Choosing a fishing reel

T

Thealo

.177 BB
Messages
4
Reaction score
3
Location
Louisiana
Hi everyone, I need some advice on what to buy for my second pole. I currently have a Shimano Symmetry 2500 FI for my Guide Series Ultimate 6’6” pole. My dad recently gifted me all his fishing gear, including a beautiful St. Croix Premier 6’ PSMF, which I believe will be my primary fishing pole. However, the issue is that he has older reels with those poles. I think I’d like to upgrade to new ones. The reels he has with the poles he gave me are Zebco Cardinal 4’s and one Abu Cardinal 4. Should I upgrade? If I do, what should I get? I prefer Shimano reels.
Thanks for your time.
 
GTN

GTN

.308 Win
Messages
3,516
Reaction score
4,992
Location
Livingston County
Those reels are classics! It was my first spinning reel in 1972. Do get rid of them.
I like Shimano Symetre and Sedona in the 4000 size. The bigger spool size gives you less line curl imo
 
Saltwater60

Saltwater60

.950 JDJ
Messages
34,798
Reaction score
39,193
Location
Western NY
I really like Pfluger supreme or President reels. I’ve had pfluger for the last 25 years and one has never failed me. I have about 10-15 of them between me and my son. My son has a kastking he swears is great.
 
218bee

218bee

.44 mag
Messages
858
Reaction score
990
Location
Westchester
You don’t mention what type of fishing you’re into, but I’m also a Shimano fan. Personally I fish salt water (Blues & Stripers) and use a Shimano 3500-series Baitrunner. Best of both worlds. Use it for top water plug casting and baitrunner function works great with a bunker chunk for bass/blues. Can use them for medium/large fresh water too, like reservoir fishing with sawbellies/minnows. Maybe a little big for your 6’ pole. Have a few on 6’6” and 7-footers and they look right at home. Pick up a used clean one on EBay for around a hundo.

IMG_0712.jpeg
 
camper4lyfe

camper4lyfe

.308 Win
Messages
4,519
Reaction score
6,779
Location
Avon, NY
I'd honestly look at respooling the current reels and see what you think of them. They may be just right and don't need to be replaced.

As far as potential replacements; don't ask me, I buy stuff on clearance.
 
Robin

Robin

.577 Tyrannosaur.
Messages
20,225
Reaction score
43,791
Location
Livingston County
I always liked the Penn stuff, never had an issue.
Though, looking at the current pricing I'm happy I haven't needed one in the last thirty years or so.

Saltwater Fishing Reels | PENN Fishing® US

Pull in your catch at sea with the saltwater reels at PENN Fishing® US. Shop our selection of baitcast, conventional, fly, and spinning fishing reels today!
www.pennfishing.com www.pennfishing.com
Robin
 
Saltwater60

Saltwater60

.950 JDJ
Messages
34,798
Reaction score
39,193
Location
Western NY
Robin said:
I always liked the Penn stuff, never had an issue.
Though, looking at the current pricing I'm happy I haven't needed one in the last thirty years or so.

Saltwater Fishing Reels | PENN Fishing® US

Pull in your catch at sea with the saltwater reels at PENN Fishing® US. Shop our selection of baitcast, conventional, fly, and spinning fishing reels today!
www.pennfishing.com www.pennfishing.com
Robin
Click to expand...
You can’t go wrong with penn products.
OP, you’ll be happy with any of the brand name gear out there. Go to a shop, bring your rod, and see what feels right on the rod. I like to know the balance of the rod and reel and how smooth it ranks in. The capacity and gear ratio are the other two things I look at. If it doesn’t feel right on the rod all else could be great but I won’t buy it. If you fish for a long time you will get fatigued.
 
pjzwtl

pjzwtl

.308 Win
Messages
4,110
Reaction score
8,782
Location
Sullivan County
Robin said:
I always liked the Penn stuff, never had an issue.
Though, looking at the current pricing I'm happy I haven't needed one in the last thirty years or so.

Saltwater Fishing Reels | PENN Fishing® US

Pull in your catch at sea with the saltwater reels at PENN Fishing® US. Shop our selection of baitcast, conventional, fly, and spinning fishing reels today!
www.pennfishing.com www.pennfishing.com
Robin
Click to expand...
Ditto on Penn
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top