New here. I have read a lot of threads here (and elsewhere) on "the best" low profile baitcaster reels for flipping and pitching, and this n that application. I grew up on Lake Guntersville throwing a Texas rig worm or other softbait, or lipless crankbait 90% of the time It worked in G'ville and it stuck. Cool story...my mentor and I fished a tournament next to Bill Dance's boat at Guntersville one day. We didn't win, but were close. Glory days. I have used ABU 5500s for near 50 years for largemouth and stripe (I still have 1 5500c that I bought in, hm, 79?). I still use my OLD 5000 for catfish, but I want to step out and buy a new "fancy" (by my old standards) low profile reel as an all purpose largemouth and smallmouth bassin reel. Coming from an old round ABU, I am not worried about a little weight. I do want to cast aways (like on out there), sometimes into wind. I want quality, durability, versatility, and ease of use. I am old an lazy, so don't want to worry as much about backlash as I used to. Don't some young smart ass say something about that. I can sling it, but I want to be reckless(er) in my crusty days. Finesse would be nice at times, but this is not a priority. Rarely would I throw something over 1/4 oz., but occasionally, maybe. I know that I am asking for alot. Anyway, from my research, my short list is: Shimano Curado 200k or 70, Diawa Tatula, Phleuger supreme XT and ABU Revo. I shy away from the ABU because I want to avoid bias from my past. Yes, there are other honorable mentions (which I am open to), but I have to keep this list reasonable. I have to make a decision before I die. If I never lost line I wouldn't worry much about line capacity (like Curado 200k vs 70), but it happens to all of us occasionally. Most of you know alot more than me, ESPECIALLY on the post- (post 1980) new stuff. I call on you, our ambassadors of modern bassin, to stear us old timers right! Thank you in advance for asking an old tired question, and for expecting you to read this book. Keep on fishin!
