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Advice needed for a fixed spool float fishing reel for trotting.

E

Etienne Harvey

Senior Member & Supporter
Hi everyone, I'm seeking some advice on which fixed spool reel to get for trotting. I do have a Preston innovations centris sd320 and a few closed faced reels, abu 706 and an old 501mk1 and i have ordered a 507mk2. Also i have recently brought a centerpin but that will take some time to get used to as this style of fishing is something ive never done before. So im thinking to get a nice fixed spool. I have up until now been a bankside angler but have ordered some waders to get into the river and try my hand at trotting for predominantly barbel. I was thinking that it would be a good idea to get something thats mag sealed and lightweight. So any ideas from you guys would be gladly welcomed.

Thanks Etienne
 
Hi Etienne
Your question is the same as I asked some time ago as I wanted a reel that could cast further than I normally do with a pin. After various good advice I settled for a Daiwa 24TDR 3012QD with a single handle
I have only used it once so far and it seemed fine but still prefer a pin for closer in work
By the way it was good meeting with you at my place, I hope you enjoyed the conversation and trust you are pleased with the rods
Wishing you Tight Lines!
Mike
 
Etienne Harvey said:
Hi everyone, I'm seeking some advice on which fixed spool reel to get for trotting. I do have a Preston innovations centris sd320 and a few closed faced reels, abu 706 and an old 501mk1 and i have ordered a 507mk2. Also i have recently brought a centerpin but that will take some time to get used to as this style of fishing is something ive never done before. So im thinking to get a nice fixed spool. I have up until now been a bankside angler but have ordered some waders to get into the river and try my hand at trotting for predominantly barbel. I was thinking that it would be a good idea to get something thats mag sealed and lightweight. So any ideas from you guys would be gladly welcomed.

Thanks Etienne
Click to expand...

Hi Etienne, your 501 should be good, appart from the line stick you get with them.
If you after a fixed spool reel you already have a belter in the centris!
If you just fancy a new reel then as mentioned by Mike Window the daiwa TDR reels are nice and the 3012 is just a nice size.
There are lots of other options to choose from though.
Best of luck with whatever you plump for 👍.
 
I will give another vote for the Cadence CS 7 in the 4000 size. Although I also have a Cadence CS10, again in 4000 size, the CS7 has a slightly lower gear ratio (5.6:1 Vs 6.2:1) giving a bit more cranking power should you need it.

I also own a couple of the Cadence CS6 reels in 3000 size which I use for chub and general float fishing.

At the price point I think you would struggle to find better reels. The clutch is a smooth as anything I have used, the quality is good, they come with a spare spool and if you want more spare spools or a double handle they are only £10 per item (except the CS10 5000 feeder reel which is £15 for a spare spool).

Take a look at the Catch More Media video on YouTube where James Robbins explains the range and at the end they give out a code for a 10% discount which I believe is still valid.
 

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Wow, lots of great advice from everyone. Thank you all very much. I have some researching to do. I did have a look at the candence reels at the Evesham Angling fair the other day and I'm kind of kicking myself for not buying one at the time as they were discounted quite heavily. I know I have a few capable reels but who doesn't like a new reel and what with my birthday at the end of the month thought I might treat myself.
Mike I throughly enjoyed our conversation and would of liked to continue it more but as I had taken up so much of your family time thought it was time enough. Thanks for the lovely rods and centerpin and your hospitality. Hope we could meet up again and maybe go fishing if you fancy it?
 
I personally think these make good float reels due to their small compact size:

johnsonrosstackle.co.uk

Shimano Baitrunner DL 2500 FB Reel

With a stealth gunmetal grey body, the new Shimano Baitrunner DL reel offers a host of features unique to the DL family of reels. Three shielded stainless steel ball bearings produce effortless performance, whilst the Power Roller helps to eliminate line twist with fine mono and braid...
johnsonrosstackle.co.uk johnsonrosstackle.co.uk

I also use them for all of my Chub and Perch tip fishing in the winter. Overall great all round reels 👍🏻

And re your centrepin, practice and practice, as there is no finer way to fish!
 
