The Sahara is just fine, I have a Stradic FI and a new CI4 and my Saharas are just as good and a lot cheaper. The real size depends on the rod and application. Match your reel to those and you can't go wrong.
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The Sahara is just fine, I have a Stradic FI and a new CI4 and my Saharas are just as good and a lot cheaper. The real size depends on the rod and application. Match your reel to those and you can't go wrong.
My two cents, I wouldn't consider a Shimano but instead invest my money in a Pflueger. For the money, you just can't go wrong with a Pflueger President, it's about 60 bucks. Pflueger's have made a tremendous comeback in recent years and are probably more popular than ever.
FWIW, I've got five different Pfluegers and love them all. For gills/redear, I actually like their smallest model, can't remember what it is but I've got in both the Trion and President series.
I agree about the Pfleugers. For size I would match the size reel to the rod. For the smallest lightest rods, the smallest size. For longer rods a bit bigger reel gives a better balance. Extra spools are always nice. It very often pays to have either a backup spool or an additional one with a different line or line weight.
I will also chime in that I own both the Shimano Sahara and the Pflueger President. I prefer my Presidents hands down over my Sahara. Also, I have the 500 and the 1000 in the Sahara and if you are dead set on it I would go with the 1000. However for the President I use both the one that holds 115 yards of 4lb and the one that holds 115 yards of 6lb with regularity. I have 3 of the 115 yards 4lb and 2 of the 115 yards 6lb. They are great reels and I use them from crappie fishing to throwing lures for trout to fishing the river for smallmouth bass. Just great all around reels! I would for sure go with the president :) Daiwa's are also very smooth and good reels but the last one I had the anti reverse went out on it in a couple months. I would say I could probably get it fixed just haven't taken it anywhere (I'm not mechanically inclined). LOL
-Michael
I just bought a Shimana Sahara and will post my thoughts after testing it ! Got a great deal on E-Bay
I have 2 Sahara 1000's. They are very good little reels for bluegill, redears or crappie. They have them on clearance at DICK's for $45, a very good deal. They normally run $75-80.
Bassky
Never had any problems with any of my Shimano's they're all I use. Only thing about them right now that bugs me is they no longer include a spare spool, and on some models an extra will run you $30+.
I have some Okuma avenger 25a's. I like them and they are cheap with an extra spool for $25. I bought mine on line at Franks Great Outdoor world.Okuma Avenger "A" Series Spinning Reels - Spinning - Reels - Fishing They have the 15 25 and 30's for 25 each, I am happy with mine.
Just used my new Shimano Sahara 500 this morning for Bluegills and it's the smoothest reel I have ever owned. For a small reel I had no problem with the bail hitting my large hands. Very happy with it so far !
I used my new Shimano Sahara 500 this morning for Bluegills again and am very happy with it !