, then again, so will getting the line wet - (ya'know - in the water).

Why does it matter? Thanx.

The best manufacturer is the one that can give you what you need at the price you can afford - most of the manufacturers will fit the bill from time to time. My advice: find out what you really need: then you will know.

Using a soft, clean line and spooling smart will definetly help, but will not elminate wind knots, and that's why I don't even bother (except not to put too much line on). I use Berkeley Big game (stiff stuff) and have no problems. Long ago, I found out that wind knots are mostly a product of casting/retrieving technique.

For a freshwater reel, I think it can safely be assumed now that the Revo is one hell of a reel. Lots of people have used them and reported excellent performance and the review on Tackle Tour was exceptional. If I were going to buy a freshwater-only reel, I'd take a hard look at the Revo. Since Shakespeare has owned ABU, they seem to have been doing some great design - unlike the aborted attempts that Garcia was doing all these years. And I think Shakespeare wil stick with it - they seem to have a philosophy of wanting to do it right. Also...interestingly enough, the Revo has been getting raves from saltwater fishermen, too. Now, normally, I wouldn't pay this too much mind, but some of these reports have been coming from some very credible people - who have fished a lot of Shimanos and Daiwas and, thus far, it appears the Revos are superior. One guy on a Texas Saltwater Kayak Board has been running a test for six months pitting a Revo vs Citica vs Daiwa Coastal vs Okuma Nemisis. I'd like to see what the ultimate results are - see how well the Revos internal parts handle saltwater exposure. Thus far, however, the Revo is far ahead of the pack. Just some info for thought.