Seeker/Daiwa/Avet Choice for BTB WSB/Yellows (and a Lamiglas!)

[bubblehide]

I have Saltist's, Saltiga's, and Penn Fathoms, they are all top notch reels, and for star drags, it's difficult to chose one over the other. If you want a jig rod, I'd suggest a star drag reel over a lever drag for tossing iron or live bait; any choice of the above would not be a mistake. What I did not see pointed out about the narrow reels, is that they are supposed to cast better/further. The theory makes sense, but I have never actually tested it in the same exact reel with the narrow version vs the normal/wide version.

As for lever drags, there are also many very good lever drags on the market, Avet, Okuma, Accurate... just match your reel to the rod you want it on, and the way you intend to fish it.

As for what really makes the biggest difference at the end of the day, is the lightest rod/reel combo that does the job very well. What I mean is that if you intend on slinging iron all day, then you want a long rod, minimum 8'. But keep in mind that the longer the rod, the more the fish will beat you up, i.e., that shoulder will be feeling it (you might want to think about getting an MRI of the shoulder as you likely have some torn muscles).

Personally, I like the action of a glass rod over a pure carbon rod, especially fishing short topshots. But a hybred rod, or composite rod, (carbon glass mix) is so much superior to either, for a variety of reasons. And, at the end of the day, your shoulder will appreciate a hybred rod more than any other type.

Lastly, clearly your now addicted, and this set-u, is just the beginning.

[taggermike]

The weight of a rod is not a big deal if you're trolling and its in the rod holder most of the time. If it's a jig stick or heavier plastic out fit light weight is nice. Sealines are good reels and have been good reels for decades. The Saltists will definitely be better, maybe not at casting but more torque and power when fishing fish. High gear ratios are over rated in my opinion. For bait and surface iron 4:1 is fine, if you can evenfind a reel that low. For yo-yo iron a bit faster retrieve is helpful. I find mending the line on a narrow reel to be easier. I have only used avets a few times. For lever drags they cast well but I would stick with the star drags for casting and keep the lever drags for trolling and fishing live bait. A lever drag allows you to put more tension on the line when trolling larger baits. Having my star drags clicker buzzing and chirping the whole time I was trolling a big lively mac drove me crazy. Mike

[5-20]

Thanks, really appreciate all of the helpful responses/advice!!!

[YakAttak]

If you're looking for LH Daiwa reel in those sizes, the Daiwa Saltiga 30L a nice left handed reel. The Long Fins has it 30 or 40% off last couple months that I checked. I'm not sure if it's still on sale though

[CKallday71]

I have two Avets and after using them I honestly don't think I'd ever need anything else. They're easy to clean and lube and seem to handle the fish amazingly.

[5-20]

Originally Posted by YakAttak

If you're looking for LH Daiwa reel in those sizes, the Daiwa Saltiga 30L a nice left handed reel. The Long Fins has it 30 or 40% off last couple months that I checked. I'm not sure if it's still on sale though

Thanks - that really helps!