I am wondering is the Shimano Sahara 500 or 1000 is a good choice for Bluegills and Crappie? Or do I need to set up Shimano Stradic 1000.
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I am wondering is the Shimano Sahara 500 or 1000 is a good choice for Bluegills and Crappie? Or do I need to set up Shimano Stradic 1000.
A Sahara would be fine. I don't like the really tiny spools, though. I'd go with the 1000, but some prefer the 500's.Quote:
Originally Posted by CJ21
ok!
The Sahara will work fine. I prefer the 1000 size myself. The 500 size is a bit small for my hands.
The 1000 would be fine in my estimation. I like a reel that holds between 100 and 120 yards of 6lb test. That size just seems to work best for my type of fishing. I can fill it 2 or 3 times from a reel fill size spool, yet holds enough I can loose a little through the day.
I was at Bass Pro today and looked at the 500 and 1000 reels side-by-side. I like small reels, but the 500 is just too small, IMO. I'd go with the 1000.Quote:
Originally Posted by CJ21
FWIW, I use Daiwa 2500's.
Would the Stradic 1000 be better than the Sahara 1000?
Well, it costs $100 more, so it had better be. :) I think the Sahara would be fine, but if you'd like a Stradic, go for it.Quote:
Originally Posted by CJ21
One reason I've migrated to Daiwa is that they're still giving you a spare spool. Shimano stopped doing that a few years ago. If a spare spool is important to you, take a look at some Daiwas.
I dont know If I need spare spool.
I like them to have 2 different lines available to me. Maybe a high vis or different weight line on one or the other. If you fish where you break off with regularity the back up spool is handy as well.
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 !
Glad to hear you're enjoying it!!!!!!!!!!
I have several Sahara 1000s and 2000s. I am very satisfied.
i just picked up another sahara, this being a 1000 for a 6' light power st. croix premier. the reel is awesome, especially for panfish. i have a couple of bigger saharas and a few symetres also. i've had little problems with my shimanos over the years and as long as this is the case, i will continue to buy them. that being said, it looks like a change is either coming to the sahara line or maybe they are going to discontinue it. the reason i say that is the fact that many places have them on sale or discounted right now. i paid 49.99 for mine at dick's a few weeks ago. i believe cabela's also is discounting the smaller versions.
I like the shimano