Dave_AKA_Fraf

Great advice Bassman. Thank you!

Has anyone fished the new Vanford in wet and/or cold weather. It’s time for me to replace my Stradic 2000fg. Been using this reel For 20+ years for largemouth and steelhead in winter. Rotor now sticks when fishing in the rain and anti-reverse fails to engage when temps drop into the 30’s. Basically I can no longer keep it dry. I think Shimano coated the clutch and bearings with a water repellent that has come off over time and from cleanings. I am very curious about the Vanford because I prefer finesse fishing over throwing hardware and think this reel might be a better option than buying a Stradic fl. Don’t like how Shimano beefed up the Stradic to 2500 over 2000. Is it just the spool that’s larger? Unfortunately, there are no stores around me that carry these reels so I can’t really compare them for size. For me smaller is better but I don’t think you can put 8lb. test on the 1000 model. The Vanford c2000 will hold 100 yards of 8lb test and am leaning in that direction. Any input or advice would be greatly appreciated.