[New Daiwa Saltist Lever Drags]

I don't think you will be able to cast the saltist, more like lob similar to tld's etc.

Cheers

Chris

Thanks very much Chris - I agree about TLD - it is a lob, and heart in mouth with overruns. Cheers Jim

I have an avet bmx(black magic), top reel. Does not have mag casting control like the new avets but stil able to cast a great distance. The only know issue with avets is poor drainage which could have lead to rusting which could possibily be the reason for gregs to run like an old eggbeater. By drilling a pinsize hole under the gearbox for drainage solves this along with general tlc. I too was looking for a saltist ld but went the avet due to their solid build and personally haven't had the greatest customer service from daiwa in the past. They are a tough reel.

Thanks very much - worth checking whether they have fixed that up. Out of interest, what rod and line to you combine with the bmx? Thanks Jim

[New Daiwa Saltist Lever Drags]

Hi - I wonder whether anyone has had experince with the new Saltist lever drag reels - I am considering either a 30 or 40 single speed (already have a torium 20 which is v nice, but young bloke keeps taking it over and I like the lever drag - so darn it, will have to buy another reel) pro's/cons - particularly casting with them - I was looking at a US site and they said they would go for an Avet as they cast better and are stronger. I suspect a bit of American one upmanship here - but would appreciate thoughts. Would be using it to troll macks and cast if it was suitable. Thanks Jim

Thanks Greg - appreciated - Jim

[New Daiwa Saltist Lever Drags]

Hi - I wonder whether anyone has had experince with the new Saltist lever drag reels - I am considering either a 30 or 40 single speed (already have a torium 20 which is v nice, but young bloke keeps taking it over and I like the lever drag - so darn it, will have to buy another reel) pro's/cons - particularly casting with them - I was looking at a US site and they said they would go for an Avet as they cast better and are stronger. I suspect a bit of American one upmanship here - but would appreciate thoughts. Would be using it to troll macks and cast if it was suitable. Thanks Jim

[Level Line Overhead Or Open Reel]

Hornet

level wind reels do lay line for you and it is easier to fish with.

If you want to use these style reels on fast running fish the line can rub pretty fast

on the the line feed system. But for most general fishing they are fine. or the mech

could fail.on a fast run

The narrower the reel with levelwind the better in my opinion

as there will be less pressure on the line running out if the mechanism gets out is sinc with each other.

overheads with no levelwind you need to lay the line your self whilst winding the line in

after a while this becomes second nature. Also you will some times get more line on these reels

as the mechanism isn,t in the way or restricting you.

The above both reels are both good reels

personally i wouldn,t use a levelwind for tuna but thats my opinion

yes people have and still land fish on level wind.

Thanks Johnno - I appreciate your thoughts and it lines up with what our local tackle guy was saying - I am looking forward to the first fast run! Cheers Jim

G'day Jim,

I'm with Johnno. A level wind system is just one more mechanical system that can go wrong and adds more friction to the line. To be honest, it's really unlikely to ever be a problem as long as you look after it but the risk increases with the pressure you put on the system.

That's one of the reasons why almost all baitcasters for bass have them but game reels don't. The other reason is that baitcasters are made for fishing that involves repeated casting and retrieving (so it saves wearing out your thumb) whereas trolling and many other forms of fishing don't.

To get your line load level when retrieving without a level wind, you just need to use the thumb of your non-winding hand to guide the line from side to side as you wind. It's really easy.

If you're chasing macks by trolling or drifting baits I'd get a reel without a level wind. If you're throwing lures at schools you could consider it although I wouldn't personally. If you do decide to get a reel with a level wind for Macks make sure it's a good quality one so the LW is well engineered.

Cheers, Slinky

As with Johnno - Thanks Slinky - Just a matter of practice and getting used to it. Jim

[Level Line Overhead Or Open Reel]

Hi - Fishing for mackerel - any thoughts on level line or the other option with a reel - not sure what the others are called. Do the "others" finish up with a mountain of line in one spot - or how do you stop this. Are the linelevelers weaker because of that feature? many thanks Jim

[Mangrove Jack Gear]

Go the T-Curve Power Spin - 6'7", 5-10kg. About $240. Match it with a Stradic 4000 with 20lb braid and you should be sweet.

Many thanks - good advice - it just seems the budget goes up! Cheers

[Reels From The Usa]

I just ordered a replacement Stradic and Sahara from the states...

Under 250 bucks for both reels including delivery =

Check out Basspro.

Cheers

Tony

Where from please Tony? Thanks Jim

[Reels From The Usa]

You will pay duty and GST for anything over $1000AUD. They lifted the threshold a few years ago. It used to be $250 which would have ruined everything.

I buy all my reels from the US or Japan. Never had any problems. Be sure to buy from reputable dealers and check out your insurance particulars on your credit card. You should make sure you are covered.

Thanks very much Ceph. Any particular place in the US? Cheers Jim

[Reels From The Usa]

Has any one had expeince buying from the US?. Are there charges once the reels come into Australia? Warranty issues? Any experijnce with All-American Outdoors?

Thanks

[Mangrove Jack Gear]

I like a 6ft6in rod with plenty of grunt as we fish locked drags for jacks Make sure it has large guides so 30lb leaders will cast Most of the jacks up that way are small sub 40cm but still pull hard

I will use 14lb or 20lb fireline you dont need any more than that

Thanks very much Iceman - off to do some business now. Cheers

[Mangrove Jack Gear]

I use a shimano SFS Barraspin with a shimano 4000 seido spooled with 14lb fireline when up north chasing jacks

Thanks Iceman - the Barraspin is no longer made - what are your thoughts on length and line weight. Jim

[Mangrove Jack Gear]

Most good reels from shimano or daiwa in the 2500 to 4000 size loaded with 20 lb braid will get you most fish you are after and a nice 6 to 8 kg threadline stick off the rack will serve you well.

The thing that will make your choice easier is drag capacity for 20lb braid and most of the better reels will handle that much drag easily.

Certates,twinpowers and even the new stradics will work great and have more than adequate stopping power for the species you are after.

Cheers Stewy

Thanks Stewy - I had a Stradic in mind - the Certates looks good but well above current budget, and the twin - closer - but I like the idea of the the Stradic weight and price wise. The 3000 has drag of 15 lbs while the 4000 has 20lbs - when you speak of "drag capacity for 20lb braid" do I need to have a 20lb drag, or does the lighter 3000 stradic measure up OK. And would it be strong enough?

Hope this is not all too dumb - with my only decent cod - 11.5 lbs - my reel stuffed up and I pulled him hand over hand - infinitely variable drag!!

Re the rod - most of the Shimanos I have seen in the 6-8 kg are either very expensive, or about 7'- my bream rod is that but seems manageble - felt that might be too long for Jack so found a Daiwa Procaster 601 XHFS - 5-8 kg, 6' and good price - $90.00. Would you have any other suggestions please. Thanks again Jim

[Mangrove Jack Gear]

to the site Jim and that works fine

The Raiders will help you out with plenty of tips on tackle you will need to turn the JACKS out of the snags.

Cheers Stewy

Thanks Stewy - looking forward to that. Cheers Jim

[Mangrove Jack Gear]

Hi - first time on so hope this works. My son and I are going to Townsville in June July and amongst other things, want to catch a Mangrove Jack - or 2 or 3 even . Our gear now is either bream or murray cod bank fishing based. We will be fishing from a Hornet 435 with lures, soft plastics and bait - lot's of good info out there about that. But less so on rods and reels. Seeking your advice please - we like Shimano and Daiwa - most familiar there. Gear would be spinning - just learning baitcasters at this stage. Thanks Jim