Reel for St Croix Avid Inshore

[Dave Case]

Hey all, well, I got bit by the fishing bug pretty good this year - got a St Croix Avid 7' road and a Shimano Stradic Ci4+ reel for my freshwater fishing and love it. I also started going for some stripers this fall and through December now until it gets too cold in NJ using the same setup, but rinsing it down well after each trip.

 

I was looking to get a St Croix Avid Inshore and was wondering if it's recommended to use the same reel - the Stradic? Shimano says it should be good for both, but I wanted to hear from folks here first.

Thanks so much!

 

Dave

[bulldog1935]

Especially for inshore, Stradic FL is the baseline workhorse reel.  There's something to be said for metal frames.  

The FL 4000 has a deep spool, and not the best choice for braid (5000 is the 4000 with even deeper spool).  

The FL 3000 has a much better braid spool, and the same drag as the 4000 and 5000.  

https://fish.shimano.com/content/fish/northamerica/us/en/homepage/Shimano_Product_Page.P-STRADIC_FL.html

Or if you want to shop in Japan, they offer the 4000MHG with the big frame and shallow braid spool.  

https://www.jpfishingtacklenews.com/shimano-stradic-19/

[J Francho]

What line do you plan to use?

[Dave Case]

1 hour ago, J Francho said:

What line do you plan to use?

I use 20lb braid now on my freshwater spinning reel, but I know that braid can be an issue if you go out when it's too cold (is that right?). I'd say I'm flexible, but leaning towards braid - maybe step it up to 30lb...

[bulldog1935]

the spools I listed as prime are 1520, which is 200 m 30-lb braid

 

Borrowed these photos from Hedgehog to show you 

3000XG spool (equivalent to Stradic FL3000) This is a 1520 spool, but on the mid frame reel.  

4000 MHG spool (1520), which is the exact same capacity for large frame reel

2020 spool that is standard size on FL4000 (320 yds 30-lb braid)

 

 

 

[Spankey]

Get a Shimano Nasci. 

[J Francho]

3 hours ago, Dave Case said:

I use 20lb braid now on my freshwater spinning reel, but I know that braid can be an issue if you go out when it's too cold (is that right?). I'd say I'm flexible, but leaning towards braid - maybe step it up to 30lb...

Braid doesn't work well below freezing. Otherwise, 20 or 30 would be fine. I use a 3000 spool and 8# fluoro for kings, so I'd think that would work fine for you. You could go up to a 4000 but I think it may be over kill. Plain Stradics are bullet proof. 

[Randy Price]

I agree with @J Francho100% "Plain Stradics are bullet proof."  I've been using them hard since 2000 and they have never let me down!

[Terran Elam]

Stradics on sale for $179 at TW.

[jimmyjoe]

On 12/15/2020 at 12:06 PM, J Francho said:

Plain Stradics are bullet proof. 

 

Hmmmmmmm......................

 

[GetFishorDieTryin]

11 hours ago, Dave Case said:

Hey all, well, I got bit by the fishing bug pretty good this year - got a St Croix Avid 7' road and a Shimano Stradic Ci4+ reel for my freshwater fishing and love it. I also started going for some stripers this fall and through December now until it gets too cold in NJ using the same setup, but rinsing it down well after each trip.

 

I was looking to get a St Croix Avid Inshore and was wondering if it's recommended to use the same reel - the Stradic? Shimano says it should be good for both, but I wanted to hear from folks here first.

Thanks so much!

 

Dave

The biggest difference between the Avid and Avid Inshore is the components do a little better with corrosion. 

You going after schoolies or cows?

 

Where you fishing from the sods, bridges, boat or all of the above and with what? 

 

If your just throwing flukes or catch 2ks for mostly bass under 20lbs the ci4 should be fine.  You shouldnt have any issues with "flex" at all if your drag is reasonably set.  I cant say how the Vanford compares to FL but the stradic fk is a little more durable then the ci4, but if your careful you shouldnt have issues.

 

I would recommend using a soft micro fiber towel and cool water to wipe the reel down  opposed to rinsing it.  If you do choose to rinse it, a gentle mist is the best way.  Hard blasts of water only drive salt, sand and debris deeper into the reel.  After you get done rinsing it, make sure to crank that handle for a little while to force out any water that ma have gotten under the rotor.  The FLs are great but they definitely aren't bullet proof especially in a salty environment. 

As far as size goes I suggest at least a 3k for ML or M.  You may be able to get away with a 3k on a MH depending on what and where your fishing, but the 4k would give you a little more take up and possibly a slightly longer cast.  4-5k for a H power rod.  Deep spools are fine, just use backing.

on 3and 4ks I like 15 or 20lb test.  30-40lb on 5ks. 

  

 

 

   

 

[Chris at Tech]

I have a Stradic FK 3000 on my Avid Inshore 7’ ML/F.  The normal Stradic will balance better than the CI4

[bulldog1935]

The differences between Vanford and Stradic FL - internally, they're identical.  

The Vanford has composite frame and shares low-inertia rotor with the Japan market magnesium-bodied and benchmade Vanquish.  

Where Vanford's qualities shine are in UL sizes for feeling the action of light lures and detecting light takes.  However, since Vanford is very new, it may be easier to find stock.  (Vanford is just a new name for the new version of Stradic CI4+)

Twin Power is the Stradic upgraded with metal rotor, and also bench-made in Japan (parts-matching for extra smoothness)

 

The labyrinth seals of "X-protect" are all you need for inshore fishing, unless you plan on dunking your reel.  

Full seals matter in the surf, where your reel is constantly being washed in sand slurry.  

[Dave Case]

Thanks, everyone - I really appreciate the help! Pretty much jut going for schoolies now, but it seems that the recent storms and weather may have ended the striper season where I fish from in Jersey - been dead the last few weeks, so I'll get back to it in April!