Thread: Casting Fellows

the 6' UL Clarus, rated for 2-6 lb line is my favorite for both castin an shootin docks. I've been usin the Shimano Stradic CI4 reel in the 2500 size this yr an am very impressed with it. You'll have less coil in ya line with the mid sized reels than with the smaller ones. I have several of the Shimano Stellas an they are not worth the extra expense IMHO. I've also used the Symetre reel an have had very good service from it. Ray's Bait an Tackle in Eden sells all Shimano tackle bout $20 cheaper than any where else I've found.

The Shimano IX200R is a good inexpensive reel, I like it anyway. I haven't worn one out after using 4 of them for about 5 years.No ball bearings may be a show stopper for some, but, works fine for me. I mostly cast, so the durability has been really good for a reel that costs lesss than $15! This reel and the Shaklespeare Micro Graphit rod result in a very reliable combo for LT $35.

Cabelas Classic 6' Ul with a Pfluger President Believe its a 2000 equivelent

I had a St. Croix 6' Primere Ultra-light coupled with a Shimano Sahara that I really liked. I broke the tip of the rod and contacted St. Croix about a warranty replacement. The tech I spoke with recommended upgrading to an Avid series. While it was a little more money (and comes with a lifetime warranty), the extra money spent in 2 chunks wasn't so bad! I was surprised at the difference in the two riods and am glad I spent the extra money. The rod casts like a dream and is extremely sensitive. As I mainly fish out of a kayak I think a 6'6" or 7' rod might be a little more convenient, but I would buy this one again if I broke it. BTW, St. Croix customer service was superb.

Ed, its hard to go against Fishdoc recommendations, but you would have to splurg on the reel price. Picking out the rod is the hard part to me. Depends if you like a whippy/limber tip or a bit more back bone. Some companies UL is the same as anothers Light. Got to get it in your hand. For $100 total, you might want to check out the Ugly Stik Light series. They have a 6' 6" Ultra light and a 6' 2" Light. Cork handles and a tough rod blank. A bit heavier than some but should last for a working man. That leaves $50-60 for a reel. For that maybe the Pfleuger President in the size you like. It if lasts 2 years for Tap as much as he fishes and casts, it should last double or triple for the rest of us before it needs anything.

Fishdoc, does your Clarus have cork or foam handle?

The finest rig I have ever had and ever will have is my St Croix 6½' ultra light with a Shimano Stella 2500 on it. I can't believe the reel has gone up about $200 since I got mine.

Originally Posted by Barnacle Bill

I can't believe the reel has gone up about $200 since I got mine.

Part of the reason for that steep price increase, probably a large part, is the Fed's policy called "quantitative easing." Simply put, that means flooding the world with newly "printed" dollars. Here is a very good explanation of the cause and effect relationship between the Fed's easy money policy and the rising cost of all imported products, including reels produced in Japan. Wherever the article uses the words "oil" or "gas", substitute "Shimano."

600-$700 is rediculus for a crappie reel. Fishing in freshwater for a fish that rarely makes it over 3 lbs

To each his own... Just saying.

Ed check out cabelas classic ive got a 6 and a 5'6 they have cork handles on a IM6 sensitive as any other ul ive ever picked up. $25