So I just got a Shimano Tekota a couple days ago because a forum member suggested it but I have a question about it.

When I open it up to let line out, it won't switch gears over to lock mode when I turn the handle to reel in. It will only switch when I turn the lever switch. Is this supposed to be like this? My last reel like this one automatically did it I'm just curiouse if in the higher end models they don't do this?

yes, that's how they are because they're not meant for casting. you disengage the gears to let line out (e.g., for trolling or deep jigging) and reengage when you have enough line out. but, since this is bass forum, i'm thinking this is not the right reel for you?

I'm using it to live line because I feel it's easier to do that with this type of reel. I have spinning reels also but what's wrong with it for bass fishing?

for live lining, it's perfect. i thought maybe you were plugging with it. i use mine in the salt for deep jigging...love it.

I'm using it to live line because I feel it's easier to do that with this type of reel. I have spinning reels also but what's wrong with it for bass fishing?

 

Nothing wrong with it for bass fishing. But like 21farms suggested any shimano reel named with a letter T is a trolling reel not a casting reel. If you want a casting reel pick from one of the C named reels.

i wouldve gotten something like this in the 6600 model, i have the 6601(left hand retrieve) http://www.abugarcia.com/products/reels/round-reels/ambassadeur-round-baitcast/c4#

 

it has a bait clicker for your live lining and can be casted as well. its a quality reel plus its cheaper than the shimano. i could probably do some light trolling with it as well.

The reel is operating as it should be.  As far as casting a reel of this type people do it all the time but that depends on the rod it's on, if the rod is too stiff or too short then it's be just be lobbing it out there.

If I remember correctly the intended use of this reel, I would eliminate the above Abu for the same reason I thought the calcutta was the wrong reel.  I personally would never use a reel without a single power handle or nob for saltwater bait fishing.  There are no absolutes in fishing, you can use whatever you choose to, many that venture into a different genre use what they already have and it works. 

The reel is operating as it should be.  As far as casting a reel of this type people do it all the time but that depends on the rod it's on, if the rod is too stiff or too short then it's be just be lobbing it out there.

If I remember correctly the intended use of this reel, I would eliminate the above Abu for the same reason I thought the calcutta was the wrong reel.  I personally would never use a reel without a single power handle or nob for saltwater bait fishing.  There are no absolutes in fishing, you can use whatever you choose to, many that venture into a different genre use what they already have and it works. 

 

it appears he is referring to bass fishing here...

it appears he is referring to bass fishing here...

Originally the focus was on a Caluctta for use in Boston Harbor to use with live bait, the Tekota was purchased instead and his question now is can this reel be used for bass too.  It's one thing to make a suggestion before a purchase is made, it's another to say that something else should have been bought.  From my own standpoint the last thing I care to do is make some one feel bad about a purchase, I'd much prefer to offer a suggestion on how best to utilize it. I'm by no means an expert with freshwater fishing and b/c gear, but I do have knowledge fishing with bait in saltwater, IMO the tekota was a fine purchase for that intended use.

Originally the focus was on a Caluctta for use in Boston Harbor to use with live bait, the Tekota was purchased instead and his question now is can this reel be used for bass too.  It's one thing to make a suggestion before a purchase is made, it's another to say that something else should have been bought.  From my own standpoint the last thing I care to do is make some one feel bad about a purchase, I'd much prefer to offer a suggestion on how best to utilize it. I'm by no means an expert with freshwater fishing and b/c gear, but I do have knowledge fishing with bait in saltwater, IMO the tekota was a fine purchase for that intended use.

it appears he wanted an all around reel but didnt ask the right questions to start with. he also stated he is fishing off a dock in the boston harbor. i doubt he is just putting on bait and dropping it straight down off the dock, might be different out on a boat. i didnt want to bust anyones bubble either, but i dont think the reel he got is ideal for the fishing he is doing if he needs to cast his bait out any...i think another reel would suit him much better, unless im just picturing this whole thing wrong. the chesapeake bay striper i posted in other species was caught trolling using a tekota, its a fine reel, but is it really ideal for fishing off a dock when it isnt ideal for casting?

you can cast the tekota fine with a decently heavy rod my friend has one and he makes pretty long casts with it...although hes using an 8oz sinker but for freelining live bait (unless you are using a decently heavy bait) just hope the bait swims where you want it lol...you can cast 3oz(just weight whether its bait or lead) of weight pretty far with it 

 

also the reel is supposed to not click over by turning the handle....if you cast it you would need to be ready for when the handle flips around during cast and either you get hurt or your rig flies away...i use the trinidad tn30 for bottom fishing and we cast them pretty far (about 70 yards or so probably longer)