Every spring I labor with the same decision, which two reels will I use this year.  I want two baitcasting reels in my boat to throw lip-less crankbaits, spinnerbaits and occasionally larger hard jerkbaits.  Smallmouth in fairly open water is the target, but large musky, as well as other larger species are hooked in these same lakes.  Over the years I've collected several classic reels that will all do the job, but I don't want more than two at a time.  Shimano 51e, Daiwa PX68L, Abu Revo Premiere (2nd Gen), 2- Morrum 1601sx mag, Shimano Curado B5.  If anyone wants to throw your opinion my way feel free.

 

 

oe

I couldn’t narrow it down to two reels. But I’m an Abu guy so that gets my vote

Daiwa PXL for close quarters because of line capacity unless you are using steel/ titanium leaders then they all will work

I think this one is very simple.

curado 50e and premiere get my vote as all around reel.

Another vote for the Curado 51E.  I use my Curado 50 E for everything under the sun.  Great little reel.

Why let others dictate what you keep and use? Fish what you want and be done with it.

1 hour ago, kickerfish1 said:

Why let others dictate what you keep and use? Fish what you want and be done with it.

I certainly will... just engaging with the board.

 

 

oe

14 minutes ago, OkobojiEagle said:

I certainly will... just engaging with the board.

 

 

oe

Lots of people on here are somewhat new to fishing and will likely never have used some of the older reels and others likely wont have the budget for some of them. I would just rotate what two you take each time unless you plan on selling the others and only keeping 3. My only fear with the Pixy and 51e would be line capacity should you hook into a muskie that makes a few long runs. I still think both reels are more than capable though if you fight the fish right and the line holds up.

As kickerfish said....rotate the reels.  That is what I do with my combos.  I will admit that the past couple years have seen me gravitating towards some more than others, but I own a few more than 6 reels.  Not that it does me any good.