Which One reel

[AberdeenAngus]

If you guys could only own one reel, and therefore has to be as versatile as possible, which one would it be. I ask because I don't go fishing often enough to justify half a dozen or so reels. Therefore, one which has many uses , with different types of spools (deep and shallow) and very wide range of line strengths, and possibly can be used for some lure work. Not asking for much am I? Any ideas.

 

I have 2 rods which it needs to be used with, 15' light float rod, and a JW Avon / Quiver. Preferably under £80

[Zinky]

You have mail

[Steve Burke]

Angus, I had the same problem as you and with a similar budget!

 

The reel I chose was the Shimano Super GT3000. Although this is a match size reel (you can get shallow spoools to fit), I use it with the standard spools for most of my lure fishing for pike, plus float fishing for the smaller species.

 

One thing I like about this reel is the 5.1:1 gearing. This is much better for playing big fish (and big plugs!) than a high speed reel, and also means I can slow the retrieve right down when lure fishing in winter.

 

I also like the Fighting Drag. This allows adjustments to be quickly and easily made when playing a fish, yet enables the original setting to be found without even looking at the reel.

 

It's proved to be extremely reliable. If a reel stands up to lots of lure fishing for pike, which really knocks the stuffing out of lesser reels, it'll have no problems with float fishing and legering.

[Adz]

I'd have my Snowbee Classic, but I doubt you meant a fly reel right?

 

Best bet would be a Mitchell 300S if you're after something secondhand. Very well made and reliable and with more spools than you can shake a stick at - since it's the later version of the 'proper' 300 I doubt they're going for all that much.

 

I've had a look at ebay.co.uk and there is loads of 'em under £20

 

Hope that helps,

[chesters1]

abu 500 series for me i have even used the old 507 for light sea fishing of a pier ,good alround reels

[Alan Roe]

For the rods that you are describing the reel would be the Okuma Epix ER30 a superb little allrounder and No I have no link with the company!

[Peter Waller]

The Okuma range look fantastic, must have the opposition acutely worried. Okuma and Ron Thompson have some real quality at almost breath-taking prices. But for all that, have a look at the Mitchell 300X Pro and the Penn Extreme FD1050 reels. The Penn especially, oooozes quality AND it's front drag. Me, I prefer the greater clutch area of front drag over the limited area of stern drag.

[Cranfield]

Mitchell 300X Pro, probably the best all round reel with a pedigree, there is.

[Zinky]

I have no link with the company

 

Okuma Review Here

Also try here Okuma

[arfasprout]

For me its the shimano aero 4000 GTM , i use it for barbeling, carping , waggler fishing , lure fishing and just about everything else.