Which reels

[Mark Cripps]

Have been away a long time from Barbel fishing, got a few bits together last year then circumstances changed and did not pursue it, now all sorted so getting stuff together again and need some advice on reels, will mainly be fishing St Pats and the Loddon to start with, budget at most £100 a reel, lots to choose from had Shimano 5000 before but fancy something different so your thought please.

Cheers

 

[Deleted member 1090]

Johnson Ross were doing a deal on the shimano 4000d baitrunner last week at £99.99 each which is very decent and there a great little reel. Other then that what about a decent centrepin you can pick up some good ones on eBay for sensible money. Rapidex / trudex/ speedia. Are as good as any.

 

[Derek Funcks]

Mark, whatever you buy, make sure there Shimano. Keep your eyes open on the bay for any 3500b's that come up. Perfect barbel reel. Absolutely bomb proof.

 

[Iain Tutt]

Daiwa Black widow in size 4000. These have served me well since they came out. Great smooth drag and line lay. Never had any problems with them at all. Still look good as the day i bought them. Think they use thicker paint and better chrome on these models as you would be hard to say these are around 5 years old. I fish at lease 4 to 5 times a week all year round and they have been a brilliant investment. Shame you have to pay out more for a spare spool.

 

[Mark Cripps]

Managed to find a nice pair of Shimano 3500 GT's with spare spools on the bay from France at £116 Posted, not the cheapest but they look almost new, I had 5000RE's last time and found them a bit on the big size, so we will see how these suit. I did look at the Black Widows when first searching and having 3 rods and well under budget for the reels I will give one a go to see for myself so thanks chaps, I reckon they will do nicely.