New Reel

[Goodrich]

Last Fall my baitcasting reel gave out on me, it was a pflueger purist. I'm looking to buy a new reel this spring in the 150-200 dollar range. I will use this reel for everything from throwing spinnerbaits to carp and catfishing. The two things I'm looking for most in the reel would be casting distance and durability. Anybody have any recommendations?

[MN BassFisher]

I personally throw mostly Shimano's so I will recommend what I know. I've heard great things of the Abu's but I personally have no knowledge there. I recommended the 6 ratio reels in the Shimano line because 7 is considered a burner and more application specific. You could also throw a 5 ratio - personal preference really.

Shimano Chronarch 200E6 (can be found for $200 right now)

Shimano Curado 200G6 (around $160)

[Deitz Dittrich]

if going for durability, I would maybe lean towards the Shimano Calcutta 200B, you will give up casting distance to the Curado though as its spool is heavier.

[RK]

Depends on if you're looking round or low profile. If round, the Calcutta 200B DD mentioned is a great option. For a low pro, Lews Super Duty would be another one to look at. 95mm handle (most bass reels are 90mm) which I like for spinnerbaits, mag brakes, 14# of drag. Guys that have them claim they're pretty bulletproof.

I'm gradually becoming sold on Lews...

[TR21HP]

RK, I was going to recommend Lews as an alternative to Shimano and Abu Garcia but really had no experience with them. Kind of getting fed up with either the high price for a quality Shimano reel or paying 200 bucks for a medium quality reel and was looking at Lews. Have done a good deal of reading about them but haven't held one yet.

[DrJuice1980]

Im an Abu fan so I will be bias and say go with a C series or Record, Im a fan of the round baitcast, old school.

[cjac]

"I will use this reel for everything from throwing spinnerbaits to carp and catfishing. The two things I'm looking for most in the reel would be casting distance and durability."

I think you could get two reels for your needs and be a LOT happier. These two at retail would be $215, do a little work and you could probably get both under $200.

Bass/spinnerbaits: Lews Tournament MG: I just ordered one in the 6.4:1 ratio. It has the 95mm handle mentioned and a deeper spool.

Carp/Catfish/durability: Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C3: The smaller size model would be ideal for cats/carp, and even with the push button it's a great big bait/pike reel. It's been around forever for a reason. Cool part is a 2nd rod for that reel for cats/carp (sturgeon too) would be really cheap.

[Hester]

Goodrich, I know you said you were only buying 1 reel between $150 and $200

If I were in your shoes, I would buy an Abu Garcia 5500 or 6500 for the cat fishing. Then spend the remaining $100 to $125 on a good bass reel.

[Hester]

Ha, looks like cjac just beat me to it.

[Goodrich]

Thanks for the replies, I think i'm leaning towards the curado. Did a little bit of research and it seems like a great reel for that price. I was kind of vague when describing the uses for the reel. I already have a good river pole with an Abu on it. This reel will be mainly used for casting, and also secondary for fishing the river for cats/carp.

[bassinboy3]

Abu Garcia Revo Sx will work wonders for you!

[Basschaser]

I made the change from Curado to Lews last year. I love my Curado 201E's. The change to the G series in the Curado and Chronarch last year is what made me decide to give something else a try. I could be wrong, but I believe the current Curado G is a step backwards from the old Curado E and the new Chronarch G is very similar to the old Curado E. Anyhow, last year I decided to try a Lews Tournament Pro,a Lews BB-1 and a Quantum Smoke. Not too impressed with the Smoke but love the two Lews reels. Both are very smooth and cast great. Not sure on the durability yet since they are only a year old. Only drawback for me with the Lews reels is they have limited gear ratios for those of us that like left handed reels.

[corncob]

I have a Calcutta TE 200GT and luv it.....The Calcutta is a real workhorse, but, smooth as silk...Whenever I want some torque I reach for it.Unmatched realiability too.....

[Ufatz]

Easily one of the best casting reels ever made. And I mean EVER! Have lost track of the number of casting reels, by all makers and some that are now gone, that I have tried. This reel is tops.