Reel for waggler fishing

[Martin Osmond]

Picking up my 15ft Hi s power float from Mark Tunley next weekend, hopefully, and whilst it will predominantly be used on the river with a pin there will be times I want to use it for a spot of waggler fishing.

I currently have a Shimano Aero Super Match, which I love but it's obviously very dated. Whilst still a quality reel and bombproof the small diameter spool has always been a bit of a problem with line coiling and twisting. So I may, not 100% convinced yet as I don't really like the look, get a more modern reel to pair with the rod.

What is the, if there is one, go to general float fishing reel in today's world? Or what reel do people recommend?

Cheers
Martin

 

[Alan Palmer]

If you like shimano have a look at the Stradic 4000 ci4. Lovely reels Martin …also daiwa TDR are quality reels
If you prefer old school shimano then the super aero GTM 4000 with fighting drag (original Japan models and shallow spools) are great reels….if you do fancy one of these give me a PM I’ve got an immaculate one in box I’ll be selling soon

 

[Tim Marks]

Shimano XR5000. Very light and not big for a 5000 reel.

Daiwa 4000 TDR, or the cheaper TDM version.

 

[Martin Osmond]

If you like shimano have a look at the Stradic 4000 ci4. Lovely reels Martin …also daiwa TDR are quality reels
If you prefer old school shimano then the super aero GTM 4000 with fighting drag (original Japan models and shallow spools) are great reels….if you do fancy one of these give me a PM I’ve got an immaculate one in box I’ll be selling soon

Hi Alan, tha is for this.

Very interested in the GTM, I'm always looking for old Jap Shimano's and am currently having a 1.25lb Torrix with spliced in tip being built so would go lovely on that.

Will PM you.

 

[Richard Isaacs]

Hi Alan, tha is for this.

Very interested in the GTM, I'm always looking for old Jap Shimano's and am currently having a 1.25lb Torrix with spliced in tip being built so would go lovely on that.

Will PM you.

The gtm 4000 spool is the same size and diameter as the super aero match.
I believe it’s the ms4 size in the shallow match spool.

Every one has their preferences on good fixed spool match reels, me it’s daiwa.

Having owned and serviced 99% of the popular ones i am 100% in favour of the Daiwas. TDX TDR TDM even the little ninjas on a budget. They have super snappy substantial bail arms, beautifully machined well sized spools and tough simple gearing.
The bottle cap clutch design especially if bearing assist is fantastic and the reels are just very robust.

Shimano are great apart from the bail arms.
The whole design is just weak and that includes the trip/spring and plunger.

Shimano bail arm systems make up more than 80% of my total repairs that I carry out to all reels, I’ve never once fixed a daiwa bail arm

Now that all said I do use Shimano baitrunner reels as I’m yet to find a nice 4000 size Daiwa version that compares with a thunnus on all other aspects.
A 4010 sized TDR with a quality free spool function would be a great contender if Daiwa were to make one.

 

[Tim Marks]

The gtm 4000 spool is the same size and diameter as the super aero match.
I believe it’s the ms4 size in the shallow match spool.

Every one has their preferences on good fixed spool match reels, me it’s daiwa.

Having owned and serviced 99% of the popular ones i am 100% in favour of the Daiwas. TDX TDR TDM even the little ninjas on a budget. They have super snappy substantial bail arms, beautifully machined well sized spools and tough simple gearing.
The bottle cap clutch design especially if bearing assist is fantastic and the reels are just very robust.

Shimano are great apart from the bail arms.
The whole design is just weak and that includes the trip/spring and plunger.

Shimano bail arm systems make up more than 80% of my total repairs that I carry out to all reels, I’ve never once fixed a daiwa bail arm

Now that all said I do use Shimano baitrunner reels as I’m yet to find a nice 4000 size Daiwa version that compares with a thunnus on all other aspects.
A 4010 sized TDR with a quality free spool function would be a great contender if Daiwa were to make one.

Rich; you are right about the Shimano spools.

I used to use Match 3’s for float fishing and 4000 Fighting drag Super GT’s because the spools all interchanged.

 

[Simon Archer]

I bought a Daiwa Connoisseur 14' power float last year. I teamed it up with a 4012 TDR and found it perfect. I've only used it a couple of times, both times with a stick float. But it's a very nice set up IMO.

I sometimes use a stepped up pellet waggler rod with a waggler for Barbel. That's got a 3012 TDM on it. Another nice combo.

 

[Dave Brooksbank]

Any decent reel with a wide spool is a must for waggler fishing.
Shimano aero 4000 fa feeder version with single handle (faster retrieve) or the lighter ci4 model have been my favourites.
I upgraded eventually to the flagship Arc aero 4000 ci4 coz I like them so much.