Advice on Multiplier Reel

[Disturbed]

Morning.

 

I need some advice regarding as to which multiplier reel to buy. I will be visiting Brazil and looking to fish anything from Goliath Catfish to Marlin, Dourado. I already have a rod for up to 250lbs. I currently own a Abu Garcia 7001 but looking for something to take a decent amount of 0.9 to 1mm braid. I also need a LEFT HAND model reel. Could anyone be of some advice. Also, prefferably wouldn't want to go MUCH over the £100-£150 threshold.

 

Thank you

[Ken L]

That's a lot of reel on a low budget and left handers are hard to find anyway. I have the Fladden which has been OK but I've never asked it to deal with the sort of fish that you are talking about.

I know that Okuma and Penn have some LHW options but I don't know how big they go.

 

Avet definitely do some heavy duty options but they're outside your price range.

 

You may find that RHW is the way to go. Your right hand is generally going to be stronger and better coordinated and you are not talking about finesse angling here - whether it's bottom fishing or trolling, the rod will spend most of it's time in a holder.

[Bobj]

Any help?

http://www.motackle.com.au/catalogsearch/result/?q=okuma+left+hand+overhead+reels

[Vagabond]

You mention Marlin.

 

Before investing in a "cheap" reel, check the line capacity. Even a "small" marlin (say 200lb) can make an initial run of 400 yds plus.

 

The first run of a marlin is no time to discover the inadequacies of your reel.

 

I have always used Penn International II (the 50 lb-class model) reels or the equivalent - £300 many years ago, but dunno how much now. When dealing with big game fish, IMHO money spent on the reel is trivial compared with the cost of the trip as a whole, and may mean the difference between a fish of a lifetime and a disaster.

 

Maybe not what you want to hear .......?

Edited July 13, 2015 by Vagabond

[Disturbed]

I will mostly be using it for big catfish as fishing for Marlin will be a one and again sort of trip. I was looking at Penn Squall 60 LH, can get one delivered from Germany for around £115. If that is sufficient, what braid size would you recommend?

[Vagabond]

By "goliath catfish" do you mean piraiba ? If so, what river will you be fishing ?

 

Piraiba favour deep, fast-water ROCKY pools, and by deep, think in excess of eighty feet. I have fished the Xingu, and the deep sharp volcanic-rock underwater ledges would make short work of braid. We were only after red-tailed cats there, but even so had to change our Trilene mono a few times.

 

Abrasion takes on a whole new meaning in such conditions. Take plenty of spare line !

 

If you are fishing the lower Amazon, its less of a problem of course, deep silt covers much of the rock.

[Ken L]

I've not fished South America but I do fish the Cauvery in India and concur with everything Dave (Vagabond) has said about mono vs braid where there are abrasive rocks about.

[chesters1]

makes keston seem a bit tame!

[Vagabond]

I've not fished South America but I do fish the Cauvery in India and concur with everything Dave (Vagabond) has said about mono vs braid where there are abrasive rocks about.

Yes, the Cauvery is a classic example. A week there taught me a lot about de-snagging and using rigs to avoid getting snagged in the first place.

[Disturbed]

I will be fishing strictly in Brazil, for Piraíba and Red tail. Will be wanting to use a leader of 300lb 8 core braid with a 300lb wire leader. Just not sure if to go for 200 or 250 main line. Will the Penn Squall 60LDLH be good for the job?