Abu Garcia Big Game Reels

[Dirk W]

I need a new flathead reel. Love the C3 7000 but was wondering if the Garcia Big Game reels, specifically the BG 9000 or BG 10000 had any better flathead potential? Anyone have any experience with these reels? How have they held up? I checked out the HSOforum but there was no photo availble. I couldn't even tell if they have clickers. The reel is going to be strictly for flatheads, channel cats need not apply this time around.

[Canuck]

Dirk: I see U indicated that channels need not apply and that is all we have. I switched last year from the 6500 to the 7000 for our channels. I find them much stronger and that single handle seems to work better. One of these days I hope to be able to give the flats and blues a try and hope the 7000 will be OK.

[Guest]

I switched from the 6500C4 to the 7000C3 last year and it works great on the flats. Extra loud clicker to wake you up when your dozing away waiting for the big ones to make a run.

[DARK30]

Hey Dirk, I'f you get the chance to check out the new Penn 320GT2 I think you'd like it. I have one that really handles the fish well and the clicker can't be missed.

I don't have a Garcia 7000 (yet) but I'm gonna be getting one for sure...nothing wrong with a couple of favorites.

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cast,cast,cast,cast......

[Dirk W]

Does the 320 have a direct drive system (I think thats what its called). What I mean is - does the reel engage by turning the handle or do you need to manually flip the lever? I've got a Penn reel were you need to flip the lever. No matter how many times I tell rookies to flip the lever BEFORE they set the hook they always, in the excitement of the moment, forget and set the hook in free spool mode. I have to admit it is pretty funny to see the look on their face but the bird nests get to be quite a pain!!!
How does your Penn cast?

[DARK30]

You need to flip the lever to either engage or disengage the spool. I love the sound that it makes when you flip the lever...a nice solid "CLICK"! Now you can take up the line and let the drag do its job.

Casting it requires a bit of weight on the end of the line but isn't a problem when using heavy lead and the bait fish itself. You just need to adjust the spool tension like any other baitcaster. I also like the fast 4.3-1 gear ratio.

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cast,cast,cast,cast......