The Best Spinning Reels In Its Own Class

SHIMANO STELLA 5000SW Spinning Reel - STL5000SW

Winner of the 2008 ICAST New Product Showcase Award for Best Saltwater Reel.

Smooth and durable, with high line capacity (up to 500 yards) , and drag, the Stella SW remains a favorite among high-stakes saltwater anglers. Now with the Propulsion, Paladin, and Aerowrap features, this S-Concept reel employs high-end Shimano technology to make sure that once you're hooked up, you'll land your catch. The Stella is the perfect reel to use with today's high speed butterfly jigging.

Features:

• Paladin Gear Durability Enhancement with Low Wear Rate Pinion Gear
• Propulsion Line Management System: Propulsion Spool Lip, SR One-Piece Bail Wire, Power Roller IV Oversized Roller with Overflange for the Ultimate in Line Protection, Redesigned Bail Trip, S-Arm Cam
• Aero Wrap II Oscillation
• Cold Forged Aluminum Spool: Proprietary Coating on Spool Lip is harder than a Ti coated Stainless Steel Spool Lip, Ceramic Coating on entire spool for extreme corrosion resistance
• Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) Coating on Line Roller
• SW Concept: Sw-Water Resistant Body, SW-Hyper Disk Drag (Twin Disk on 18000 & 20000 sizes), SW-Assist Stopper (except 5000 size), SW-Water Proof Drag, SW-Lightweight Ergonomic Handle Grips prevent premature bail trip
• SR Concept: SR-Balanced Body, SR-Slider, SR-3BB Oscillation, SR-Handle, SR-3-D Gear Design, SR-Floating Shaft, SR-Rigid Support System
• S Concept: S-Rotor, S-Guard, S-Shield Roller Clutch, S-Arm Cam
• S A-RB Bearings (Shielded A-RB)
• Twin Bearing Drag
• Super Stopper II
• Stopperless Design (No Anti-Reverse Switch)
• Septon Handle Grip
• Direct Drive Mechanism (Thread-In Handle Attachment)
• Fluidrive II
• Maintenance Port
• Aluminum Frame, Sideplate & Rotor
• Dyna-Balance

Specifications:
Model LineRet(in.) Line Cap(# Test/Yards) Max Drag (lbs.) BBearings RBearings Gear Weight (oz)

STL5000SW 40 10/240, 12/170, 14/135 29.0 14 1 6.2:1 14.3
STL8000SW 48 12/325, 16/235, 20/185 55.0 14 1 5.6:1 23.7

STL10000SW 50 12/500, 16/320, 20/220 51.0 14 1 5.8:1 23.5

STL18000SW 50 20/415, 25/340, 30/280 55.0 14 1 5.7:1 29.5

STL20000SW 41 20/460, 25/380, 30/320 55.0 14 1 4.4:1 30.2

DAIWA SALTIGA Z Spinning Reels - Daiwa Saltiga Z5000

Designed specifically for use with braid lines, Daiwa's Saltiga Spinning reels are probably the best spinning reels built today. These reels are tough enough to handle just about anything. The Saltiga Z is manufactored from a dense, non porous alloy with almost every interior and exterior moving part supported by and running on sealed stainless steel ball bearings. Rubber O Rings are used to seal every concievable entry point for water. Double O Ring seals are used to protect the huge drag washers. Counter sunk allen head bolts are used to secure the sealed side plate. The user is not expected to ever have to open this reel. In the highly unlikely event that it does need servicing, it's recommended to send it back to Daiwa.

Features:

• Digigear™ - digitally designed stainless and bronze alloy gears achieves more efficient meshing and a more powerful retrieve than much larger reels.
• Dual, full-time Infinite Anti-Reverse
• Zero Friction™ Mainshaft design for a smoother, more powerful retrieve
• Reverse-tapered, machined aluminum spool with cut proof Titanium Nitrided spool lip
• Fifteen ball and roller bearings
• Twist Buster® anti-line twist system with oversized ball bearing roller
• Rigid, ultra-precision aluminum alloy body, sideplate and rotor
• Super strong tubular stainless Air Bail™
• Bail lock prevents handle and rotor turning during a cast, never lose another plug on a cast.
• Manual bail trip for reliability
• Massive, ultra-smooth, water-resistant drag for superior performance wet or dry, double sealed to keep water out.
• Rubber O-rings are used to seal every conceivable point of entry of water

Specifications:

Line Capacity: Mono: 17/250, 20/185, 25/140 Braid Estimate: 40/440, 50/330

Bearings: 14BB, 1RB

GearRatio: 4.3:1

Weight: 29oz

Line Per Handle Turn: 39.8”

ABU GARCIA CARDINAL- Cardinal 500 ALB Reel

Aluminum-body spinning reel packed with features. Built with rugged durability and uncompromising quality. Engineered to deliver long life, the 500 ALB features a rugged aluminum body, 10-bearing drive with instant anti-reverse, machined aluminum handle, and high-performance gearing.

