onenutinthewater

If I think it is to low or braid has any sign of fraying. I spend $20-$50 in gas to reach any decent water so why try and save a few $ on the most important piece of equipment between me and the fish? I have a lot of partial spools I need to pass along...............

I have been liquidating some farm tools and fishing gear and have saved enough to buy any reel my heart desires. I will use it for salmon and steel head weighing up to 20# but most use will be catching 6-10# fish. After some investigation I have narrowed it down to- Antares, More Than, Zillion, Steez. I have no interest in a round reel. I do have a Bantam MGL which is fantastic and I may not even realize much difference moving into this higher price range. Also have tatulas, chronarch mgl, calcutta conquest, curados. Any input appreciated. And yes i know I could buy several lesser models for the price of one of these but I already have many lessor models and am looking to spoil myself. You only live once!

Just to follow up I sent the reel back to Shimano. They replaced the main and pinion and it is now smooth as silk. Will see how long it lasts this winter during steel head season.

Your experience with them is an exception- Everyone i know that has ordered from them has had issues and most have cancelled their orders after waiting at least double the time they were told- Reaching them is impossible as they return no phone calls or emails. Check out the hundreds of complaints before you think about ordering from them..........

Sufix seige or elite for mono. 832 for braid. I have tried many, many lines the last few years and found to be the best for my use. I really like nanofil but it frays to easily.

Tat SV I can bomb 1/2 oz all day long and it will easily stop a 10# hot steel head in a fast moving river with line to spare. Not as smooth or solid feeling as the Bantam MGL but better casting and more comfortable in my hands. If you guys are needing 200' for bass fishing maybe I need to try bass fishing!

Stradic, ballistic, tatula. i have all 3 and they are all great. I have had problems with the Stradics in the past and sent them in only to have them send me a new reel.

Check out their fb page for complaints and every other fishing forum before you make the decision to order a rod from them............ I have a friend that after 4 months of nothing had to file a paypal claim to try and get his $ refunded. Seems to be quite common with them and it was my experience as well.

Hmmmm... Interesting. I have the bantam xg and think it is a great reel- super smooth and handles larger fish quite well after a full season. I installed the clicking drag kit into it and all of my reels as I love the sound of a hot steel head and salmon making a run. I really dont need or have use for any more reels its just the bait monkey whispering in my ear reminding me that I have not bought a new reel in several months................

Any new feedback on the Antares? I am thinking about getting one myself.......

Hand. I read it on the internet so it must be better! Sometimes i hate the internet. No reason really just second nature.

Sent in a Chronarch MGL this winter- back in 3 weeks with new main, pinion and maintenance. $25. Im just disappointed it happened after 15-20 steelhead.

Good, comfortable, warm clothing and quality rain gear! I worked in the woods for years and fished in cheap clothing but now only have to wear a few layers to stay warm and dry when it is below freezing or pours down rain all day long. Comfort has its price but well worth the investment.

Depends on who you ask- I say I can cast about 150', my wife would tell you a lot shorter...........

All great reels! The rod is really going to be a disappointment but nearly impossible to break.

Unfortunately to many folks think bearing count, max drag and casting distance are important factors in reel quality...........

Gee, its as though nobody actually read the question...........

Getting frustrated in trying to find a good UL 7'+ casting rod I put my calcutta conquest bfs on a loomis trolling rod and bingo! Feels good, casts well and cannot wait to try it bubble fishing for trout. I also have tried numerous Kuying rods but the casting models are all a little to stiff for my liking. How much weight are you going to use in pursuit of trout? If you were to put a DIY spool in that curado it should easily cast 1/8th. It might now, never had one so no idea! I know I put a DIY spool into a few Tatulas and it made them very easy to fling light weight. Have fun experimenting with different gear! Before ya know it you will have more than you can ever use.........

I have several of both and really dont notice any difference although I prefer the more solid feeling of the FK.

I have no problem stopping and turning around 20# salmon in a flowing river with 10# of drag so I don't think any bass would be an issue.

There is a large group of folks that fish under 10# braid on baitcasters. I am one of them. BFS is still new to this country but with the right gear fishing light braid with the right rod and reel is a real pleasure-Picking out a birdnest in 6# braid is not............

Put quite a few hours on the Tat Lt last year and loved it. Just bought a Legalis which feels nice but have not had it out yet.

Tat SV

Of the dozen + newer reels that i have the Tat SV is my favorite for everything from trout to salmon.

Ditto