Low Profile For Dad?

[Josh Smith]

Hello,

 

Dad is interested (maybe) in a low-profile reel.  I got him a Silver Max at the same time I had a Black Max, but neither of us liked them.  The shape was OK for him (I still prefer round reels) but the feel was off.

 

I'm therefore exploring reel options for him.  Like me, he's not sure what's out there these days.

 

He was happy to know that Lew's was still around as he was friends with Mr. Childress's nephew, and used an Abu Garcia 5000 and a Lew's tournament rod in the '70s when Lew's stuff was made by Shimano.

 

I'd like to find a reel with a profile about the same as the Abu Garcia Max series.  The frame needs to be metal, not graphite, and Dad said he'd like to try a reel retrieve speed in the 30ipt range. 

 

It does need to have the handle on the left hand side.

 

I would prefer a price of around $50 as that's what I can comfortably afford at this point.  I would assume this places me in the gently-use or refurbished reel category.

 

Suggested recognized names are Lew's, Abu Garcia, and Shimano.  I was looking at Revo reels, but they're just a shade more than I am comfortable spending.

 

We're thinking about going after walleye this winter, and he prefers spinning reels for that, so I'm thinking the baitcaster might be a Christmas gift.

 

Can you suggest a reel with that meets the above description?  No hurry; still a couple months if ever, but I'm definitely looking slowly and methodically.

 

Regards,

 

Josh

[rippin-lips]

The $50 part might be a little tough but it's not impossible. Winter is coming and people will be selling stuff to make room for new purchases. Also check Ebay a lot, through winter.

Lews speed spool

Daiwa lexa

Shimano caenan

New daiwa exceler 'black'

Old daiwa exceler 'silver'

Bps pro qualifier

Abu pro max

Abu revo

[bass1980]

I am going to recommend a reel above your budget. The Daiwa Tatula. The reels profile is bigger than your max series abu but since your dad is used to Round reels the Tatula size shouldn't be a problem. New ones on ebay go for 100ish. I've seen used one go for 80. Trust me it is 2 times the reel of the max series. Hopefully you can save just a bit more and have a reel that in my opinion should be selling at $200+.

[bass1980]

Or if you're really set on $50 find a used Bass pro qualifier. I believe I sold one here for $60 and it was near mint condition. Those pro qualifier reels are amazingly smooth for their price point. Smoother than my Abu pro max I had 3 years ago. Only problem to me is they are on the heavy sidea for my liking. What I find that old school fishermen are more acceptable to heavy reels than us new school fishermens.