Preferred Cattin' Reel??

[hanson]

What do you guys prefer for a catfishing reel?

Question #1 would be "Spinning or baitcasting reel?"

I'll respond by saying that I have fished the entire last summer with an Okuma Epixor EB50 and was treated very well by that reel.

Question #2 would be "Which baitcaster do you prefer?"

I guess I will be in the market for a couple of baitcasters next summer. What do you guys prefer?

Abu 6500 C4 (6.3:1 ratio) or 6500 C3 (5.3:1 ratio), or perhaps a 7000 C3 (4.1:1 ratio)? I guess whatever way I go, I do prefer the single paddle 'power handle'.

Or rather than Abu, maybe a Calcutta??

Any thoughts? Higher gear ratio for cattin' or lower gear ratio?

Channel Cats vs. Flathead Cats make a difference?

Flathead Cats in snags make another difference?

Just hoping to sneak a few opinions.

[Ralph Wiggum]

Great topic, Hanson. I'll be interested to get some responses. I, too, have been happy with my Epixor EB-50.

This cat forum has been real slow lately.

[maj330]

I tried to get by cheap with that bass pro reel. Mistake. I then had to spend a bit more money, but still less than $70 for the ABU 6501 C3. The left hand model with the power handle is a joy to use. Solid, easy to disassemble, clean, and lubricate and casts a mile. Both the drag and free spool drag are smooth and the anti-reverse is excellent. The bait clicker is an added bonus. Only took a couple of casts to get the free spool drag set-up correctly to prevent backlashing. I've used both mono and power pro lines in it with equal success. I haven't wrangled any cats larger than 12 lbs with it but it hauls stumps out of the fast moving river without a problem. Currently looking for a new rod to pair it with. My 7 ft. Ugly Cat rod fit well but ended up being a little too short in length and power. Tried the Cabela's King Cat but the handle was too short to balance the 9 ft rod adequately. Maybe a Glow Stik will be the trick.

[Mr Special]

I have a 6500C4 and have been happy with it so far, I also use it for muskie. But after using some of the buds C3's and even a 7000 with the big power handle. I would prefer those for cating. The lower gear ratio and power handle has some serious torque.

I've also had the pleasure of using the Epixor's reel. They're a great reel, super smooth drag, nice over size handle, I really like the fact that the bait clicker drag is separate from the main drag and it a cool looking finish.

I plan on investing on one next season.

Good topic

[proguide]

I have no experience with the Okuma reel so I can't comment on that one.

I have a Bass Pro Cat Maxx and after tearing the gears out of two of them I finally got a good one. (At least it has warranty)

I have both C3 and C4 Garcias and they seem to work the best. I think the 6500 C3 is by far the best all around reel for the money. It can handle big cats and is hefty enough to wrestle with sturgeon. If you take care of it by cleaning it up and giving it a inside out cleaning every three years or so it should last a life time.

[Guest]

hanson..

stay away from the c4 reels for cats.. not that they are bad(they are a good reel).. but the higher gear ratio is not your friend for big cats.. the slower the ratio, the more power you have, and less fatigue on your arms when fighting big fish.

The C3 reels are good all around reels, the 7000 reel is a better reel for flats... you dont have the casting distance, but you have very good leverage and power for the super lines... and the gears will hold up much longer than the 6500 class reels... The 7000 baitclicker has much more tension than the smaller reels although.. those big bullies tend to pull the clicker on the 6500 class reels, they will not pull it on the 7000 reels... this can be a good and bad thing.. when the fish are biting light.. it can be too much tension(rare), on another note.. if you watch your tip.. it allows enough pressure to get a little tip action on the heavier rods(early bite detection) to make the clicker sometimes obselete.

I guess the moral of the story is.. I would highly recommend staying away from the C4 reels for flats, you will be happier with a lower gear ratio... If casting distance is needed, you cant beat a 6500 C3(you have witnessed this), for a outright power reel for fighting big fish... a 7000 is the way to go.

