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

[Richard Isaacs]

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.

Yes That’s the one. I must admit if I was using them more often I’d likely have a crack at that.

I really like the spool dimensions and compact body. It looks like a very well thought out design and yes, machined aluminum gearing is a nice touch over the more common die cast zinc gears.

This is something that doesn’t get thought about when people are looking for reels on the cheaper side of things. They might boast about having 11 bearing races in there but if the internal wearing parts are made of chocolate you’ll get a couple of years before they are scrap.
Just bear that in mind and I speak from the experience of having one or two reels in bits before now.

 

[Etienne Harvey]

Well today I picked up a Cadence CS7 4000 after being invited to compare this reel and a CS10 4000 on one of my rods to see how it balanced out. Many thanks to Andrew Burt for the demo. Also i would like to thank everyone who gave their advice. It's very much appreciated. For the price I think the CS7 is a bargain. I'll test it out on my next outing.

 

[Carl Massey]

I like Etienne have been doing some looking around for float trotting reels so I do have a Matrix HX Pro 4000 already and find this a nice tool for all manner of coarse fishing. When checking this post I thought I'd never really considered Cadence reels so was having a look on their site and for the CS10 Match reels it popped up with a Two For One buying option. I thought that sounded a good deal and have purchased a CS10 4000 Match reel (and get another for free) plus a few spare spools as they were only £10 each. (Note here you have to purchase two reels and then you get the offer).

After some correspondence with Cadence chaps this offer applies to the those CS10 reels and others so stocks going fast, but they can offer deals as below so just have to email them and ask.

"We still have CS10 3000's, but the CS10 4000 are virtually sold out now unfortunately. If anyone wants a 4000 reel we can offer the bogof deal on the CS7 or CS5 reels (3000 or 4000). Just ask them to email me at: support@cadencefishing.co.uk

These offers end 5th December, or when stocks are gone."

So I've got 2 CS10 4000 Match reels and 4 spare spools so I'll see how they compare to the Matrix HX Pro reel and Daiwa Centris SD I have in the bag. I'll update you later once they've had some use but thought some people might want to know.

And for the likes of Mr Isaacs and those traditionalists I do have a Centerpin (an Arnold Kingpin my fishing pal gave to me) which I do use when needed so haven't had a barbel yet but the chub give you plenty of fun.

 

[Chris Belcher]

+1 for the Shimano Aero XR 5000 (first Shimbongo I've bought in an age - I'm normally a Daiwa man through and through). . . I have one on my 15' Acolyte Specimen and the balance is good. Its v lightweight for a fixed spool 'match / feeder' type reel and the stem is short - although I have longish fingers anyway can see this being an advantage over other reels when trotting . . .

 

[Etienne Harvey]

I went with the Cs7 4000 over the Cs10 4000 because the Cs7 has a slightly higher gear ratio, quicker for the retrieve. It's a very nice bit of kit and even better value if you buy now with the bogof deal. I have been eyeing up the Matrix HX pro though......

 

[Gavin Burt]

The 501 is a great reel but can be a bit heavy in the hand after a while trotting.

It may or may not be in budget but I’ve got a JW Young Ray Walton “Rolling Pin” which tilts at 90-degrees so you can cast properly at distance if needed (with a lead / feeder) but still trot it down a swim should you desire. I believe it’s the perfect “do all” reel from a small river perspective.

It’s the only reel I use now for river fishing unless I’ve got two rods on the go doing an overnight session.

 

[Chris Belcher]

The 501 is a great reel but can be a bit heavy in the hand after a while trotting.

It may or may not be in budget but I’ve got a JW Young Ray Walton “Rolling Pin” which tilts at 90-degrees so you can cast properly at distance if needed (with a lead / feeder) but still trot it down a swim should you desire. I believe it’s the perfect “do all” reel from a small river perspective.

It’s the only reel I use now for river fishing unless I’ve got two rods on the go doing an overnight session.

I'd love a RW Pin but cant justify it atm! I occasionally use the poor mans version - the Shakespeare Lincoln side cast. No ratchet tho so its limited in that respect - however mines loaded with very fine dia floating braid (which alleviates the twist associated with this type of reel) and makes trotting for monster dace / chublets fun!