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Best reel For trotting when casting distance?

M

Mike Window

Senior Member & Supporter
I always use centrepins when trotting and absolutely love them. However I have recently started fishing a couple of stretches where I am not a good enough caster with a pin to reach the far tree line.
Barbel are not the target fish chub, roach and dace are what I am aiming for.
What fixed spool or even closed face reels would members recommend?
 
My personal favorite fixed spool reel of choice is the now discontinued Daiwa TDX
I prefer the mk11 with the carbon body and magseals.
They are fantastic trotting fixed spool reels
 
If you can’t find a tdx then a tdr is a good second, always coming up in the usual places and far superior to current tdm’s. Best model in my opinion is the madsealed version pre qd.
 
Mike Window said:
I always use centrepins when trotting and absolutely love them. However I have recently started fishing a couple of stretches where I am not a good enough caster with a pin to reach the far tree line.
Barbel are not the target fish chub, roach and dace are what I am aiming for.
What fixed spool or even closed face reels would members recommend?
Click to expand...
Had the same issue as you Mike ie struggled to cast distance with my centre pin. I have never used a closed face reel so decided to give it a go. Bought the ABU 506 (good "entry level" reel) and after a few hours messing around on my local river, have now become fairly proficient with it.
The trick is not to overload it with line. I can't get used to what, to me, is a tiny handle, but it copes very well.
I can certainly cast to those areas where I want to trot.
 
Mike Window said:
I always use centrepins when trotting and absolutely love them. However I have recently started fishing a couple of stretches where I am not a good enough caster with a pin to reach the far tree line.
Barbel are not the target fish chub, roach and dace are what I am aiming for.
What fixed spool or even closed face reels would members recommend?
Click to expand...
I have used closed faced reels for years and caught lots of Chub on them. It's true you can have a few issues with line bedding in after playing a decent fish but a false cast ( preferably not over your taking area) to reset the line will cure it. You can use your finger to feed line to cure the occasional stick and in real terms none of these little issues will stop you catching plenty of fish. They are simple and quick to use and of course great in windy weather. I have used an original ABU 501 for years. I recently bought a Mk II 506. It's alright but I wish I'd bought a second hand 506 or the slightly larger 507 tbh.
 
Andrew Jackson said:
I have used closed faced reels for years and caught lots of Chub on them. It's true you can have a few issues with line bedding in after playing a decent fish but a false cast ( preferably not over your taking area) to reset the line will cure it. You can use your finger to feed line to cure the occasional stick and in real terms none of these little issues will stop you catching plenty of fish. They are simple and quick to use and of course great in windy weather. I have used an original ABU 501 for years. I recently bought a Mk II 506. It's alright but I wish I'd bought a second hand 506 or the slightly larger 507 tbh.
Click to expand...
Whatever you get, make sure it has the back wind facility.
 
daiwa TDX would be my choice too Mike followed by Daiwa matchwinner or Shimano Stradic GTM (the original Japanese models are best)
If you prefer something a bit more retro have a look at a Shimano super match HS, superb trotting reels
 
I am not a big fan of fixed spool reels for trotting but at times it is a case of needs must. I am currently using a Cadence CS10, 4000 size and like it very much as the clutch is totally reliable (I don't backwind) which gives me confidence when I have the net in one hand ready to land a fish.
 
Current Daiwa TDM. I like mine, even if they are 'inferior' to models costing twice as much.

Can't understand the fascination with closed face reels - if you're right-hand wind, forget an ABU, but if you insist, the Daiwa 125M looks the best of the lot.
.
 
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When I match fished almost exclusively, it was Shimano twin power mgs in 2500 for chub and grayling, and the 4000 if I knew berties were around. Hard to come by now and only a few reels that may be have bettered them.
 
Shimano XR series for me.

Very light, biggish spool and a decent drag. Only negative for me is the very small anti-reverse lever.

I tried a Cadence and Daiwa TDM beforehand. Previous ‘best’ was my pair of Shimano Aero Match 3’s.
 
Many thanks for all the advice
Bit annoyed that I have had several 507s pass through my hands without ever trying them
Will probably look out for a TDX or if not a TDR
I guess the 3012 size would be the one to go for
 
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