Which reel for 1/2 Jigs (paddle tails) for ZBONE MH 7'6''

[freelancer27]

Hi all,

bought the new 2019 ZBONE MH 7'6'' for 1/2 Jigs and paddle tails. Love the rod. I had paired it with the Steez SV TW (7.1:1) but I need more speed. Looking to pair it with 12# shooter. 

Considering:

* Steez SV TW 8.1:1 (JDM)
+ Weight
+ Ability to throw lighter lures
- Line capacity

* Steez A 8.1:1 (JDM)
+ Line capacity
- Weight
- Ability to throw lighter lures

* Abu MGL Extreme 2
+ Weight
+ Line capacity
- might be overpowered with 1/2oz Jigs + Trailers?

* Shimano Aldebaran MGL
+ Weight
- line capacity
- might be overpowered with 1/2oz Jigs + Trailers?


Other options?

Thanks all!

[Stephen B]

The 7.1:1 Steez you had on it should be fine. The 7.1:1 reel should give the setup a lot more versatility. While the 8.1:1 would be more beneficial for jigs personally I don't think 8.1:1 is at all ideal for throwing paddle tails swimbaits especially if you are throwing big 5-7 inch swimbaits like a Basstrix or Keitech on a weighted swimbait hook. (Just my opinion. Everyone is different.) I am also not a big fan of the Aldebaran MGL especially for those applications. It was designed as a BFS reel so more on the finesse side. 

 

I would likely keep fishing the reel and see if anything at ICAST interests you. You may end up liking the setup more than you originally did. Hope this helps! 

[freelancer27]

1 hour ago, Stephen B said:

The 7.1:1 Steez you had on it should be fine. The 7.1:1 reel should give the setup a lot more versatility. While the 8.1:1 would be more beneficial for jigs personally I don't think 8.1:1 is at all ideal for throwing paddle tails swimbaits especially if you are throwing big 5-7 inch swimbaits like a Basstrix or Keitech on a weighted swimbait hook. (Just my opinion. Everyone is different.) I am also not a big fan of the Aldebaran MGL especially for those applications. It was designed as a BFS reel so more on the finesse side. 

 

I would likely keep fishing the reel and see if anything at ICAST interests you. You may end up liking the setup more than you originally did. Hope this helps! 

Yeah, I think that is a good suggestion. Though I am not planning to to throw such large swimbaits (other combo for that). 

[Dwight Hottle]

I would put a shimano Bantam XG on it. The extra weight is not noticeable because it is so smooth.

[Tywithay]

I love the Steez A for 1/2oz. I get more distance than the SV, but the 1016G1 still has incredible control. The A is probably my furthest casting reel for 5" senkos or 1/2oz jigs (total weight). 

[LegendaryBassin]

6 hours ago, freelancer27 said:

Yeah, I think that is a good suggestion. Though I am not planning to to throw such large swimbaits (other combo for that). 

Yea. It all just depends on how you plan to use the rod/reel. The Bantam is a good choice but ICAST may reveal some products that may interest you.

 

Also, let all of us know how you like the new Zbone. (I have the prior model and curious). Thanks!

[freelancer27]

Went with a Team Lew's Hyper Mag Speed Spool SLP 8.3:1 for 160 USD shipped. In case I do not like it I will repurpose the reel or sell it again.

15 hours ago, LegendaryBassin said:

Yea. It all just depends on how you plan to use the rod/reel. The Bantam is a good choice but ICAST may reveal some products that may interest you.

 

Also, let all of us know how you like the new Zbone. (I have the prior model and curious). Thanks!

Will write a review once I had more time with it on the water. In the couple of hours so far that I had with the rod, I was very impressed with the sensitivity.