which $50 baitcaster? ... Abu, Shimano, Daiwa, or Cabela's?

[sigosaur]

Abu Garcia ...

Shimano ...

Daiwa ...

Cabela's (Daiwa?) ...

Thanks!

[Frozenfoot]

Can't say I ever seen anyone use one for ice fishing...wrong forum maybe??

[KG243]

Dont get the cabelas, brand I hade one last year for laker fishing and it did not hold up to ice condition even only being used in a heated house. I know have a Shimano and it is great, maybe last years model of the one you have up above.

[Carl Bjorgen]

The ABU or Shimano would be my choice. Nice low profile and lightweight design would fit on your ice rod real nicely.

I only use bait casting for all my fishing, ice or open.

I just ordered one from Bass Pro

I'll post a review in this thread after giving it a workout.

[sigosaur]

The ABU or Shimano would be my choice. Nice low profile and lightweight design would fit on your ice rod real nicely.

I only use bait casting for all my fishing, ice or open.

I just ordered one from Bass Pro

I'll post a review in this thread after giving it a workout.

Looks purdy cool for $20!

[sigosaur]

I asked the guy at Cabela's about the Shimano ... he said he loves Shimanos, but to not git that one.

The Black Max seemed nice ... and the demo Fish Eagle seemed nice, too.

I got one of each ... after I got 'em home, and rig'd 'em, I think 2 Black Max's woulda been better ... but I'll give the Fish Eagle a shot.

[Carl Bjorgen]

If you recall that small baitcaster I posted earlier from BPS. Here is the model if you want to check it out on their site:

Wally Marshall™ Signature Series Tightline Special Round Reel

Used it today for the first time. It is very small and compact, the diameter of the reel end plates are about an inch and a half, about as round as a silver dollar. Very rudimentary in design and function. You basically let the line out and reel it in (pretty much like a schooley), although it does have spool release button.

I think I will keep it since it only cost 20 bucks. There are better reels out there though...

[riverview]

i just got the new HT 3 bearing baitcaster. i dont remember the model number. 39.00 nice star drag and a old style wire loop string guide. i dont like the bait casters with the little hole for a string guide they ice up too much.

[sigosaur]

If you recall that small baitcaster I posted earlier from BPS. Here is the model if you want to check it out on their site:

Wally Marshall™ Signature Series Tightline Special Round Reel

Used it today for the first time. It is very small and compact, the diameter of the reel end plates are about an inch and a half, about as round as a silver dollar. Very rudimentary in design and function. You basically let the line out and reel it in (pretty much like a schooley), although it does have spool release button.

I think I will keep it since it only cost 20 bucks. There are better reels out there though...

I do recall ... and DID get the link ... and very much wanted to hear your review ... Thanks!

I sitll had a $100 gift card for Cabela's, though ... so I was gonna get a couple of them other ones, no matter what.

Sounds like you're a tad underwhelmed by the Marshall? My one big concern with that is such a tight spool ... I've had the cheapo HT "baitcasters" and the line would want to "jump" the spool. How's the drag on 'em?

Again, I imagine lots of guys think a $50 baitcaster is abit much for ice ... but to me, they seem tailor-made for it. I see other guys spend $30+ on tiny spinning reels ... I think the extra $20 is worth it. Anyhow with the money I've saved buyin' cheapos over the years ... even replacing 'em ... I figure I've earned it!

FWIW, they had a summer combo on sale for $20, IIRC ... and the reel was a cheap Shakespeare version of the ones I was looking at. A guy could probably pick up a couple of those and not do too horrible, with 'em.

[sigosaur]

i just got the new HT 3 bearing baitcaster. i dont remember the model number. 39.00 nice star drag and a old style wire loop string guide. i dont like the bait casters with the little hole for a string guide they ice up too much.

that sounds interesting ... any hint as to where I might see one?

With my portable, and the Big Buddy, that guide freezing up ain't even in the radar. Probably a good point for someone "roughing it", though.