Etienne Harvey said:
Wow, lots of great advice from everyone. Thank you all very much. I have some researching to do. I did have a look at the candence reels at the Evesham Angling fair the other day and I'm kind of kicking myself for not buying one at the time as they were discounted quite heavily. I know I have a few capable reels but who doesn't like a new reel and what with my birthday at the end of the month thought I might treat myself.
Mike I throughly enjoyed our conversation and would have liked to continue it more but as I had taken up so much of your family time thought it was time enough. Thanks for the lovely rods and centerpin and your hospitality. Hope we could meet up again and maybe go fishing if you fancy it?
Click to expand...
Cadence run quite a few ‘road show’ events through the winter where their gear is available at discounted prices - as per Evesham. So if you aren’t in a hurry…..
 
I did message a guy about a pair of Shimano ST 2500 FB but alas no reply as of yet. I will be definitely putting in lots of practice with my centerpin as I like to learn new skills. No doubt playing a fish this way is going to be fun. Is there any way of finding out where the next event that Cadence will be attending as I'd like to go and speak to them. After checking out their website I'd like to check out some of their reels/rods and have a wiggle in person.
 
I forgot to mention the shimano FJ (ST2500FJ).
I have no idea if they are still available new as I got mine quite a few years back. I like them enough that I would look for a mint second hand one should anything untoward happen to mine.
I can't find anything negative to say about the reel, so just another option to possibly consider.

Stradic reviews
 
I'd suggest the Shimano Aero XR. Choose the size appropriate to the line being used and the rod it's going to be fitted to. I have a 3000, 4000 and 5000. The 3000 is generally used tor rods of 13' (and less) with lines around 4lb. The 5000 is used on longer rods and/or with lines of 6lb plus. With hindsight, due to the 4000 being only a few grams lighter than the 5000, I wouldn't buy one.

Cliff Turner said:
Etienne, someone on here was recently advertising a ci14 4000 Stradic, really light weight fantastic clutch, no backwind but this not an issue for me.
Click to expand...

I suspect that you are referring to Ben Jennings' recent sales post. The reel listed is a rear drag model which definitely does have an anti-reverse switch. I have a couple myself. https://www.anglingdirect.co.uk/shimano-stradic-ci4-ra

I also have one of the discontinued Stradic Ci4+ rear drag reels that doesn't have an anti-reverse switch. It was replaced by the first incarnation of the Vanford several years ago.
 
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I’m going to give a bit of an unhelpful start to my post and say persevering with the centrepin is well worth doing. Honestly once things start to click you’ll be kicking them fixed spool reels round the shed they’ll get so little use.

Granted there are rare occasions when I will use one for trotting and it’s usually on the very rare occasions on the wide sections of the Trent where my best Wallis cast hasn’t quite got the legs to where i want to be.

If I have to pick a favourite it’s the now discontinued mk2 daiwa TDX 3010.
I’m yet to find a fixed spool reel i personally prefer for trotting.
I would say also have a look at the new matrix reel that’s not too long been launched. I’ve not tried one but not only does it look the part, i believe there’s been a bit of thought put into its design around trotting. They ain’t cheap either.

My TDX below on one of the rare days I was speaking about.
IMG_6239.jpeg
 
Lots of food for thought with the choices of reels, thanks guys your advice is very much appreciated. I've kindly been offered a demo of the Cadence CS7 4000 and CS10 4000 next week so will be able to see how they balance up on my rods. Today from the tackle shop I picked up some chest waders and a Abu 507mk2. This sunday I'm all set to go to the Wye with a couple of friends and i plan on trotting all day. Of course I'll be taking my centerpin with me aswell.
 
Richard regarding the matrix reel after a little search i found the matrix hx pro which is definitely a well thought out trotting reel, apparently they have designed it thinking about the distance of your fingers to the spool there by making it easier to trap the line for holding back the float and using a brass pinion instead of zinc and with a triple internal seal. I wonder if this triple seal is enough to keep water from entering the gearing from the occasional dunk.
 
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