real reel advice

[S.S. Fiasco]

Am looking to buy a semi-decent musky reel, I been using ambassadeurs (sp?) For a few years and the level wind keeps breaking....I have 2 small kids so obviously I will not being buying a new TRANX....however, anyone suggest good USED reels? I was looking at shimano calcutta 400bsv... Found a used one for $200....is that a poor deal? And is it reel enougb to haul in big baits all day?

[bemidjibasser]

You may want to look on the bay that starts with e... you can find some good deals on reels there often. Also to buy/sell page on muskies first is a good resource. A calcutta b is a very decent reel. $200 for a used one might be a little much unless it's basically brand new. You should be able to get one for around $140 or so in good shape.

If you are looking to spend around $200 you might want to go to the Musky Expo on the 10-12th of April, I picked up a Daiwa Lexa 400 for $200 new last year, I imagine you would be able to get the same deal this year...

[S.S. Fiasco]

Where is the expo?

[mrklean]

Tough to beat a Lexa 400 love mine and the price is tough to beat look around online you can find some steals on them

[brad coin]

SS

The muskies expo is in two weeks fri-sun April 10-12 at Concordia college in

St Paul

Trust me it is worth the drive from Duluth!!! You will see the coolest muskies stuff in the world and great "show specials" on tackle,seminars all day long everyday to attend,,to muskies fisherman this is like Easter to the pope.

Also

There is a swap meet that sat nite at O Garas pub. Just a couple blocks from expo I'm actually one of the guys who organize it and it is a huge turnout by muskie guys that bring used tackle lures,rods,reels,nets you name it to sell swap also it's just a fun hang out time.

Real reel advice?????

Used reel-"dont" Minnesota guys are hard on reels!! This is big fish territory and this is big bait territory. Minnesota muskies guys are pulling huge cowgirl bucktails, ripping pounder bulldawgs and 10 inch Jake's. Minnesota muskie reels take a beating and a used one just might be that "used"

Instead

The muskie expo is THE best time to buy a reel. Thorne bros,Reeds,Blue Ribbon bait, and Joe's sporting goods have booths there and they will all be competing against each other for biz which means the lowest price. Come to the expo and buy a new reel, then go to the swap sat nite and get a great deal on rods baits and everything else,,,bottom line come to the expo it's just plain good.

[Cooter]

Levelwind would be a cheap easy fix fyi. What model? But by all means buy another anyways!

[tolle141]

go to muskies outdoor first. Great buy sell trade section. I'd recommend either a abu revo toro (whichever one fits your style) or a calcutta 400B. I love my lexa because it fits my hand perfectly, but I don't think the quality is there.