Alvey 651C5 setup for sharks off the beach?

[SMn]

Hello!

I need some advice on using an old 651C5 for sharking off the beach.

1. What weigh line should I be looking at? I know mono is the go for this reel, but how heavy should I go?

2. How should I rig for this style of fishing? I will be casting baits into gutters at night... how long a leader? Should it be wire? Hooks, swivels and sinkers?

3. How does the drag system work on the Alvey? I have only ever used the A and B models with no drag function.

Looking at catching Bronzies, etc. to about 1.5m...

I appreciate your time.

SMn.

Edited November 1, 2012 by SMn

[sydangler]

Never used an alvey.

But on the rest of it. 30lb should be enough for those sized sharks. Go with a long heavy mono leader 100lb or so as the sharks skin will wear through it. You can get away with out wire if u run say a meter of 150-200lb mono to a circle hook. Other wise wire is the go.

[rockfisherman]

Hello!

I need some advice on using an old 651C5 for sharking off the beach.

1. What weigh line should I be looking at? I know mono is the go for this reel, but how heavy should ,. How should I rig for this style of fishing? I will be casting baits into gutters at night... how long a leader? Should it be wire? Hooks, swivels and sinkers?

3. How does the drag system work on the Alvey? I have only ever used the A and B models with no drag function.

Looking at catching Bronzies, etc. to about 1.5m...

I appreciate your time.

SMn.

Iv never fished for sharks, but I can give you some alvey direction. Even if the reel is spooled with what looks like 30lb, strip it off and respool with 30lb Jarvis walker line, or seeing as its a dark reel you could put some platypus low stretch on. A secondary advantage to respooling is it will get you the hang of using your finger to evenly spool the line on, it is a bit daunting spooling 500m on an alvey, but once you have the line on nicely, it's smooth sailing after that, just make sure you wind it on with a bit of tension. Also you will need a low mount rod with an open runner. And I'm guessing you'll be fishing at night. Take it for a thrash during the day, get to know your reel, because a little led headlight on the beach dosnt give out much light.

The drags on alveys work fine, if its been a while since the reels been used, use reel oil to lubricate the drag washers, oil is recommended because grease will collect sand, and while you're there , lubricate the rest of the reel.

Fishingphase

[SMn]

Iv never fished for sharks, but I can give you some alvey direction. Even if the reel is spooled with what looks like 30lb, strip it off and respool with 30lb Jarvis walker line, or seeing as its a dark reel you could put some platypus low stretch on. A secondary advantage to respooling is it will get you the hang of using your finger to evenly spool the line on, it is a bit daunting spooling 500m on an alvey, but once you have the line on nicely, it's smooth sailing after that, just make sure you wind it on with a bit of tension. Also you will need a low mount rod with an open runner. And I'm guessing you'll be fishing at night. Take it for a thrash during the day, get to know your reel, because a little led headlight on the beach dosnt give out much light.

The drags on alveys work fine, if its been a while since the reels been used, use reel oil to lubricate the drag washers, oil is recommended because grease will collect sand, and while you're there , lubricate the rest of the reel.

Fishingphase

Appreciate the advice Fishingphase I've currently got my 650A5 spooled with Platy pre-test and it's nice line, I'm thinking of backing with Javis Walker then using a flurocarbon leader, just wind on the whole 150m, will be tough in the old finger though I think... I have never used the drag, always palmed the 650A5 so was unsure whether I actually needed to do anything fancy to kick it into gear. Had a look at this arvo again and I think I have the gist... If the weather holds out tomorrow night I'll give it a crack.

Any thoughts on the line holders for spooling that clip on halfway up the rod? Spooled both my 650A5 and 625B essentially by hand, meaning I had a pen through the line spool then jammed between my knees while balancing the butt end of a rod and the reel in my lap... That was an experience for sure!!! Hahaha...

Cheers for the insight mate!!!

Edited November 1, 2012 by SMn

[SMn]

Never used an alvey.

But on the rest of it. 30lb should be enough for those sized sharks. Go with a long heavy mono leader 100lb or so as the sharks skin will wear through it. You can get away with out wire if u run say a meter of 150-200lb mono to a circle hook. Other wise wire is the go.

