Hi everyone! long time no type!

Most of the old school guys here know I'm a 95% Freshwater Bass dude and 5% Salt (Tubing inside the breakwalls for Halibut..etc)

I just got invited to go on a twighlight trip, and my gear is...well, less than desirable for a Salt trip.

(No way I'm chucking Big Hammer's on my Chronarch's!)

I will take my Custom Shikari 8'ft Swimbait Rod, a stiff 7ft Browning Vectra graphite, and my collapsing Loomis Flipping stick.

I have a ABU 6500 C5 Mag that's going with and an older Daiwa Procaster with Flippin' Switch (About $150.00 10 years ago...nice reel!)

Need one more inexpensive reel for the trip. My budget is between $80.00-$125.00. Please keep in mind that I'm a bigtime Shimano guy, so if you can recommend different reels from them, I'd really appreciate it.

I wish I could afford a Calcutta 400, but it ain't happening!

I'm spooling no heavier than #20-25lb Big Game or XT. Good Line capacity is needed.

I will welcome all assistance, but Shimano has been great to me.

I hope everyone is doing great, and thanks in advance for your help!

Good fishing!

"Rod"

For the $$$, I'd go with the corsair 400. I've landed many decent fish with this reel with no problems. Plus like you already know, if you do fry the drags with a decent fish, shimano will replace them for you at no cost. Also there is a guy on Allocast selling some brand new ones for 50.00.

BTW...I throw plastics on my chronarch all the time :+ Why wouldn't you?

Good luck,
Don

ooooooh, stay away from the corsair, TRUST ME! if you want a killer reel for the $$$, that would also x-over into your freshwater needs, I would stick with a Cardiff, cosmetically, it is not the prettiest reel to look at, but, believe me, I would fish mine over my Calcutta's, ANY DAY!!!! As far as line capacity goes, for 20-25, you are trying to find a reel that does not exist, I would hold tight til the Torium 12, or 14 comes out!!!!!
D

Not in the salt!...ha ha!

Thanks for the help!

The stuff you have is all you will need for Sand Bass and calico's and will serve you well for a twilight trip. If you get in to the baracuda good you may want to throw the iron or fish some heavier line to avoid getting chewed off but other than that you will be fine with what you have for twilight.

I think your good on the lower end of your tackle for now but on the heavier side I would recomend a reel that can handle 300 yards of 20- 25lb line. Ideally this reel would have enough line capacity to allow you to jump up to 30lb if you needed to. You can easily spend a good chunk of change for a reel like this but you don't have to. Regardless if you buy new or used, the Penn 500, or if you can find one the Penn 501 both offer great value, incredible strength that will last you for many years after most of the more expensive reels have become spare parts. I also recommend the Newell 332. When your out fishing on the boats take a look at the gear belonging to the captain and or crew of the boat. They rely on their equipment to perform for them almost everyday and I think you find most will be fishing old Penn's and Newells.

I realize everyone has hers or his prefference when it comes to tackle and if you could hold off for a few trips, maybe borrow a heavier outfit from a friend then you might be in a better position to decide what's best for you. I hope this helps.

JerryG

THANKS TO EVERYONE!

You came through like champions.....AGAIN!

I have much to think about!

Set em' hard!

"ROD"

You can find a used Calcutta 400 for around $120.00 or so. Here's one on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=36146&item=3690129574&rd=1

It was sold. Great deal though!

Next time!

"ROD"

Here's another one 4 days left and its at $76.00 right now.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=36146&item=3691428037&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

Does it need to have a levelwinde? If not, I'd recommend the Avet SX. It retails for $150 but I can get them at a better price. It holds 220yrd of 20lb mono. It freespools like a dream and casts great! I have on my light bass stick with 440yrds of 12lb! ;) For the price its great. SOLID aluminum frame, 6 sheilded ball bearings and more and more! www.avetreels.com