Abu Garcia Revo Toro 61 HS

[Walleye Wegs]

I am looking for a new reel for pulling big blades. I want the low profile and the high speed and am looking at Abu Garcia Revo Toro 61 HS. Is the only difference between the Abu Garcia Revo Toro 61 HS and the winch the gear ratio? All I have read is good things about them. Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

[cbrooks]

Don't go with the HS ratio for pulling blades. The lower ratio would be better 5:3:1 or 4:6:1 would even be better IMO. I have both the HS and the 5:3:1 ratio. Lower ratio for pulling big blades and they will last longer. My HS went a couple times the year before last. Good luck.

[Shawn Kellett]

If you want to pull big blades then get one of the saltwater reels and be done with it. While a Toro, Calcutta, Luna, etc CAN pull big blades they all have a history of not doing it comfortably or without breaking down on a regular/semi-regular basis. You also can't get the speed you need to see fish during the day with other reels either. Go with a Trinidad or Saltist if you're serious about pulling these baits how they're meant to be fished.

[Walleye Wegs]

Thanks for the responses!

[Nick Kuhn]

The regular 61 (5.3:1) pulls in double 10's pretty easily. It's not the fastest retrieve, but you can still get them going pretty fast. BTW Joe's Sporting Goods has the normal 61 on sale for dirt cheap right now.

[RUNnGUN]

I agree 100% with Mr. Kellett, you will not regret getting a saltwater reel for pulling big blades. I bought an Avet JX (I am a lefty) a couple years ago, I'm pulling in 38 to 39 inches of line/crank when spooled correctly and it is the best purchase I have ever made, as far as musky fishing goes. Pair one of the above mentioned saltwater reels with a 9ft. rod and you will have an awesome blade set-up.

[Esox_Magnum]

I have a Salstist 30 and honestly 99% of the time my Revo 60 5:3 is pulling blades or my Curado 300.

[zeeLandy]

a friend of mine has a normal 60 that handles blades very well. big rubber is handled very well with it as well. thanks for the heads up Nick! i just picked one up! heck of a deal!

[Bucktailer]

Hey, RUNnGUN, how do you like that Avet reel, is it similiar to the shimano trinidad?

I have been looking all over for a lefty saltwater reel! Which model is it? It looks like there are a few JX models.

[Shoot2Kill]

I agree 100% with Mr. Kellett, you will not regret getting a saltwater reel for pulling big blades. I bought an Avet JX (I am a lefty) a couple years ago, I'm pulling in 38 to 39 inches of line/crank when spooled correctly and it is the best purchase I have ever made, as far as musky fishing goes. Pair one of the above mentioned saltwater reels with a 9ft. rod and you will have an awesome blade set-up.

Another vote to back up Shawn. Fellow memeber on here that I fish with has a Saltist 20HA and fishing side by side with him and my toro 60 with the 5:4 and his Saltist made small work of the blades. My Revo could still do it but it seemed that I was working a lot harder than he was to keep the same speed. A Saltist 20HA will find its way into my boat before opener.

[RUNnGUN]

Bucktailer-

I love my Avet. Both the Trindad 16N (which is what most guys are using) and my Avet pick up 46" of line per crank. When spooled correctly, it's closer to 40", so very, very fast. I have the JX-MC 6.0:1. Avet's are designed as saltwater livebait/jigging reels, so if you are going to get one, make 100% sure you get an MC (Master Cast) model. Also, make sure you spool it with ROUND line. I recommend Stren's round braid. Great reel for Supermodels all the way down to showgirls, not so much for big rubber...

[Bucktailer]

Thanks Man....looks like I will be buying a new toy for this spring!

[Capt. Quicksteel]

What kind of line do you guys use for your big blade rods, whether you're using a Revo or a salt water reel?

[cbrooks]

I like Cortland masterbraid Bronzeback 100# test

[Esox_Magnum]

80 or 100, Power Pro, Invisibraid or SpiderWire.

[Nick Kuhn]

I have 80lb PowerPro on mine. I will probably swap it to try Sufix 832 this season. I prefer not to go any heavier than 80lb. I use 65lb a lot on my smaller baits.

[Capt. Quicksteel]

Thanks. That 832 looks like it might be pretty good. I have been using Tuffline XP and I can't explain it but I just don't like it. Of course it could be that the rig is so dam heavy that I wouldn't like anything! On some of my lighter stuff I use regular Tuffline and like that just fine.

[Esox_Magnum]

I run the Toro 60's on 9' Tackle Industries telescoping rods and they are well balanced and don't wear you down like other rods I have used, my old Muskie Innovations rod I could only cast a couple hours before it beat me down, with the TI I'm good all day. Having a light well balanced combo makes even the biggest baits much easier to throw for the long haul.

[Capt. Quicksteel]

I've pretty much decided to order one of the TI 9 foot telescoping rods. It wouldn't be a proper muskie season if we didn't buy a rod and sneak it into the garage!

[Esox_Magnum]

I have 4 now, been using them since they first came out, was real leary out buying a "cheap" rod since I had just had a Predator built but the TI rods are now my go to rods and the high end Loomis is collecting dust, the Predator only gets used a few times a year by the wife and daughter when they tag along.

[cbrooks]

I just order a TI yesterday as well. Can't beat the price. I will have a Trindad reel on there. I found one of those on sale on the web. It will be used for blades.

[delmuts]

I'm a fan of the T.I. rods also! After using the one Esox had for a SHORT time last year. Now i have three!

[cbrooks]

I can't believe the plug you guys are giving TI rods. I have a few St Croix and a KT custom rod. I'll see how they compare this summer to the TI. There really a higher quality rod than the other high end rods out there?

[Capt. Quicksteel]

Ok, I just ordered my TI rod. Don't ever say the power of suggestion doesn't work !

[delmuts]

Better quality? The quality of many brands, is great! Now if you start talking comfort,feel, castablity, and price; then you may find differences. I feel these rods give me all those things and at a competetive price.