Thread: getting ready for spring

There's a lot of choices in reels out there. You can spend a lot, or a little depending on what you think is important. I'm not a "real" expert (pun intended), but you do want the reel to balance your poles if you are intending to hold them while you fish. Just my

I assume you are refering to the Shakespeare crappie Hunter rod built on the IM 6 graphite platform?

Normally, for me I prefer a lighter spinning reel on my "smaller" rods. Something in a size 10 (or 1000 depending on the maker)
For my 10 foot rods however, I prefer a size 15 or 1500.

It really depends on what you want to spend. Quantum makes a great reel sold for around $25.00 in the 1000 platform. If you want to step up a little bit, my favorite of the Quantum line-up is the "Accurist". Normally sold for around $100.00 for a size 1000, Gander Mountain was running a sale on them and they were considerably marked down. I prefer them over the Quantum "Smoke" (sold for around $150.00) because the smoke (in my opion) has too many openeing and cutouts that might let alot of water, dirt, and debris within the reel.

If you want to step up (and spend the money) The Shimano Stradic reel is about the best you can find for under $200.00

Hope that helps. Like cars, everyone has their personal favorite brand. I own shimano, quantum, Diawa, Okuma, Penn and a hand full of others. Just trying to give you my favorites for the platform you are using.

thanks for the input i have a shimano siene 500 and a 1000 realey nice little reels, have them on some 6' ultra lite rods. havent bought any reels in awhile so not to up to date with whats out there

update has any one used the stafford strados pro 2000? picked 1 up on ebay for 16.80 delivered. 7 bearing super smooth reel. seems to be a very well built reel, will find out when the ice leaves if ever lol

Can't say I have ever used one. Post a report once you put it thru the paces.

update on the ssp2000 took it out to do a little walleye fishing, no walleye. but a few small cats. the reels drag is very smooth and cast well. just a bit heavier than the shimano 1000 but a lot cheaper price, going to order another one for sure