what reels do you guys use for freshwater fishing?

[ronmexico]

i'm a big fan of shimano reels and use mostly baitcasters.  i have a couple of curado's (older green version 200's) and a shimano scorpion, which is the japanese version of the curado, with some extras.  the scorpion is a 100.

[wiltznucs]

I'm not a big fan of baitcasters, but I am a fan of Shimano.  My most recent pickups have been the Magnesium MgFb Stradic spincasters.  I pair them up with St. Croix Avid series rods and they are fantastic.  You wont believe how lightweight the combo is.  I own several Stradics, Sustains, Calcuttas, and Trinidads currently.  I really want a big Stella but my budget doesnt allow for it!

[ronmexico]

I'm not a big fan of baitcasters, but I am a fan of Shimano.  My most recent pickups have been the Magnesium MgFb Stradic spincasters.  I pair them up with St. Croix Avid series rods and they are fantastic.  You wont believe how lightweight the combo is.  I own several Stradics, Sustains, Calcuttas, and Trinidads currently.  I really want a big Stella but my budget doesnt allow for it!

i like the calcutta's and i know what you mean about the stella.

[wisturkeyhunter]

daiwa zillion for low profile
daiwa luna for round reel
for spinning I'll use any decent shimano or daiwa I rarely use a spinning any more.

[Bulldogmikey]

Quantum Energy is my favorite!

Mike

[ronmexico]

daiwa zillion for low profile
daiwa luna for round reel
for spinning I'll use any decent shimano or daiwa I rarely use a spinning any more.

i too rarely use spinning reels, but i like shimano's there as well, preferably with a trigger.  i mainly use spinning reels for worm fishing and light weight tackle.  i just don't feel as confident setting the hook on a big bass with a spinning set up. 

[wiltznucs]

i just don't feel as confident setting the hook on a big bass with a spinning set up.  

I used to believe this as well, and there are certainly occasions like flipping where a baitcaster pays off.  But with modern zero stretch superlines I dont think the hook setting power is an argument any longer.  For windy days and for casting distance you cant beat spinners, plus I havent found a baitcaster yet that truly has no backlashes.  Most of the fishing I do isnt in tight structure, so I really have little use for baitcasters anymore.

[ronmexico]

i just don't feel as confident setting the hook on a big bass with a spinning set up.  

I used to believe this as well, and there are certainly occasions like flipping where a baitcaster pays off.  But with modern zero stretch superlines I dont think the hook setting power is an argument any longer.  For windy days and for casting distance you cant beat spinners, plus I havent found a baitcaster yet that truly has no backlashes.  Most of the fishing I do isnt in tight structure, so I really have little use for baitcasters anymore.

i just feel a little more accurate with a baitcaster.  as for zero stretch lines, i only use them on my spinning reels and usually use 30# power pro.  i used to use it on baitcasters, but if you get hung up and start pulling too hard, the braid gets buried in the line and is heck to get out.  

[wisturkeyhunter]

I hate braid and won't use it. Can't cut it with my teeth, it digs into the spools, makes backlashes 100 times worse, rocks tear it up, I could go on but I think you get the point. I use 25 pound test copoly line on my swimbait set up that I through baits that weight as much as 5 ounce on and I use that for muskie and pike besides bass. If I fished for esox more I'd almost  have to use braid but it would at least 80#. I'd hate to have to fish these heavy swimbaits with spinning tackle. I use swimbaits for most my fishing anymore. I catch far less fish but far better quality when throwing 5+ inch baits.

[ronmexico]

I hate braid and won't use it. Can't cut it with my teeth, it digs into the spools, makes backlashes 100 times worse, rocks tear it up, I could go on but I think you get the point. I use 25 pound test copoly line on my swimbait set up that I through baits that weight as much as 5 ounce on and I use that for muskie and pike besides bass. If I fished for esox more I'd almost  have to use braid but it would at least 80#. I'd hate to have to fish these heavy swimbaits with spinning tackle. I use swimbaits for most my fishing anymore. I catch far less fish but far better quality when throwing 5+ inch baits.

i agree about throwing swimbaits with spinning tackle.  you certainly don't want to use a medium action rod if you do so.  i guess you could probably use a medium heavy rod for it, but i have never used one on my spinning gear.  but i do occasionally use a mh rod with my baitcasters.

[wiltznucs]

Different strokes for different folks, I do love my PowerPro...

[ronmexico]

Different strokes for different folks, I do love my PowerPro...

best braid out there, in my opinion.  i used to use 50# on my baitcasters and 30# on spinning.

[wisturkeyhunter]

Different strokes for different folks, I do love my PowerPro...

Your right Thats what it comes down to. I've even seen some guys muskie fishing with spinning tackle.

[Ozark Custom Calls]

I am a big "cane pole" fisherman myself!!!

Richard

[ronmexico]

I am a big "cane pole" fisherman myself!!!

Richard

that's what i learned on fishing for bream.  moved up to a zebco after that.