Open water walleye reels?

[bmc]

I'm looking at buying 2 new reels for open water walleye fishing. I'm looking at the Abu Garcia Cardinal 500. Has anyone had any experience with these? I'd be using them for jigging and lindy rigging. Thanks for the info.

bmc

[leechlake]

Unfortunately, I have no experience with those reels. I would want to make sure I have "infinite anti-reverse", rear drag, and trigger. I'd also make sure that when the bail is open it doesn't take too much to get the bail to flip over to pick up line. I have a few ice fishing reels that I actually can harldly get the bail to flip closed unless I use my hand to manually flip it. That's what I get for leaving everything in my boat rod lockers and being too lazy to uncover it and get the reels out, bought new reels instead.

[Northlander]

Try the Okuma Epixor or Inspira. 10 and 11 ball bearings and smooth. Far less than the same quality reel in Shimano. Shimano is also a nice reel but they know it. $!

[CabinBoy]

Check out the Pfleuger line. A very smooth reel (7 ball bearings) at a very reasonable price.

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fish smarter, not harder

[Guest]

I agree with Northlander on the Okumas. Last year, I switched over all my rods to the Inspira. They perform just as well as the Stradics, but for $40 less.
I haven't had a single problem with these reels.

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-FNC

"get on the natch"

[Lip RIPPER!]

I really like my Shimano Stradics and have been using them for a munber of years. They aren't cheap but are very nice to use for all kinds of situations.

[Ole1855]

100% of my reels are Shimano, I don't spend the big $, I think the average price of my reels is in the neighborhood of $60. And I have 12 different length/action rods, I've never had a problem with any of them over the last 25 years.

Ole

[Guest]

Shimano Stradics and Sahara's in my Boat (and my Otter ...

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Chells

[Don317]

bmc
Go to a sporting goods store that cares a full line of reels. Try the ones in your price range.. Garcia, Shimano, Diawa, any of the well known Mfg's.. Front drag ,instant anti-reverse, four or more ball bearings..
They all look good but cosmetics don't make a good fishing tool.. When ya walk out of the store, you and only you have to be satisfied..By the way the new Shimano Symetre is my choice..Smooooth
Don