looking for baitcaster reels. . .

[Oldbritguy]

I built two baitcasting rods over the past winter, and am looking for suitable reels for them. One is 6' medium action, other is 5' tip action. I'm not up to speed on what's available out there these days and would appreciate some guidance.  My local water is very clear and requires long, accurate casts into channels in the weeds.

My present casting reels are a 32-year old ABU 5501C, which still casts beautifully, a 6501 C that I use for saltwater and heavy feshwater (pike) stuff, and a Shimano Citica and Curado about 5 years old that work O.K. most of the time.

I'm looking for two left-hand lightweight (7 ozs or less) reels - preferably under $300 - with really smooth and dependable casting action, for throwing crankbaits in fairly weedy locations. Any thoughts anybody?

There are just SO many out there these days its hard to even narrow the search, let alone decide on one or two?

[OIFBasser]

***.com has Abu Garcia Revo Premiers on sale for $179.99 USD, but don't know if they'll ship to you.

You should be able to find them on ebay for similar price-These are the older version, and not the new ones.

[tdc rangemaster]

Since you like the Abu Garcia reels. The Revo's are hard to beat. I have a Revo STX and it's the best reel I've ever owned.

[dave]

I would send those Shimano reels off to be fixed. Cheaper and great reels.

[RoLo]

You specified 7oz or less, so I really can't help.

If it were me though (and I'm not a baitcasting aficionado)

I'd go with the 10.5oz, $250 Dahlberg special 8-) :

Shimano Curado 301E

Roger

[WdyCrankbait]

When is the last time you got the Curado oiled? 

I have a 200E5 Curado, and 2009 Revo Premiere.  The year old Revo is super light (6.35oz.) and I am pretty sure it is the same reel the earlier guy said it was $179.  I love both reels, each are phenomenal reels!  I can cast a lure farther then ever on the Revo, but the Curado just oozes quality.  Either reel should make you happy, goes with personal preference from this point.  Good luck!

[BobP]

Current Revos that weigh less than 7 oz are the Premier and the Sleet Reese, at $279 per reel (the older model Premier is sold for less than $200).  If casting performance, not retrieve smoothness is paramount, it's hard to beat a Shimano Scorpion 1000 imported from Japan by several specialty sellers for around $175.  It's a small frame reel with a very light spool and the Japanese market SVS centrifugal braking system.  With SVS brakes, you can cast a 1/4 oz bait into the wind with confidence.  I think it's still the best braking system around.  I've used one for small crankbaits for 5 yrs and haven't found anything better.  The retrieve smoothness on the Scorpion is unexceptional but it does fit your stated criteria.

[Rich Tehan]

Current Revos that weigh less than 7 oz are the Premier and the Sleet Reese, at $279 per reel (the older model Premier is sold for less than $200). If casting performance, not retrieve smoothness is paramount, it's hard to beat a Shimano Scorpion 1000 imported from Japan by several specialty sellers for around $175. It's a small frame reel with a very light spool and the Japanese market SVS centrifugal braking system. With SVS brakes, you can cast a 1/4 oz bait into the wind with confidence. I think it's still the best braking system around. I've used one for small crankbaits for 5 yrs and haven't found anything better. The retrieve smoothness on the Scorpion is unexceptional but it does fit your stated criteria.

BobP,

This "SVS centrifugal braking system" interests me.  Do, You think this type of reel is really the best for light weight baits? How about all around?  I want to get the ultimate setup for accurate casting.  Should I put a scorpion on the 5'6" pistol grip that I'm contemplating?

[dodgeguy]

get a pflueger patriarch xt with dbs.under 7 oz.same frame as revo.titanium depostion finish that will outlast any other finish.

[Rich Tehan]

Where online can I buy a scorpion 1001?