Estuary Reels -

[yakfishing]

Gday,

Im in the market for a new reel suited for estuary fishing, basically need something on a small budget (Ive already spent way too much on fishing!) and preferably as light as possible for flicking plastics hours on end. I was looking at the shimano FX 2500 which were 35 bucks. The price is right but I dont know what their weight was like. What else is there around that is decent, small, light and cheap? Im going to load it up with 6Ib braid.

Cheers

Edited January 12, 2008 by yakfishing

[arpie]

Hi YF

From memory the FX2500 is a fairly bulky reel. Check out some of the Daiwa & Shakespeare reels - the 1000 - 2000 ranges are really neat reels. I douse them in Lanox when I first get them & do it every month after, as well a light rinse after each outing! If you get a few years out of them, you are laughing! I'd be crying if I spent big bucks on the higher end reels & saw it end up in the drink .... which can happen in yak fishing!

Cheerio

Roberta

[Davemmm]

If you are going cheap the the fx models aren't too bad. As for weight I don't think they are that heavy and will do the job alright.

Dave

[troutboy]

Hi all, have a look in some of the larger department stores, the shimano jhx is being discontinued and you should be able to pick 1 up for around 40 to 50 bucks. I have been using 2 of these for over 5 years now and apart from some play in the handle assembly I have not had any problems with them. I have landed trout to 4kgs and a cod a little heavier and found the reels more than up to the task. If using purely in the salt just make sure you keep up the maintenance and they should last for a couple of seasons at least cheers troutboy

[Steve07]

Penn make a 2000 size reel,which are less than $40 bucks & are suited well for light estuary or soft plastic's

fishing,not sure which model it was,could be the affinity or applause, but very light & look pretty good quality

for the money.

steve

[SZ1]

Hi there, the Shimano Sienna is a pretty nice reel thats is weel priced you can pick these up at $60 for any size (they only go up to 4000) pretty smooth reel. Great value for money.

Cheers

[Flightmanager]

Yep , the Sienna 2500 is a great reel , smooth and pretty good drag for its size.

Okuma also make a good reel , and it is the same price as the Shimano . We have one of each , loaded with 6lb fireline.

Ross

[mottyman]

G'day,

I have a small Okuma (an avenger) as well as a Daiwa Samurai which I've had for a few years now and they are still going strong. The Samurai is in the pic below (also my Avatar)...

I look after them very well and don't treat them too hard but I've caught loads of bream, flatties, big trevors, bass, salmon and the list goes on.

I fish 4lb fireline on the Avenger and 6lb spiderwire stealth on the Samurai and they both go great.

Cheers

David.

Edited January 13, 2008 by mottyman

[yakfishing]

Thanks raiders, I ended up going the shimano FX, not really what I wanted but Im going on a trip shortly and needed something quick to suit my new rod, my other reel was too big and hefty for it. The old bank balance is a shambles after christmas and really couldnt go over $40 untill my next pay cheque (which is after my trip). Ill be saving up to get something mid-price range and Ill be picking your brains again for some more advice.