Abu Garcia has completely redone their Cardinal Series of spinning reels for the 2006 season. Sitting on top of the lineup are the redesigned Cardinal 500 ALB reels. Abu Garcia really lived up to their reputation with the Cardinal 500ALBi spinning reel. The Cardinals have always offered anglers a lot of features and performance for the money. Designed to be more durable and dependable than ever, the Abu Garcia® Cardinal® 500ALBi Spinning Reel’s rigid body and reel stem cover are made from corrosion-resistant X-Craftic™ aluminum alloy. The Cardinal 500ALBi features include a super-smooth 10-bearing system, heavy-duty Carbon Matrix Drag™ System, corrosion-resistant Duragear™ brass gears, Everlast™ Bail System, Instant Anti-Reverse™, and a spare spool.

These reels appear cleaner and more utilitarian in design. Gone are the wooden knobs, painted fames, and gold highlights. Instead the new reels are almost completely metallic in appearance with varying shades of metallic tones. The 300 series reels feature a darker titanium-like façade, while the 100 and the 500 have an aluminum and platinum tone finish.

Designed to be more durable and dependable than ever, the Abu Garcia® Cardinal® 500ALBi Spinning Reel’s rigid body and reel stem cover are made from corrosion-resistant X-Craftic™ aluminum alloy. The Cardinal 500ALBi features include a super-smooth 10-bearing system, heavy-duty Carbon Matrix Drag™ System, corrosion-resistant Duragear™ brass gears, Everlast™ Bail System, Instant Anti-Reverse™, and a spare spool

Specifications:

Model No. Bearings Capacity Gear Ratio Line Alarm Mag Brake Reel Wt/Oz Spool

C502ALB 10 6/175 5.1:1 Yes Graph 9.7 Alum

C501ALB 10 6/110 5.1:1 Yes Graph 7.6 Alum

C503ALB 10 8/180 5.1:1 Yes Graph 9.9 Alum

TEAM DAIWA - Fuego Series

Advanced, smooth and reliable, TD Fuego®-A spinning reels are designed to provide a higher level of overall performance. They’re also exceptionally light thanks to Daiwa’s exclusive “Zaion” construction. While this new super-carbon material feels as light as Magnesium, it offers unparalleled strength and corrosion resistance. Up to seven ball bearings, including corrosion-resistant CRBB bearings, plus a super-smooth waterproof drag, ensure unmatched smoothness and reliability in both freshwater and saltwater.

Features:

• Lightweight yet super strong “Zaion” body, rotor and sideplate construction.
• Up to seven ball bearings (including four CRBB corrosion resistant ball bearings) plus roller bearing
• Advanced Locomotive Levelwind
• ABS machined aluminum spool
• Free aluminum spare spool
• Digigear®: Digital gear design ensures a perfect mesh
• Washable Design: Sealed Drag System allows washing of the reel without forcing moisture, salt or debris inside.

Specifications:

Model Number Bearing GearRatio wt.Oz Line Cap lb./yard Drag Max

TD Fuego 1000A 4CRBB+3BB+1RB 4.7:1 7.9 6/80 4.4

TD Fuego 2000A 4CRBB+3BB+1RB 4.8:1 8.6 8/170,10/140 8.8

TDFUEGO3000A 4CRBB+3BB+1RB 4.8:1 8.3 10/200,12/170 15.4

LEARN TO CAST

Don't know how to cast? Using spinning or spin casting (closed faced) takes all of about 2 min. for an adult to learn the basics. Ask your experienced friend/s, they should be able to teach you. Here I will teach you theoretically on how to cast and remember - practice makes perfect!

There are 3 types of fishing reels normally used for casting.

• Open Face Spinning Reel
• Bait Casting Reel and
• Spin Cast @ Closed Face Reel

For beginners, its better to start learning how to cast using the open face spinning reel since it is so easy.

HOW TO CAST - The Open Face Spinning Reel

• The best way to hold a spinning reel for casting is to slide your rod hand around the reel seat, with two fingers in front of the reel stem and two fingers behind it. This gives you a good casting grip and more importantly, leaves your forefinger free to trap the line as the casting swing is made.
• A suitable amount of line is allowed to hang from the rod tip (between 15 and 45 cm should do it). The first finger of the reel hand is extended down toward the spool to pick up the line ahead of the bail arm and the line is then pulled back up against the rod grip, where the finger traps it. The bail arm is opened with your other hand and the reel is now ready for casting. It's important to get this sequence right. If you open the bail arm before you trap the line, line will spill from the spool and you'll get into a mess.
• With the line trapped and the bail open, swing the rod back past your shoulder and then forward again in a swift, smooth arc. This forward casting stroke should start slow, accelerate and then finish by drifting forward so the rod points horizontally in front of you.

