Reels for running line

[John Smith 2]

Hi, what’s your recommendations for reels to go with a 14/15’ float rod?
Regards

 

[Jon Frisby]

4000d

 

[John Smith 2]

Thanks Jon. Got a few Abu 507s from years ago. Wondered how they’d perform with a decent Barbel On?

 

[Jon Frisby]

If it saves buying another reel give them a try Jon.

 

[John Smith 2]

If it saves buying another reel give them a try Jon.

No probs buying a new one if necessary. Just that in my old stick float days, managed better with a closed face as opposed to bail arm types( Mitchell match etc) Is the 4000d much different to the 4000 aero x fa?

 

[Jon Frisby]

I just like the baitrunner facility, as it's better than using the anti reverse, when your moving depth etc. Any baitrunner will do, they are generally slightly heavier too, so will balance a longer rod.

 

[Richard Isaacs]

) Is the 4000d much different to the 4000 aero x fa?

On paper no! Same reel, same guts, same baitrunner and same size n weight.
However for trotting I’d go with Jon’s approach between the two. Simply because the aero X FA has a bit of a reputation for taking line under the spool and getting you in a tangle. Not too big a deal for static as you can close the bail and carefully wind down but if you need to snap that bail quickly while trotting and hit a bite you could be in for some fun if your dealing with a barbel and a birds nest at the same time.

 

[John Smith 2]

Thanks for the advice. Yes Richard I have had that line problem on a larger model aero x.

 

[Richard Isaacs]

Thanks for the advice. Yes Richard I have had that line problem on a larger model aero x.

I’ve got the baby 2500 version. I’ve not had it long as I bought it on here from a member but it’s a cracking little reel and I’ve not had any problems so far.

 

[Neil Smart]

Was toying with using the baby 'stradics' but not sure how they will feel. I have recently bought a Okuma Pulzar 4000, bait runner, and it will make a good trotting reel I think, very very light and compact. How did you find the little 'uns performed Richard, with the float rod?

 

[Terry Simner]

I use Shimmy Match reels ... bought 3 off eBay over the years and never paid more than £30 IIRC. They're nice, solid, no nonsense reels.

 

[Richard Isaacs]

Was toying with using the baby 'stradics' but not sure how they will feel. I have recently bought a Okuma Pulzar 4000, bait runner, and it will make a good trotting reel I think, very very light and compact. How did you find the little 'uns performed Richard, with the float rod?

I can only say based on a waggler, on a still water and a very brief session or 2. It seemed fine but I haven’t really had enough seat time With it to judge properly.
I haven’t suffered the tangles yet but again there is time I’m sure.
The plan with that reel was always to be used with my new chubbing rod but it does also sit very nice on an acolyte.
So to be honest I dunno Neil. I haven’t had it long enough really to say anything useful

 

[Richard Isaacs]

I will say one thing it was like brand new when I got it yet it didn’t feel right (really Geary feel) so I gave it a quick service and no word of a lie it was practically bone dry inside from the factory.
No evidence at all of any lubrication.
I wonder how many managed to skip that stage during manufacturing

 

[Richard Isaacs]

no nonsense reels.

Very much so and so simple to look after.
It always amazes me just how little Goes into those reels (Some simply have just 1 or 2 bearings ) yet they compete so well with far more Over complex Reels on smoothness.
Shimmy also used the same common platform with them all regarding the way these reels are put together.
10 quid for a couple of bearings and you can change the lower end versions into top spec versions in about 10 minutes. I have a number of versions from that era too. They cost me a dollop of grease once a year.

 

[Jon Frisby]

I have one of those Daiwa ss2600 Tournaments, with the Carbon washers sat in the back of my garage, might put that on my second float rod. There a bit old school, but worked well for Tenching this spring.

 

[Richard Isaacs]

I have one of those Daiwa ss2600 Tournaments, with the Carbon washers sat in the back of my garage, might put that on my second float rod. There a bit old school, but worked well for Tenching this spring.

Very sought after reels nowadays, even rough ones fetch mega bucks.
I’d love to get one just to pull it apart and see how they tick

 

[Dave Brooksbank]

Been using one of these last 4 seasons on my Daiwa Spectron for float fishing
Superb little shimmy.Also the 2500 x aero for past 3 seasons for Chub Roach and Perch etc on the tip.
Haven't had no issues whatsoever with line getting trapped.
It may be down to what line is used.......