pete mania musky angler reels?

[muskymaniac4ever]

is there anyone out there who own them and what your opinions are about them? and hows the IMX 6 Rod?

man i need to head south for the month of april, june is so far away!!!

[Esox_Magnum]

I had 1 of his rods, didn't care for it. IMO not enough backbone for good hooksets. Never tried the reels but think theres better out there for the same or a bit more money. I have tried alot of the cheap rods and the only 1 I have kept and liked is the Tackle Industries rods. IMO the TI rods are as good as my Throne Brothers Predator.

[50inchpig]

I like them but they do run light, get one weight heavier than you normally would.

[hunterjoe]

I have the 8'6" medium heavy and one of the reels. The rod is nice for lighter baits, but as some have said, not a lot of backbone there. The reel isn't bad, but for about the same price, I have a pfluger trion round reel that is hands down better than the maina reel. When it was new, the maina reel was nice. I've got about 6 seasons of light use on the trion and about 4 or a little harder use on the maina. been having to take apart and clean the maina every year and I've never done anything to the trion. Just my experience.

[propster]

The Maina reel is a Trion, private labeled for Bass Pro by Pflueger

[hunterjoe]

Must be I got a bad one then. I noticed they are close, but there are some differences in the two. May be just cosmetic however.

[Esox_Magnum]

Pfluger also use to make the Gander 66 reels to, hopefully they are making Bass Pros a little better. I had 2 GM-66's neither made it 10 casts. At 1 time the Pete Mania reels were made on the Diawa Millionair reel, but this has been 4-5 years ago.

[hunterjoe]

Mine is at least 4-5 years so I may have a daiwa. My brother-in-law has one of the Gander reels you speak of and it looks identical to my trion (except color).

[muskymaniac4ever]

so does anyone have any idea if pete uses them himself? u think he would not?

[Esox_Magnum]

Since he's endorsed by BP I would guess he has to. Would he use it if he didn't have to is the question? I would guess if they were an outstanding reel you would see more reports of guys using them. I haven't looked at the new versions of them, just not interested I guess. I stick to the top brands for proven reliability. I have learned the hard way in this muskie addiction saving money now costs you more later. You might get lucky and get a good one or be on a trip in the middle of nowhere and have it explode on you. Then again that can happen with about any brand or reel made. Keep in mind we spend above average hours on the water each year but the reels that have lasted the best for us, meaning at least 1 full season without a problem are, Shimano's ( mostly Calcuttas and Curados) Revo Toro 60's, and Okuma Indurons. Nothing else has made it 1 full season without being repaired or replaced.

Fishing style will also make a difference if you just throw phantoms and small bucktails or if you rip mag dawgs/pounders and throw DCG's or bigger 90% of the time.

[Nick Kuhn]

Pete uses his own reels, at least for his TV show.

[Quackaddict9]

Pete uses his own reels, at least for his TV show.

yeah I remember seeing him using his rods and reels on the show as well.

[llee873]

I have 2 of his combos and will be going into the third season with them without a single issue. I fish more than the average person and I own both the 5.2.1 and 4.2.1 ratios. They handle everything from Mepps marabous to cowgirls. To find a combo under $200 that handles everything is a great deal and IMO is this is a great deal. The combo comes with a power handle and an adjustable weighting system for the rod. Once you get the rod weighted to your liking you can really fling the lures out there. Haven't had any issues with the rods either and I go with the 8'6" 2-piece rods. They are much easier for transporting. I recommend these combos to everyone.

[hunter991]

Personally, i wouldn't buy one. If you are going to fish for musky then stick with the proven tackle. IN the $100 ranger there are nicer rods and reels. Move up to $300 and you can get a nice setup as well.

Tackle industries rods = $100 (fantastic rods from what i hear)

Tooth tamer rods = $150 (another good one)

Okuma = $119 (great rods, lifetime warranty)

black river = $109 (good rod as well)

Shimano Cardiff = $109 (great reel for the cost)

Shimano calcutta 400b = $229 (great reel that will last if you take care of it)

St croix AC300 = $229 (another great choice)

you will find out that you spend a lot of time casting. you don't want to be making it harder on yourself with cheap equipment. Fishing like this is easier when you get a smooth reel, and rod that is matched to what you are throwing etc...

[goldie11]

What model of the shimano cardiff would you recomend for an all around

reel?

[Esox_Magnum]

400

[rugbymn]

Other than a hundred bucks, what's the difference between the 400b and 400TE?

[Esox_Magnum]

Difference between a Silverado and an Escalade.

[chief]

Rugbymn,

Primary differences are: TE model (TE stands for total efficiency) offers an oversize main gear and a beefed up pinion gear. These are the reel's primary retrieve gears, and their increased sizes explain the unique shape of this reel. TE model also features "super" freespool design, an extra ball bearing, and a "platinum" service plan.

Price difference is $140.00

[rugbymn]

Thanks. Is it worth the extra $140 for me? I've only been fishing muskies for the last 2 years, but I plan to spend a lot of time on the water and make it my primary focus this year.

[chief]

If you have the money, there's no downside to buying such a reel.

If you plan on throwing BIG lures with lots of water resistance, or if it will be your only reel, it's a fine choice.

[muskymaniac4ever]

so whats a good reel that can handle the mag dawgs/pounders?