Calcuttas are nice reels, but I dont think your going to end up with any advantages with the more expensive reel. I know their backlash control is different(magnets).. I am not sure how they would do on tossing heavy baits(made to throw lures, not 1 pound suckers).

[Mr Special]

TG,

Now you tell me. But it doesn't matter cause I can't seem to keep a big fish hooked anyways.

Come to think about it, that Rhino reel you got is a pretty nice reel for the Cash Impaired like myself, but don't think they make a left hand version, Darn it!!!!

Later

[hanson]

Mr Special-

The Okumas are a sweet little reel. The adjustable tension on the clicker drag is a nice option. Another reel that is similar is one made by Tica that has the baitrunner also. "Rushing", from FM has one and it is a very nice looking reel. If you think the Okumas look sweet, you ought to see this reel. I believe they are very comparable in price to the Okumas as well.

Back to baitcasters... I have had the opportunity to use many different baitcasters this summer- from 7000s, 6500s, and even a Calcutta.

The one thing I know is I like the single paddle "power handle" that comes on the 7000 Garcias. I also like the clicker on the 7000 and Dave definitely touched on some of the benefits the 7000 has.

I don't think I have to touch on the 6500 either as it is a very nice reel.

One thing that I am still struggling with is to go with a right hand or left hand crank. I can thank "Fiskyknut" for messing me up with this decision. His Abu's are all left hand crank which is surprisingly easy to get used to, especially for me who has always used spinning reels with a left hand crank. Sounds odd but all my baitcasting experience has been with a right hand crank so I got used to that until I used Fisky's rods.

I think I can go either way but man, a guy has to decide.

[Canuck]

My stand by day in day out is the 7000 for Lockport kitties. I used to use the 6500s but they just didn't take the beating the 7000s do. I believe if just I was using the 6500s they might be OK but the clients get excited (don't blame them) and they start to crank and the gears in the 6500 need to be repaired about once a year, where as the 7000 are great. I also put a power handle on the 6500s ($15.00) at Cabella's and really like them. Personally I prefer the 6500s for sturgeon due to the little faster retreive and the 7000s for the kitties.

I have an Okuma spinning and bait and they are standing up quite well as well. The spinning is the Epson (I think) and the bait is the Catalina and it has worked real good.

I have noticed some guys mention they find the 7000s don't cast as far but I havn't found that one bit. If U set the reel up with the weight U have there isn't any backlash (professional over throw) and U can cast them both a mile. I really do like the clicker on the 7000 as one of the clients got me to try circle hooks this late summer and the 7000s clicker even held in our current.

I am NOT sponsored by either Okuma or Abu and could not pick one over the other. I do like the soft power handle on the Catalina but not a big concern. If U are up at Lockport give me a shout and if the day is free U can try all three bait casters and U choose which one U like best.

We sure change, I started out using Abu 5500s and now 7000s. ps I actually have a 5501 just for my wife because she wants a left handed bait caster and when I switch up on hers not a big deal.

[Dirk W]

The Garcia 7000C3 reels have been discontinued. The 7000 Big Game - I do believe - is its replacement. I fished up at Lockport once this spring. If I fished there all the time I'd also replace my 6500's with 7000's, and I'd have forearms like Popeye I sure wish they would get instant anti-reverse on those 7000's but they ain't going to do it in the near future

[Mr Special]

Actually I have used one of those Tica. They are really nice looking. WasteWaterGuru has one. Paired with his 10' rod, most baits are going a mile or two.

Now which do I choose from

Okuma, Cabela's SaltStricker, Penn, or Tica?

[Ralph Wiggum]

The Okuma and the SaltStriker are the same reel. ThatGuy has one that is identical to mine, except for the pink fishing line he spooled it with

[Mr Special]

Yep,

Your right I forgot about that. But to TG defense, he changed the line to PP yellow now.

I never got a chance to see the Flamingo Pink line. heheheh

[rushing]

I love my Tica reel! Works great, clicker is loud for a spinning reel, looks pretty good and the price wasn't too bad. I got a couple of Abu Bait casters last season and the only thing I liked about them was their loud clickers.

