Fin-Nor Santiago???

[Van Wildonher]

Hi all, new guy here.

Just wondering does anybody use these reels? I just purchased a 50 off of ebay for $475.00 and was wondering if they can hold their own in "real life" circumstances?

[wrap-check]

I've got 4 of the Santiagos (3 50's and 1 50W), used them for 2 full seasons so far.

They are excellent reels, plenty of power, extremely smooth drags, and they've stood up to some healthy abuse.

That's a great deal that you found.

[Van Wildonher]

Sounds good, doesn't seem like many use them though.

Edit: What size line do you use on yours? Mono or braid. I'm thinking of going with 130 Jerry Brown, or maybe 80 Power Pro (because I already have it). Got any recommendations?

[wrap-check]

I've got 130lb hollow core with 100 yd top shots of 80 lb momoi daimond on three of them, and a bloody ton of 80 lb powerpro (that's what i had too) with about 200 yds of 80lb hi-catch on the other.

They haven't been on the market very long, but I think the quality is better than the other reels in this class.

[Van Wildonher]

Is the small phillips head screw on the spool to attach the line to? Not quite sure how that works.

[FESS]

FIN-NOR WAS BOUGHT OUT BY (ZEBCO) W.C. BRADLEY....QUANTUM, VAN STAAL, OLYMPIC (?), MARTIN, TO NAME A FEW.

[Van Wildonher]

Well I just spooled up about 1300 yards of Power Pro on this thing. I'm thinking I should have only put around 1000 and then went with a mono topshot but we'll see what happens.

[Nauti Natured]

I am interested in your feedback so please let me know what you think after fishing it for a while! I love their inshore spinning reels(the old ones) but have hesitated to buy any of the new stuff since it became a Zebco company because of the rumors of porr build quality and cheap materials.

[Van Wildonher]

Well I know for a fact that it doesn't look or feel cheap.

[wrap-check]

I am interested in your feedback so please let me know what you think after fishing it for a while! I love their inshore spinning reels(the old ones) but have hesitated to buy any of the new stuff since it became a Zebco company because of the rumors of porr build quality and cheap materials.

W.E. Webb does own Zebco, but they also own Van Staal and Cabo and there's no question about those brands.

I don't want to sound like a brand honk or anything, but I do know some of the guys at the company and they are really serious about bringing the Fin-nor brand back to what it once was.
Each of the last two seasons that I've fished their reels, they've taken them back to break down and see how they are surviving.