reel question

[muskieaddict]

i recieved a fleet farm gift card for christmas, so im going to use it for a new muskie reel. i have a diawa saltist (new, never been used) for pulling big blades with an 8'6" rod. the new reel is going to be for a 7 foot rod mainly used for topwater and jerk baits and as a back up. my price limit is a soft $200

What i found:

Calcutta 200B $199

Calcutta 400B $229 (i would go that high if its worth the upgrade)

Chronarch- dont konw anything about this line of reels but they were clearanced: 100b or 101b for $210- can they even be used for muskies??

abu garcia record- $159

they have okuma, but not sure how that would compare

any tips are appreciated

[RawHog]

I Think you are right on track, I would personally go with the Record if I we're given that price range. And about the Chronarch.. You should do some more research into that. I use a low profile baitcasting reel on a 7ft heavy rod for muskies, works great. Just less and thinner line. Great for finesse fishing new lakes and working real quick with lighter lures.

[Esox_Magnum]

Best choice in that list is by far the 400 Calcutta B...

[Shawn Kellett]

Get the 400 B and don't look back.

The new Chronarch's aren't really that great for muskie reels. I have one of the gray BSV's that had different gearing and handle that I use as a muskie jig reel, but it's not really what I'd call a designated muskie reel.

If you want to go low profile get the Curado 300.

[10,000 Casts]

agreed, I like the record but they had a few problems. Go with the 400B.

[401TE]

Yep, 400B is a good reel and a great back-up for big blades. Especially if you put a power handle on it. 200B isn't really a musky reel and won't handle anything big all that well.

Don't buy a Record, especially if you plan on using it at all, ever, for big blades. They can't handle big baits...well, really, they can't handle much at all. I've owned 4. First two were replaced by Abu because the frames warped. Sold one of the replacements and the last one I have is used by my girlfriend who only throws TopRaiders, small cranks, spinnerbaits and small bucktails.

No idea on the Chronarch's.

[bemidjibasser]

The Chronarch is a great bass reel, not so much of a musky reel. The Calcutta 200B would be ok for little baits, while the 400B would be the best option you have listed for musky fishing. The Abu will wear out on you when you try to throw anything big or will blow up on a hookset, I've seen it too many times to even consider using one of them...

[slipperybob]

Chronarch for bass fishing. It can cast 1/4 oz lures very well.

[wahoo]

Have chronarc and 400B. prefer the 400B. I have caught some very large fish in saltwater, by accident with a 400--by accident. 50lbs plus and some 30-50 lb tuna which, sorry, pull harder than Muskies. I use it for Muskies when fishing them.

[RawHog]

Yeah, tuna pull a lot harder downward compared to a muskie, but I've never heard of a tuna death rolling.

[TrophyEyes]

400B. I have the record and I have a Toro, right now I am upgrading to a 401TE because I have not had the best luck with Abu's holding up.

[RawHog]

Yeah I have a Toro too, I love the low profile feel but its already falling apart after one season. I'm upgrading to a Calcutta 401b (same as 400 expect lefty) or a Tranx, because they are much more durable than Abu.

[401TE]

Yeah I have a Toro too, I love the low profile feel but its already falling apart after one season. I'm upgrading to a Calcutta 401b (same as 400 expect lefty) or a Tranx, because they are much more durable than Abu.

No such thing as a 401B, unfortunately. Gonna have to go to a 401TE if you're a lefty.

[wahoo]

Yeah, tuna pull a lot harder downward compared to a muskie, but I've never heard of a tuna death rolling.

Agreed!!!!

[RawHog]

No such thing as a 401B, unfortunately. Gonna have to go to a 401TE if you're a lefty.

401Te it is then!

[TrophyEyes]

Picked up mine yesterday. Can't wait for June.

[not_nuf_time]

Just an idea for you, I don't know how long you've fished skies or anything else, but, I used to fish with seven foot rods and then bought a few eight footers, and haven't touched the seven footers ever again. If limited dollars, mistakes on products take the fun out of buying. There are great 8 footers out there for good prices. thx.

[not_nuf_time]

Oh, sorry, by the way I don't have a huge arsenal of reels but my favorite is the 400b followed by the revo. my next purchase will probably be the saltist. Without the fun filter finding out of course.

[muskieaddict]

well its settled, i am getting the 400b. the 7 footer it is for is a back up rod, which maybe i will upgrade next season to an 8 footer or longer. I am getting a 8" 6' for my saltist. too many wants, not enough time or money! thanks for all the tips!