Awesome! I didn't like the idea of wire as I am sure would certainly scare away any other by catch and the flurocarbon leaders these days can be super fine. 100lb leader brings it all home when dealing with those weights!!! Hahaha...

Yep circle hooks seem like winners, Should I snell 2 together or will 1 be enough? (especially when removing!) Thinking of 8/0 Gamas or Mustads... Will be using whole butterflied tailor courtesy of a sale at the fish market last weekend...

[SMn]

Had a ball last night and learn't a whole heap in the process!

Caught the tastiest piece of seaweed ever on the first cast with the 651c5 and found out I am missing some of the crucial components for the drag... The spool rotated just fine with a minimum of weight, but anything heavier then the bait and rig there was no traction with the handles! I managed to retrive my line in the end, luckly I brought my 650a5 with me as well and used that to great effect for the rest of the night.

My next cast on the 650a5 saw action straight away... Bump bump wizzzzzzzzz about 50m of line peeled off the reel in seconds and in my rookie haste applied pressure non-stop trying to beach my catch... 5 minutes into the fight... Snap... S##t! It certainly got the adrenalin pumping though!

Nothing for about 2 1/2 hrs (about 12.15am at this stage) when I felt a huge pressure on the line and the rod bent over. I was ready this time and gave it all the time in the world, palming the spool, jogging up and down the beach to keep pace with the fish... At 1am had it licked, was ready to let the next wave wash it up on the sand, I saw a brilliant flash of white as the creature rolled over in the surf, almost wet myself! Arms and back aching, hands bruised and raw from the battle. I was ready to claim victory with a pic and realised I was holding my rod almost straight up, as the wave recceded it sucked the creature back and... Snap! 20lb platy pre test gave out and the beast wallowed in the wash, it took all my will power not to charge into the water and grab it, however, thinking fast like I'm famous for, grabbed my phone to take a snapshot... Best photo of pure blackness caught on camera in recorded history!

After my face melted off for the second time that night, I cracked a cheesy grin cause I had almost caught my 1st shark... Anyway I think it was a bronzie it had the long tail fin and a blunt type of nose, I reckon somewhere between 4 and 5 foot but I'll never know... Was bl00dy awesome though!

Used 2 types of rigs through the night 80lb nylon coated wire and the other 100lb mono leader both with 2x snelled 8/0 circle hooks... The wire didn't get a touch, so in future the mono leader is the go... My arms and back are aching, it is a wonderful feeling!

Cheers for the input and advice guys!!!

[rockfisherman]

Good to see you had success, which in turn will keep you going back for more

Fishingphase

[SMn]

For sure!!

[spizza]

Hello!

I need some advice on using an old 651C5 for sharking off the beach.

1. What weigh line should I be looking at? I know mono is the go for this reel, but how heavy should I go?

2. How should I rig for this style of fishing? I will be casting baits into gutters at night... how long a leader? Should it be wire? Hooks, swivels and sinkers?

3. How does the drag system work on the Alvey? I have only ever used the A and B models with no drag function.

Looking at catching Bronzies, etc. to about 1.5m...

I appreciate your time.

SMn.

Hi buddy,

Some feedback below, I own a couple of the 'C' series...650 / 700.

1. You don't need to go too heavy on the beach for sharks of that range...Something like Tortue or Platypus Lo-Stretch 15kg will do the job. Beef up your leader to 60/80lb.

2. As with all Alvey rigs, make sure you have a swivel before the rest of your rig (60/80lb). I use a running star sinker (up to 115g), and snooded 8/0's. Don't need wire, but be prepared to lose some rigs with mono.

With a 'C' style drag system, you balance the drag setting as required with the tip of your index finger as needed. The good thing with an Alvey is that you can always switch off the drag and use the 1:1 ratio, palming with your hand for drag. To get really familiar with it, just keep going out there and using the reel. Practise in daytime too and even go to a park and practise there.

Bronzies are around at the moment too...look for a late high tide (e.g. anywhere from 8 to 11p.m.) and full moons are good too. May - April see's a big run if whalers on the beaches. Butterflied baits are good, as is Squid too...the fresher the better.

Whaler's initial strikes are good, and usually they'll leap out of the air when hooked, so that's a dead giveaway there's a whaler on the other side of your rig....they usually run along the beach with fast head shakes, but are easily subdued if you take your time.

