Tatula or Fuego

[catchnm]

I'm wanting to go to an 8.1:1 ratio reel for flipping and pitching and short casts to the bank. Mainly with jigs and T-rigs. Would the Fuego CT be sufficient for this or should I spend the extra $30 for a Tatula CT?

[MN Fisher]

I use a Fuego for this without issue.

 

Realize that the only real difference between them is that the Tatula CT has the T-Wing...same frame, spool, main gears.

 

The two extra bearings?

Those are in the handle knobs.

[zell_pop1]

Save the money, the Fuego is not inferior, the only Tatula CT I own is the 5.5to1 because it is not available in a Fuego.

[Hammer 4]

I have both of the reels your asking about. As said above both are the same except for the T wing on the Tatula, which I personally like. Either one would be a good choice.

[BrianMDTX]

I have a Fuego CT 8.1:1 and a Tatula 100H 6.3:1. Both are great reels. I think the Tatula casts a bit farther, but not enough to really make a difference. Either would work for you. 

[Bankc]

For pitching and short casts, you'll never make use of the T-wing.  Though some people complain about leader knots with them (an issue I haven't experienced).  So the Fuego sounds like the better option to me.  That $30 would be better spent towards your rod, in my opinion.  

[catchnm]

Seems like we are all of the same opinion here. Thanks for your answers. They helped verify what I was already thinking. Ordered one yesterday.

[BrianMDTX]

I really like the 8.1:1 for Texas rigs. I seem to get frequent strikes right after the bait hits the water and that fast retrieve reels in the slack quick for a good hookset. I have the Fuego CT paired with a Falcon Lowrider All ‘Round Fast MH/F rod. It’s a great rig. 

[tander]

I have Tatulas but you can't go wrong with either.

[newapti5]

The only difference is basically the T-wing. IMHO, if you're using heavy lines, say #15+ mono or fluoro, T-wing will have some noticeable advantage on casting distance. For light lines, I didn't see much difference. 

[Boomstick]

The Tatula is a hair lighter, has two more bearings plus the T-Wing system. The T-Wing is nice and casts a little further, but the Fuego is like 80% the reel the Tatula is for 77% the price.

 

If you go with the Fuego, if you keep the line guide centered when casting, you should get similar casting distance to the Tatula.

[Lead Head]

As mentioned above, those 2 bearings are in the handle knobs.

If you ever like to put a finger under your line (how I fish all bottom contact presentations) that T-wing is a big negative, it seems ok otherwise. Even if it didn't interfere with my fishing I wouldn't pay extra just for it. For me, there isn't nearly enough benefit to justify the extra moving parts that need to be cleaned and have the potential to wear.

 

[Boomstick]

47 minutes ago, Lead Head said:

If you ever like to put a finger under your line (how I fish all bottom contact presentations) that T-wing is a big negative, it seems ok otherwise.

What do you mean? I have never had an issue putting my finger on the line.

[MassYak85]

T-wing is nice but I'm a braid to leader guy. It kills me that Daiwa has gone all in on the T-wing for their nicer stuff. Don't get me wrong the t-wing is awesome but I wish they'd redesign it to be more friendly with leader knots. The channel when the reel is engaged is just too narrow. I have a couple tatulas I still use but the fuegos are my workhorse reels. Easy to work on, lots of interchangeable parts with the tatula series for tinkering and upgrading (I made a 5 speed fuego using a tatula gear set for my cranking rod), you get the magforce braking system still, and they're all around just solid reels. Hard to beat for the money. 

[ironbjorn]

10 hours ago, Boomstick said:

The Tatula is a hair lighter, has two more bearings plus the T-Wing system. The T-Wing is nice and casts a little further, but the Fuego is like 80% the reel the Tatula is for 77% the price.

 

If you go with the Fuego, if you keep the line guide centered when casting, you should get similar casting distance to the Tatula.

Only the T-Wing is a noticeable difference. No human can honestly say they can tell the difference between 7.6oz and 7.2oz. The extra bearings are in the handle. I'd say they're like 95% the same. It depends on if T-Wing is worth the extra cash.

 

[Lead Head]

@Boomstick I put my index finger UNDER the line directly in front of the reel. This inevitably pushes the line up and out of the T-wing line guide and causes all kinds of problems. I'll try and get a picture.

 

This is how I learned to fish t-rigs and jigs. I feel like this let's me detect subtle strikes better, and I know it does on semi-slack and tight lines. Hasn't happened in a few years (I guess I subconsciously adjusted), but I have cut my finger on the hookset with braid, and burned it with FC/Mono. I have confidence in this method and have no plans to ever change it. Its just... my way.

Edited July 7, 2021 by Lead Head
Added photo

[YoTone]

If money is that tight then fuego. Maybe look into the tatula 100.  its smaller, lighter and very comfortable to use and it just  a few dollars more than the CT. Ebay is a good place where you can find some good deals on either reels.

[Boomstick]

3 hours ago, Lead Head said:

@Boomstick I put my index finger UNDER the line directly in front of the reel. This inevitably pushes the line up and out of the T-wing line guide and causes all kinds of problems. I'll try and get a picture.

I do almost the same thing but I don't pull up on the line as aggressively and also put my thumb on the top. This way I've never once had an issue pulling the line out of the T-Wing system.

[Blaine Donders]

I have found that, for me that is, the T Wing pitches easier. That’s just me.

 

I also never use a leader long enough to go into the reel. I tie mine where the knot is in between the reel and the stripper guide.

[ErieCan]

I have the 8.1 Fuego on a Tatula 7'6" 'flipping' rod and its a pretty sweet set up for the money. I also have the 6.3 on a crankbait rod. Great reels for the money.