I prefere spinning reels over bait casters for three reasons.

1. I can pick up line alot faster while reeling in, opposed to the bait casters where the bait & weight seemed to bounce off the bottom all the way in and getting snagged.

2. The reel holds more line. I usually only have to fill my reel once a season. When you get snagged through out the season and lose big chunks of line you dont have to refill your spool or worse yet respool your reel in the dark!

3. 99% of of my fishing is from shore. I have much more success acuratly placing the size of baits I like to use at a distance with a spinning reel and a 9ft rod.

The one place I would like to use a baitcaster is out of a boat in front of a snag when I need a wench.

[Guest]

Quote:

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The Okuma and the SaltStriker are the same reel. ThatGuy has one that is identical to mine, except for the pink fishing line he spooled it with

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THats not me with the pink line.. thats the significant other(fiance).. she took it off and has yellow power pro on now.. thank goodness.

The Salt Striker is a very nice reel.. it is an okuma with the cabelas name.. same reel, $20 less money for same thing.

[Dennis Steele]

Come on Dave.

You secure enough in your manhood to admitt liking the color pink, aren't you?!

[hanson]

If I'm not mistaken, I thought Dave had more than just 1 rod in the back of his truck with pink line spooled on.

Maybe pink line is the flathead secret nobody knows about.

I thought I read something earlier about a pink dress too?? No??

I Da Guy, know anything about that?

[Guest]

Your some funny folk today arent ya?!

Actually.. yes, there was another spooled with that pink stuff(fireline).. I gave it to Octavious.. he was in need of a rod other than the 11' monster he had.

As a matter of fact.. I even gave the rest of the bulk spool away! I am proud to say there is no rig in danger of being in my presence any time soon with pink line!

I will give Sherry(fiance) credit.. when she had a run.. it was noticable and NOBODY was trying to grab that rod.

I now know what to get Ya'll for christmas... heck, I might even paint up a couple no-rolls for you too.. would you like some sparkly's on your pink weights?

[DTro]

Dave with pink line, Dennis with high heels, what's next? Dark30 with ruffles on his vest?

Not that there's anything wrong with that

[Ralph Wiggum]

Of course not!

TG, if you could paint my no-rolls pink and add sequins, they'd be perfect.

[Ralph Wiggum]

I checked out those Ticas online. They look like a pretty nice reel, too!

[I Da Man]

Yawn...finally found my password...at home...been gone too long!

Love the color Pink! Keeps most people away from me while I'm fishing...except for Ralphtnbr and Blacksportsman...but then Dennis and Blacksportsman attract....ummmm...others

To the reel question...

The normal areas where I tend to find a kitty cat, the 7000 is the only way to go...of course you can get by with others...but to winch a cat out of wood...before it gets snarled up...heavy line, heavy rod and heavy reel are a must.

Bank fishing...although I don't have one i ota of experiance as "That Dave"...opps...most places don't have THAT many snags and I feel comfortable with a lighter set up...if fact I prefer a lighter rod, line and the 6500 reel...with the power handle...(Dennis won't agree with me on this)...it just seems like your opening a can of tuna with the regular double handle...IMO of course.

If I recall Dirk posted the 7000 have been discontinued and replace by the Big Game...what this means to me? About $20 more per reel....

Also the 6500 Catfish edition has been discontinued. Although I know of a place that has them on sale....I've ordered one to replace my 6500 Musky reel...so call me a fanatic!

Bottom line with reels is to go the lightest you can...same with rods, line...and sinkers...without stressing any one peice of equipment...this would include the fish.

Ps Hanson...with pink line...everyone knows who's rod is who's!

[I Da Man]

Ps...I'm not sponsored by Garcia...but for a few more bucks...there models last a lot longer...again...IMO.

Callcutta? nice reel...but there isn't a good reason to spend that kind of money...that I can think of.

[hanson]

Quote:

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Ps Hanson...with pink line...everyone knows who's rod is who's!

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Fisher Sherry's???

[I Da Man]

If that's what makes you feel good Hanson...we all know who uses it when no one is around....