Which reel to get?

[Texan29]

I am trying to get a heavy duty Largemouth Bass reel. I'm leaning towards a spinning reel since I don't think I'm coordinated enough to use a baitcaster. I've been looking at the Quantum Kevin VanDam KVD40 or the Shimano Solstace 4000 either front or rear drag. I'm coming to y'all to get recommendations. I'm liking the idea of the quickfire II system on the shimano reel, but I'm unsure of the front or rear drag reel is the way to go. Unfortunately Quantum's only quickfire reel is the Hypercast and I don't feel like its up to quality with the other two. Which of the ones above would you recommend and why? Also, are there any other reels I need to be taking a look at? I mostly fish crankbaits and Texas rigs, 12 to 16 lb line, and MH to H rod. Thanks in advance for all your help!

[roadwarrior]

Welcome aboard!

I think the most appropriate size spinning reel for bass fishing is the 2500 series. I would suggest looking at the Shimano Symetre ($79) or the Stradic ($120). Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft #6 is around 11.9 lb test and perfect for spinning tackle.

[flechero]

If you are using MH to H rods and 12-16# line, I think you are in for a world of frustration in a spinning reel... unless you go with something at least in a shimano 4000 size or larger and are diligent in twist management.  And even then (mono) line will be less than cooperative in that weight class.  If you are talking braid then disregard my post.  Roadwarrior is right on with the #6 yo-zuri... if you need more than that, you should really consider casting equipment.

If you fish with any regularity, it would be worth your effort to learn how to use a baitcasting reel... they really aren't hard to use or learn.  

I don't think many of the quickfire type triggers have held up well and also you give up infinite anti-reverse to get that feature.

[Grey Wolf]

WELCOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If your dead set on getting a quick fire spinning reel, get a Shimano Spirex front drag.

If you are looking for a lot of line capacity , get the 4000 model if not go with the 2000 model.

I have the quick fire reels and they do not have the instant anti-reverse like most of your normal reels do . Needless to say I don't use them any more.

[Ranger364]

Try a shimano sedona 2500. I own a Symetre 1000 and a Sedona 2500. Can't beat the sedona for the price at $49.99.

It's a reel winner.

[Raul]

Japanese language lesson #1 : SHIMANO

[Guest DavidGreen]

You also won't find the Shimano® Quickfire II rotor systems as balanced as the standard bail systems. Lending themselves to more reel wobble.

[Raul]

You also won't find the Shimano® Quickfire II rotor systems as balanced as the standard bail systems. Lending themselves to more reel wobble.

Not to mention that the anti reverse mechanism in reels with Quickfire system is not entirely infinte, lots of handle backplay.

[Guest DavidGreen]

Raul,

Not to mention that the anti reverse mechanism in reels with Quickfire system is not entirely infinte, lots of handle backplay.

Most definitely. It has to return to the trigger up position.

[shimanogloomis man]

id go to a local tackle shop and try the different shimano reels out u may like one better then the other, but make sure u buy yourself a shimano ;D

[LAO162]

I have 4 early Shimano reels with the quick fire feature. They were great when fishing for smaller fish when a lot of pressure is not needed to set the hook. However, in hindsight I believe a lost a lot of larger fish by not getting a good hookset. Depending upon where the handle is when you get the strike, the handle could travel backwards as much as a full crank before the anti reverse sets in - With the (old) QuickFire the anti reverse allowed the reel to snap back so that the trigger was in the casting position.

Coming back to fishing after a 12 year absence I'm going to miss the QuickFire, but since I'm getting more serious about bass fishing, I opted for a Shimano without the QuickFire so that I will feel confident in my ability to set the hook.

Cheers, Leon

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

If you are using MH to H rods and 12-16# line, I think you are in for a world of frustration in a spinning reel... unless you go with something at least in a shimano 4000 size or larger and are diligent in twist management.  

I have to somewhat disagree.  I'll run up to 12 lb test on a 3500 size reel.  This is what I just ran at Fork on the rod Flechero built me.

Look at the Daiwa tienna.  Very impressed with this reel so far.

[Redlinerobert]

I would definitely consider the baitcaster.  It honestly wont take you more than a day to become proficient with it.  

[Texan29]

Oh man! Y'all are a bad influence on me. I guess I could give a little more info about my current setup it might help y'all to steer me in the right direction.

Currently, I'm using a Shakespeare Agility Spinning Combo to fish Largemouth down at Lake Alan Henry. I'm a little afraid at this point that I just might hook a big one down there that my gear won't be able to bring in reliably. I want to keep my Shakespeare as a back-up, but I'm looking to move into a more serious setup. I'm very curious about baitcasting combo's, but I've tried to convince myself that they are going to be a big hassle and I'll be spending more time unraveling a bird's nest of line than actually fishing. That's why I was leaning towards a new spinning reel.

In my current setup, I use 12 lb line and fish mainly crankbaits or texas rigs (my favorite). I'm unsure what the better choice is baitcasting or spinning, but I'm in the market for a $60 - $100 combo. I might be paranoid, but I think the setup I have now won't hold up to a real fighter. I was hoping y'all could give me some solid recommendations in spinning and baitcasting in my price range. I checked out a couple baitcasting setups at Academy, but I'm not really sure what I'm getting myself into. I really like the Quantum Lonestar's feel, but for $49 I can't believe it would be much of a combo.

