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In the Market...Surf Conventional Reel

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Discussion Starter · #1 ·
Colleagues...I am in the market for a surf casting conventional reel (baitcasting is my game). I've read with interest a host of different opinions, etc. on what is allegedly good and what to stay away from. So, on that note, I "think" I've narrowed by search down to the following: Avet SX 5.3 MC...or...Abu Garcia 6500 Blue Yonder...or... Daiwa Saltist (20 or 30)...or...Akios 656 CTM. These four frontrunners appear to have what I seek, as one who has used conventional reels before; however, its been a while, and where the mag cast is employed, this help sounds like a winner. Suggestions, opinions, or other models to consider are most welcome. Thanks for your time!!! :)
 
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#7 ·
I got the 6500 blue yonder a year and a half ago. Also got a 666 scm w from Tommy a few months ago. I get the same distance from both, but at the same price point, there is no comparison. The akios is smooth as butter, pretty, and has a better drag for fishing. The spool of the 6500 isnt well supported and rubs against the frame. Looks more like a gray yonder now.
 
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#9 ·
Let me start by stating that I sell both Akios and Truth reels.

The Akios 656 CTM is a great choice. Dollar for dollar it is GREAT value and one of the best casting surf reels on the market. High quality chrome plated brass sideplates, very good (best on market IMHO) mag control and brake blocks give you a the ability to fish a docile, easy to control kitten. With a little basic tuning you can turn the kitten into a screaming wildcat if that's your cup of tea.....

The Truth SM is also a great choice for long range surf fishing. It is new and has quickly developed a strong following. The SM is fast out of the bag. It casts on par with the 656 CTM but is a little more on the edge (fast) as far as out of the box tune goes. It has a mono-mag design braking system with no brake blokes. Where this reel REALLY shines is fighting a big fish. With 25 lbs of drag it will handle just about anything you will hook into from the beach short of a big biter. I caught a bunch of big drum on the SM last fall and it won me over.

Both the Akios and the Truth will provide OUTSTANDING customer service.

Tommy
 
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#10 ·
I have the 656, got it from Tommy three? years ago, it is way better than any of the ABUs that I have, (which is a bunch), the price is more than reasonable for what you ger. From the surf here we catch nothing larger than red tailed surf perch so the quality of the drag is moot. I did use it a couple of trips during the Bouy 10 season, 10 coho to 12# and three Chinook, the largest of which was 35#, it got the job done with ease.
 
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#12 ·
Not knowing much about conventional casting reels...is there a particular reason you don't choose reels that have level wind? Does it hinder performance or is it just preference? Having to guide your line back on your spool every time seems like it would get annoying after a while. Just curious.
 
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#13 ·
Razor1138 said:
Not knowing much about conventional casting reels...is there a particular reason you don't choose reels that have level wind? Does it hinder performance or is it just preference? Having to guide your line back on your spool every time seems like it would get annoying after a while. Just curious.
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No man it feels natural after a while.

Your thumb needs something to do on that hand anyway.

If the level wind is not there it will not get sand in it and bind up and stop the reel.

Level wind is OK on a boat.

And it will not add drag to the spool on the way out.

I can wind right handed and lay on line with my left thumb but it feels all wrong to wind left and lay it on with my right.

I got a tricked up 6500 Abu that will flat throw a bait even with a level wind. This is my wife's reel because she can not lay the line on the other reels no matter how much coaching.

I have left hand level wind Abus and I like left hand spinners but for non-level wind I want right hand.
 
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#14 ·
Thanks for the response! I think some time down the road I may try a conventional casting reel. As far as the level wind goes, I always seem to forget about the sand and saltwater screwing with/destroying moving parts.

Are there any decent conventional reels for around $100 to start off with, to learn with?

As far as rods go...do you still use spinning surf rods or do they make conventional casting surf rods?
 
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#15 ·
Razor1138 said:
Are there any decent conventional reels for around $100 to start off with, to learn with?

As far as rods go...do you still use spinning surf rods or do they make conventional casting surf rods?
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I'm not sure what the least expensive would be, but having learned on a reel that was not designed for distance casting, I recommend learning on one that is designed for it. A magnetic braking system will reduce the frustration of birds nests, broken line, and lost tackle. Filling a spool with braid might cost upwards of $30, so the premium paid on a decent reel should pay for itself quickly. By following the advice of unknowing store clerks I started with a conventional reel on a spinning rod. It can be done, and i would still use that rod with my conventional gear, but a casting rod made for a conventional reel will probably serve you better.

There is no problem with starting cheap while you learn, just dont compromise safety. If you catch the bug you'll want to upgrade your gear. Might be less expensive paying 50 or 100 extra now.

Another reason to avoid level winds is the knot for the shock leader would have to pass through it at high speed with great force. Depending what knot you use, that could be problematic.
 
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#16 ·
Razor1138 said:
Are there any decent conventional reels for around $100 to start off with, to learn with?
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DAIWA SEALINE-X 20SHA or 30SHA . . . Use MONOFILAMENT to start out . . . Easy to learn on and excellent to fish with !!!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Daiwa-Sealine-X-SHA-Saltwater-Conventional-Reel-SL-X20SHA-/401092999367

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Daiwa-Sealine-X-SHA-Saltwater-Conventional-Reel-SL-X30SHA-/401096621905

YES, there are Conventional rods . . . You can get a decent one without spending a fortune !!!
 
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#19 ·
Anchorite said:
Another reason to avoid level winds is the knot for the shock leader would have to pass through it at high speed with great force. Depending what knot you use, that could be problematic.
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Bingo! That's why I don't like levelwinds! You'll have enough birdsnests on your own without adding the possibility of catching your leader knot on your LW. In any case, I actually learned how to use conventional gear by fishing party boats and charters that prefer you use their gear instead of bringing your own. So after using their conventional gear, leveling with my thumb became second nature and I just had to develop a smooth stroke. The best advice I was given is to never "superman cast".
 
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