Matching reels to rods

[Danny_716]

Hello all, I have recently acquired a few new rods/reels and am thinking about switching up what reels are on what rods & lines etc... I'll start by listing the rods and reels I'm talking about.

Rods:

#1) Berkeley lightning rod 7'6" H, fast (heavy jig/t-rig, frog)

#2) MHX MB843 7' MH, fast (jig, spin, chat, ect.)

#3) Cabela's tourney trail im7 7' MH, mod-fast/fast? ("backup" to #2, deep cranks) 

#4) Abu Garcia vengeance 6'9" MH, fast ("backup" to #2, jerk, top)

#5) MHX CCB834 x-glass composite 7'2-7'7 (adjustable butt) M, moderate (cranks)

 

Reels:

#1) Daiwa exceler 100HLA 6.3:1

#2) Daiwa tatula 100HL 6.3:1

#3) Abu Garcia Revo S-L Ambassadeur 6.4:1

#4) Abu Garcia black Max 2 6.4:1

#5) Shimano bantam mag plus 251 (older w/ on-off back-reel) 5:1

 

Currently have them paired #1 to #1, #2 to #2 etc... But some I haven't gotten to test yet. 

[Megastink]

Sounds like you got it for now.

 

Moving forward, I'd sell reels #3-5 and invest in some faster gear ratios, maybe a few Lews LFS's or tournament MB's in 7.5:1 .I'd put 7.5's on Rods #1, 2, and 4 and move your ratio as to the other rods. Rods #3 & 5 would become my reaction bait setups which the 6.3's would be perfect for.

 

but your current set-ups will work well for you. 

[illinifan4152]

It looks good to me.

[CTBassin860]

Looks good.I just swapped all mine around this weekend myself.Now I need to find a new rod for my Orra winch that lost its buddy.

[fishnkamp]

I agree with some faster retrieves. Since you have two Daiwas you might want to add some more. Right now Tackle Warehouse has Excelers for $60. I own one of these and they are very nice for a reel that normally costs $100 and is now selling for $60.

 I also own 4 Tatula Rs and 2 tatula CTs. Those CTs are closer to the size of the Exceler, but with the nicer setup of the Tatula. Tatula CTs are available for around $100 of the internet. Since you own one of each you decide what you like best. 

 

For the lightning rod I would pick up a 7-1 or even 8-1  Daiwa reel.

Rod 2 I would have a 7-1 on it.
Rod 3 would have a Tatula 6.3  because of the possibility of deeper cranks.

Rod 4  would have the Exceler on it. That is probably one of the most versatile rods so let's keep it that way.

Rod 5 Here you may want to decide which Abu Garcia do you like best, I would think the Revo can outcast the Black Max since it costs a bit more.  Anyway you could pich one of those or sell them and add another Daiwa. I really do not want a reel too slow here because I think this rod should handle cranks but may be nice for bombing rattle traps too so it makes sense to have a 6.3 or 6,4 here.  Next thing is to move some reels around and see what you like matched up in reel life. Make sure to toss some baits on each combo. 

Then once you get your combos set next comes the line choices for each combo.