what shimano reel

[Anders]

I know there are some good reels out there but I like Shimano. They have always done well for me and the rest of my setup is Shimano (4-Torium 20's w/ Trevala 66MH, 2-Stradic 8000 w/ Trevala 66MH, 1-Calcutta 700 w/ Teramar 76 MH, 1-TLD20 w/ Trevala XXH). I am looking for a pair of smaller reels, maybe a calcutta 400, curado 300, torium 14, or something similar, but still in the Shimano group, they will probably be put on teramar 76 M or MH. I like the warranty that comes with Shimano and the service I have been given.

I am looking to catch smaller fish with them like Spanish Mackeral, Flounder, BlueFish, Taug, Striper, Puppy drum, and anything else. Probably more casting with these than anything else.

Any recommendations or experiences? Thanks

[Jiggin Junkie]

The Calcutta 400 would work great for those fish. I've caught 30+ reds on mine and 35+ kings also.

[Capt_John]

I like the Curado 300 for small game(mackeral,blues,redfish,etc.) Worked well for me although for baitcasting, I'm still an Abu-Garcia man.

[Jiggin Junkie]

Capt_John: You must have some old Abu-Garcias , because the new ones aren't worth the powder to blow them up. The old ones however are fantastic.

[Anders]

My dad bought one of the 6500 big games probably around 2001 and the drag stripped out of it, totally gone. I still have it and wonder if its worth the money to fix it.

[Jiggin Junkie]

I have a 6500C from 1970 that has caught more fish than you could fit in my boat twice and it is still going strong. I bought one for my son in 2002 and it is pure garbage. Cheap flimsy junk.

[Capt_John]

I like the Curado 300 for small game(mackeral,blues,redfish,etc.) Worked well for me although for baitcasting, I'm still an Abu-Garcia man.

I bought a bunch of 6500C3 reels(the older ones) on ebay and they work great. I also use an older 9000 and it is the heat also. You can find the 6500 reels online for @$40.00.

[Anders]

That makes me laugh, thanks guys for the input

[Capt_John]

My dad bought one of the 6500 big games probably around 2001 and the drag stripped out of it, totally gone. I still have it and wonder if its worth the money to fix it.

If it's one of the ones with the black frames and big game written on the side.....no. But if you get a 6500C3 new or old, you'll be doing good. or the 5500C3 also.

[getthenet]

I commercial striper,seabass, bluefish and taug and I love the torium 14s. I have 2 16s and 2 14s and i love them both. the 14 are great because they cast like a calcutta, but have a much better drag and high speed retrieve.