• At the appropriate moment (while rod is still moving forward) the finger holding the line is straightened and the casting weight is thrown forward, towing the line behind it. You need to get this release timed right though, as if you release too early in the swing, the bait will fly up into the air and land who knows where. If you release the line too late in the swing, you will know where the bait lands all right because chances are it will go into the ground or water by your feet.
• A useful way to get the timing of this release right, is to swing the rod forward and as your casting arms begins to extend, point the line holding finger straight at your casting target. Most times, this will release the line at the correct moment and also direct the cast where it should go.
• The technique works with short and light single-handed rods, such as you might use for trout, bass, bream and so on, and with big, heavy, two-handed rods, suitable for beach or rock-fishing. With the single-handed rod, your free hand and arm does not come into play very much, but when casting with a two-handed rod, your other hand is needed, to anchor the rod butt and provide a fulcrum for the cast.
• During the cast, this other hand holds the butt down and in front of your body to act as a pivot point, while the reel hand swings and pushes the rod through the casting arc.

Please remember - Before you cast, look behind you to be sure no one else is there. Also, check for trees and bushes that can get in your way.

How to be a sport fishing Pro's for Dummies

Decide On The Target And Technique. The first step in selecting your rod and reel system is to tell your dealer the gamefish you're targeting, and remember; there is no single all-purpose rod and reel system. System used for freshwater casting are hardly appropriate for trolling. And the tackle needs of beach fishermen are far different from those of deep sea anglers. However sometimes you may have to forget about this advice due to budget constraint.

The next step is to identify the angling technique(gotcha!). Okay I'll stop pulling your leg? Let's say you're out to catch Tenggiri/Barracuda. There's a variety of techniques can be used to catch this fish i.e. casting from a boat, surf fishing, trolling, chumming or drifting bait, downrigger fishing, you name it. Your dealer can help you match the tackle to the technique you're familiar with as well as the target you intended to catch.

Find Out What Type Of Line You'll Be Using. Tell your dealer what type of line and breaking strength (line test) you'll be using, or ask for recommendations. Each rod and reel system is rated and labeled for a specific range of line tests (for instance, 10-20 lb.test). It's important that you do not stray too far from the recommended specs. Your dealer can then guide you to the best system for the line test you plan on using.

While most anglers use monofilament fishing line, some types of fishing lines require specialized rod and reel systems. For example, wire lines require a rod with carbide and roller guides. Similarly, lead core line requires the use of a level wind reel or narrow spool reel. Your dealer will be able to guide you in the right direction.

Be sure to tell your dealer if you plan on using the new braided, super thin diameter lines. Don't try to be smart! These lines are not only extremely thin but also very strong, allowing for much greater line capacity,and unlike monofilament, these lines have practically zero stretch. While such features are certainly beneficial in many angling situations, anglers are still learning about the performance characteristics of braided lines and their effect on today's fishing tackle. Your dealer,however can provide some general, common sense advise on the use of these lines. My advice, if you become snagged, don't pull with the rod. Rather, point the rod at the snag and pull back directly you may want to use the cutter at the end because if the pound test exceeds the rod's recommended specs, the rod may break before the line does. Also, if using a lever drag reel, it's important that you do not stray too far beyond the recommended maximum drag setting, even if the breaking strength of the braided line exceeds this figure. If the drag is set too high, the free spool may not function properly on these reels.

Match Your Reel To Your Rod...and your pocket. Practically every branded reel has a branded rod to match...and vice versa. Sometimes you may find that the rod/reel is cross referenced to matching reel/rod within the specification charts or catalogs. Ask for one! Use these as general guidelines and, with the help of your dealer, you can find the exact performance-matched rod and reel system that you need.

See Your Dealer Today. As I said before, if you have any questions, see your dealer. He's the one who can set you up with performance-matched rod and reel systems for just about any gamefish or any style of fishing.

My final advice is "invest in something that gives you the most satisfaction and that last".
Thanks: http://www.fortunecity.co.uk/olympia/martial/70/article.html

Selecting A Rod & Reel

How do you pick the rod and reel that's right for a particular style of fishing? With variety of model available the choices can sometimes be overwhelming, even for the seasoned angler.
To help you make the right selection and assemble a performance-matched rod and reel system, the best source apart from me,is your nearest tackle dealer. He or she(normally he)knows the right questions to ask (i.e. how much is your budget?), the right answers (i.e.One hundred only R?!!) and, best of all, the right tackle for local fishing (i.e. Is that so..? and at the end you end up digging bigger hole in your pocket).
Therefore, to help those who are shy but still enter the tackle shop feeling like pro? okay now I will teach you how to act like one with this?
Please continue on next title...