2009 Catfish Tackle Discussion

[DTro]

Now there's one for a caption contest.

You could go the "evil fisherman who put me here" route, or steer towards something in the lines of a stinkbait comment.

[DARK30]

The cat whisperer... "Ed, Ed, I know you want me...get me out of here and you can have me"

[Ed Carlson]

Or...

"Good evening Eddy"....."A census taker tried to test me once....I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice chianti...F-F-F-F-F-F-F-!"

[Here-Kitty-Kitty]

Oh what cabin fever does to us all

[A.W.Wolfram]

Well…. The door bell rang and a brown truck was at my front door to bring me my new toy.

The Abu 6500CP Rocket. I like the engraving. It has a nice feel and I can’t wait to use it.

It’s mounted on the soon the unveiled 8’MH (100% graphite) Minnesota Flathead Rod.

[Shack]

Nice CF

I might have to break out and get me one of those rockets.

[Ralph Wiggum]

I always get so anxious when waiting for the UPS man! It's like I'm a kid on Christmas morning

[MinnesnowtaWild]

That 6500CP is pretty cool I was looking at it last night. Can't justify getting one anymore though since I just got a 6600 C4 last fall.

[Tyler23]

how much was that reel?

[Here-Kitty-Kitty]

Does anyone know if bob still has them at his shop. Also what about that new rod. Where and how much.

[Flaco651]

I don't think Bob has any of the Rockets right now, but give him a call and see what he's got.

[Here-Kitty-Kitty]

Ya I did the whole I'm not going to check what time he closes and low and behold I get there at 1718 and he had just closed. What can ya do. That just gives me another reason to go up there besides getting my hat.

[Flaco651]

Bob will probably be changing to spring/summer hours soon here.

[Here-Kitty-Kitty]

Ya it was my fault what can ya do.

[MinnesnowtaWild]

So any of you guys have the Okuma Avenger series reels? I decided to spend a little more buck and go with these over the Shakespeare Alpha reels.

My question is which size should I go with? I saw the AV-65 at Cabela's and it looked larger than I expected. So I was thinking about getting the AV-55 instead but seems like there is a large gap between the two models. I will be using this reel for Carp and Channels, but may use it on occasion for Flatheads as well. I plan to put 25 or 30 lb. Berkely Big Game mono on it. This will be on a 8' Creekside "Catfish" MH fiberglass rod.

Specs for each:

AV-55 - 4.5:1 ratio & 240yd/15# 14.5 oz ($35)

AV-65 - 4.5:1 ratio & 205yd/20# 25.3 oz ($42)

AV-80 - 4.5:1 ratio & 220yd/25# 26.7 oz ($42)

[MinnesnowtaWild]

After looking at the Okuma HSOforum it looks like the weight they have listed is different than Catfish Connection. The 65 and 80 are listed as just barely over 20 oz.

I'm thinking the AV-55 may be too small to hold much 30 lb. mono and the AV-65 just seems plain old too bulky. The 55 would probably be okay since it comes with a spare spool I could load up just in case I run out of line, but will it be strong enough to handle a larger Flathead if I do run into one with it?

[Whisker Warrior]

Are those the spinning reel series??? If so you should try the bait feeder reels made by them....i believe its ABF-50 and up not sure of this years model number...that's where its at....i bought one last year and used it over my new abu garcia...although this year i'm going all out and ordering the pro rocket on catfishconnect and the new E-Cat rod...i think 4 cat rigs should suffice me for the year

[hanson]

The (1) spinning reel I do have is an Okuma Epixor EB-50. The overall size of the reel is just right for cattin' and matches up well with our larger cat rods. I've handled an EB-65 before and that reel is a weee bit large IMO. Shoot for something that compares in size to the Epixor EB-50 and you'll be good. You should be able to compare line capicity and weight of the models.

Heck... here you go:

Avenger AV-55 ($34.50 @ CC)

4.5:1 Ratio

6 ball bearings

240 yards/15lb mono

14.5 oz

Avenger ABF-50 "Bait Feeder" ($41.95 @ CC)

4.5:1 Ratio

6 ball bearings

280 yards/15lb mono

17.5 oz

Epixor EB-50 "Bait Feeder" ($68.95 @ CC)

4.5:1 Ratio

9 ball bearings

250 yards/15lb mono

17.4 oz

I know you are talking about the Avenger AV-55 but you'll really want to spend the extra $8 and get the "Bait Feeder" option that the Avenger ABF-50 has. I don't think you need a spinning reel any bigger than the ones I mentioned above.

[AceintheHole]

I have the Okuma Avenger 50 and 40 bait feeder. The 50 is a big reel and works great for Flats I just picked up the 40 last week and will be using it for channels. If you want a good all around reel the 50 would be the way to go. I have the 50 on a Berkley 8'med/hvy glowstick and the 40 on a 7'med white e-glass rod.

[DTro]

Also check out Cabelas SSBF-55 for 59.99. Basically an Epixor for less $.

I think I’m going to pick up a Penn Live Liner this year. Looks like a nice reel.

[uppdacreek]

Bob said he won't be carrying Abu Garcia anymore, only Okuma. If you want one of the Rockets you will have to order one from CC. Just put my order this am

[A.W.Wolfram]

how much was that reel?

@CC $114 after $20 Abu mail in rebate.

HKK,

The rod is custome, I will post pics when its done but no other comments(forum policy)

[Here-Kitty-Kitty]

Thats not to bad of a price.

I would love to see the pics of that rod.

[MinnesnowtaWild]

The (1) spinning reel I do have is an Okuma Epixor EB-50. The overall size of the reel is just right for cattin' and matches up well with our larger cat rods. I've handled an EB-65 before and that reel is a weee bit large IMO. Shoot for something that compares in size to the Epixor EB-50 and you'll be good. You should be able to compare line capicity and weight of the models.

Heck... here you go:

Avenger AV-55 ($34.50 @ CC)

4.5:1 Ratio

6 ball bearings

240 yards/15lb mono

14.5 oz

Avenger ABF-50 "Bait Feeder" ($41.95 @ CC)

4.5:1 Ratio

6 ball bearings

280 yards/15lb mono

17.5 oz

Epixor EB-50 "Bait Feeder" ($68.95 @ CC)

4.5:1 Ratio

9 ball bearings

250 yards/15lb mono

17.4 oz

I know you are talking about the Avenger AV-55 but you'll really want to spend the extra $8 and get the "Bait Feeder" option that the Avenger ABF-50 has. I don't think you need a spinning reel any bigger than the ones I mentioned above.

Just curious what the ABF-50 "Bait Feeder" feature is. Looks like this is in my price range and the correct size for what I need just not sure what this feature will do for me.

[DTro]

A bait feeder is a fancy word for a clicker on a spinning reel.