S.

Edited November 4, 2012 by spizza

[SMn]

Hi buddy,

Some feedback below, I own a couple of the 'C' series...650 / 700.

1. You don't need to go too heavy on the beach for sharks of that range...Something like Tortue or Platypus Lo-Stretch 15kg will do the job. Beef up your leader to 60/80lb.

2. As with all Alvey rigs, make sure you have a swivel before the rest of your rig (60/80lb). I use a running star sinker (up to 115g), and snooded 8/0's. Don't need wire, but be prepared to lose some rigs with mono.

With a 'C' style drag system, you balance the drag setting as required with the tip of your index finger as needed. The good thing with an Alvey is that you can always switch off the drag and use the 1:1 ratio, palming with your hand for drag. To get really familiar with it, just keep going out there and using the reel. Practise in daytime too and even go to a park and practise there.

Bronzies are around at the moment too...look for a late high tide (e.g. anywhere from 8 to 11p.m.) and full moons are good too. May - April see's a big run if whalers on the beaches. Butterflied baits are good, as is Squid too...the fresher the better.

Whaler's initial strikes are good, and usually they'll leap out of the air when hooked, so that's a dead giveaway there's a whaler on the other side of your rig....they usually run along the beach with fast head shakes, but are easily subdued if you take your time.

S.

Spizza your a dead set legend!!! Check the fishing reports I had success Friday night! Only a little one as far as these beasties go (a schoolie 105cm) but down right freaking fantastic!!! I love my Alvey reels!!! Pulled the 651C apart and found of all things the top circle nut had the washer slightly askew so it didn't line up with the spindle hence the movement between spool and backing plate! Simple problem simple fix, I can't believe how robust these reels are! The drag is simply a series of washers and man do they do the job! Will take me a while to adjust to the reel spinning while I am holding onto the handles though...

Mate thanks so much for the feedback really appreciate it!!!

[SMn]

Good to see you had success, which in turn will keep you going back for more

Fishingphase

Fishingphase I appreciate all the input!!! It paid off as I landed my 1st shark Friday night!! A schoolie 105cm, was incredible on the 651C which after taking apart had a simple solution... Rookie mistake!!! Hahaha... Anyway I posted a pic in the fishing reports section of the wee beastie if ever you want to see the one I finally landed. Super stoked!!!

Thanks!

[big Neil]

Fishingphase I appreciate all the input!!! It paid off as I landed my 1st shark Friday night!! A schoolie 105cm, was incredible on the 651C which after taking apart had a simple solution... Rookie mistake!!! Hahaha... Anyway I posted a pic in the fishing reports section of the wee beastie if ever you want to see the one I finally landed. Super stoked!!!

Thanks!

SMn, I've just bought an Alvey reel and it came with a dvd. One interesting pointer was the recommendation to put your spool of mono line in a bucket of water whilst you spool it onto your reel, under tension. This stops heat from damaging the line and possibly failing at some crucial part of catching a fish. They are great reels and Aussie made too. Good luck, Neil.

[SMn]

SMn, I've just bought an Alvey reel and it came with a dvd. One interesting pointer was the recommendation to put your spool of mono line in a bucket of water whilst you spool it onto your reel, under tension. This stops heat from damaging the line and possibly failing at some crucial part of catching a fish. They are great reels and Aussie made too. Good luck, Neil.

Thanks Big Neil much appreciated! I emailed the Alvey company a couple of times over the last few months and they are awesome at trouble shooting problems as well if you ever have a few questions about their gear... It's great to have quality Australian made fishing reels!

[spizza]

Spizza your a dead set legend!!! Check the fishing reports I had success Friday night! Only a little one as far as these beasties go (a schoolie 105cm) but down right freaking fantastic!!! I love my Alvey reels!!! Pulled the 651C apart and found of all things the top circle nut had the washer slightly askew so it didn't line up with the spindle hence the movement between spool and backing plate! Simple problem simple fix, I can't believe how robust these reels are! The drag is simply a series of washers and man do they do the job! Will take me a while to adjust to the reel spinning while I am holding onto the handles though...

Mate thanks so much for the feedback really appreciate it!!!

A lot of reels will come and go, but your Alvey will still be there for many years. Nice work on the bronzie.

Spizza.