Thanks for all your help!

[Texan29]

Also, I suppose I should mention that I have a good friend who wants to take me out stripper fishing at Texoma and I would assume I'd definitely be needing baitcasting equipment for that.

[bighed]

If you are dead set on a spinner go for it.  If you size one to your target fish you should have few problems.  I've got a Stella 20K that could haul in a 200 lb yellowfin with no problem but it's sized to the species.  A 4000 size is better suited to a striper if you plan to fish for them alot and will work for bass.  As said earlier, a 2500 size would be great for lmb.  Plan on going to the coast to try some redfish?  A Penn 450SSg should do well and pretty cheap.  The Stradic is a mainstay of bass fishermen but there are lots of good choices.  Go look some over at BPS or Gander Mountain and get a feel for them.  I would spend a few extra bucks and get a Shimano, Penn, or maybe a Diawa.  I think under about $40 the quality starts dropping off fast.  I fish 15lb braid on my spinners with a 6' fluoro leader attached with a uni to uni knot.  I do this because I can't stand the twist spinners put in mono.  Good luck and welcome from McKinney, TX

[flechero]

If you are using MH to H rods and 12-16# line, I think you are in for a world of frustration in a spinning reel... unless you go with something at least in a shimano 4000 size or larger and are diligent in twist management.  

I have to somewhat disagree.  I'll run up to 12 lb test on a 3500 size reel.  This is what I just ran at Fork on the rod Flechero built me.

Look at the Daiwa tienna.  Very impressed with this reel so far.

That 3500 size Daiwa is just as big  as the 4000 Shimano (actually I think the spool dia. is larger) which I said will work, but you have to be diligent.  He listed 12# as the smallest he's going to use.  So I think it can work but he's pushing the 'trouble free' envelope, unless he really on top of things.   Your good fortune had to be the rod!  ...lol  

[Fishing Doug]

welcome aboard Texan.

These guys have given you some great advice.  I am personally not a big fan of the QuickFire Bail setup......no infinite stop and like has already been said, you get a lot of 'wobble'.  That is a lot of extra hardware that must oscilate....

Symetre, Sahara, whatever...just go Shimano if you go with a spinning reel!  

[Bud]

     Japanese language lesson #1 : SHIMANO    

Telling it like it is

[Bassassasin12]

I don't think you should be only limitied to looking at shimano reels. There are lots of great spinning reels out there that aren't shimano. Whatever fits your price range best and suits you should work. I defenitly don't think that Shakespeare would stand up over time if your planning on catching some nice fish.

I fish mono and flouro on my spinning reels and don't have much trouble with line twist. Although Shimano does make great spinning reels, there are some very affordable reels made my pfluger,daiwa, and quantum.

[Texan29]

Well y'all! I have to admit I have turned to the dark side.

After deliberating for 4 days straight on my next gear purchase, I've decided to get over my reluctance and purchase a baitcasting reel. I'd like to err on the side of caution and go with more power than I'll possibly need instead of less. I'm purchasing an Abu Garcia Revo SX tonight and will be going out tomorrow to select a 7' rod to match it tomorrow.

Anyone have any tips, tricks, etc for this new reel? I'm sure I'll be in baitcasting hell in my backyard for the next week or so, but I'm sure I'll get the hang of it!

[hi_steel_basser]

I don't own a revo of any sort, but I can tell you the basics of baitcasting. First, set the internal breakes. I am not sure if the adjustment for a revo is inside or if there is a switch on the outside, but that is the first adjustment you need to make. Second, set the cast control knob so the lure barely falls, and stops when it hits the ground or water. This knob is located on the reel under the handle. Third and most difficult, learn to cast smoothly. Try to cast the lure to a target instead of trying to send it to the highway. Those are the basics of baitcasting. Good luck.

[RockvilleMDAngler]

The most important part of baitcasting (for beginners) is to use a gentle casting motion.  DO NOT SNAP the rod or you will certainly backlash.  Get used to a steady smooth casting motion and let the reel do the work.  If you snap or try to launch it you will backlash and backlashing itself can be VERY confusing and frustrating to clean up for a beginner.  After a few days you should be able to pick one out in a few minutes but at first you will probably be cutting line.  It took me a solid week to be comfortable with baitcasters but now they are all I use.

[Texan29]

Thanks for all your help! Does anyone know if there is a website that might have a video to casting a baitcaster? I'm definitely a visual learner so pictures or video would help me analyze the process.

I'll refrain from commenting on what kind of rod I'll be putting on the Abu Garcia Revo SX for fear of being banned from the forum. I'm so excited to get the reel. It should be here on Wednesday and my wife is going out of town for the weekend. We all know what that means: 2 straight days of bass fishing. So let's calculate: Reel arrives on Wednesday, Leaving for Lake Alan Henry on Saturday, can I learn a baitcaster in 3 days? We'll find out!

Also, a question on line since I'm allowed to hijack my own thread. What would y'all recommend to start out using on the baitcaster? Mainly fish 4/0 offsets w/ 8" curvetail worms. I've always used mono because I had a friend caution me on braid saying that it will eventually cut through the eyelets of the rod, but I think he might have just been referring to spiderwire. Is there any truth to that? Any recommendations y'all have would be great!

Thanks again for all your help, I've learned a wealth of information just browsing these forums in the last few days. I'm glad I found this place.