Reel opinions needed

[jaid]

Looking for a baitcaster that I can use as a dual purpose reel for bass and musky.

Using an ABU C4-5601 for musky right now.

Picking up a Shiman Scorpion 1001 for bass fishing this year.

Id like to pick up a third reel that will work well for both. Id like to be able to toss lures down to 3/8oz with it for bass, and up to 1 1/2oz for musky. Anything lighter, ill use the scorpion, and anything heavier, ill use the c4.

Considering a 2nd scorpion, but not sure if it would hold up to frequent run-ins with musky.

Also considering a curado 201b5, but not sure how it would handle frequent run-ins with musky either.

Id like to stay at or below $150. Anyone have any other suggestions?

[muzzymike]

jaid, go to D&R sports and check out the diawa millionaire cv-x 203 or 253. They are great reels! In the jan. edition of Woods and Water magazine D&R had an ad for millionaires for $89.99. They regularly go for $149.99. Last time i was in there they had lefty reels also.

[ESOX]

Thats a wide lure range for a baitcaster. I don't know what kind of line you intend to put on it (mono or braid) But take a look at the two smaller Abu Eons.
http://www.abu-garcia.com/products/PreDetail.cfm?PassPrevious=1300&PassCategoryStructureId=1333&PassLevel=2
I have a couple Eons that I got when they first came out. Wasnt terribly impressed, but Abu fixed them, and threw me a new one to boot. (The fact that I have 17 Abus registered might have had something to with that.) The newer models are sweet, They have the smoothest drags I have ever seen on a levelwind, a fast gear ratio. SMOOTH is the word. Price is right too, about $120.00 for a 6-BB reel.

Muzzymike has a good idea too, I run a couple Millionaires on two of my everyday use rods. Never tried the CVx's though. I have CVZ's.

By the way, I have an Abu Ultracast 6501 (lefty) sitting around if you need another reel cheap. They were the top of the line a few years back, discontinued now. Hasnt seen much use, only a few months while I had a broken left wrist, made cranking with the left hand impossible. But I always found a way to hold a rod.LOL

[jaid]

Originally posted by ESOX
Hasnt seen much use, only a few months while I had a broken left wrist, made cranking with the left hand impossible. But I always found a way to hold a rod.LOL

Haha! Now that is dedication, I commend you! What would you have done if a 50#'r decided to bite? :p


As far as the line type, itll probably be a thin braid. Something in the neighborhood of 30# power pro. Being new to baitcasters, I dont have any experience tossing mono with them yet. I may experiment with the scorpion when i get it, and put some 8# stren on it or something, just to see if it casts better/worse than braid.

I posted a similar question on another forum, and have gotten a lot of replies recommending the shimano calcuttas. Do you have any experiences with any calcuttas?

The millionaires look nice, but I would probably have to go with a used model, as new they seem to be a bit pricey. And so far, it doesnt look like the lefty models(i still say 'lefty' models are for right handed people!) are highly available in the used market.

So far im liking the look of the calcuttas (actually, the axis version 2 (http://www.japantackle.com/shimano_axis.htm) ), but id like to hear more opinions on them. Im also keeping an eye out for some lefty cvz's to pop up on ebay. The eons also look pretty good, especially for the money. Decisions, decisions....

[ESOX]

Well I said it backwards, but anyhow, its a lefty. (LH crank)

[ESOX]

I didn't mention. I had a Calcutta once, didn't even make it through a season. I don't know what it is about me and Shimano, Other than a bunch of Bantams fron the early eighties I still own, I have had NO luck with them. I'm sure that millions of other people aren't wrong, but I can't seem to get one to last.:rolleyes: