Bass /Blue's Reel ?
 

I'm in the middle of building myself a new Bass and Bluefish rod, and I'm wondering what real I'm going to put on it. I generally like to anchor up near the bridges and drift clams, but I'll also drift eels in the inlet.. I'd like to here from you guys as to what Reels you guys like .

I love my Shimano Baitrunner (have 2 of them-450 model I think-may be 550). The reel is superb for that type of fishing. The baitrunner feature is ideal for bass fishing, as it allows the bass to pick up the bait and go with it, with no tension on the line. I always let them go with it, count to 10 then lock the baitrunner and set the hook. Works!!!

my choice for a spinner also. perfect for snagging bunker and letting them sit and get eaten.
and they are metal and don't flex when you are reeling in a 35 pound bass.
Stay away from Okuma spinners, cheap for a reason. Had 2, thought they looked "just as good as a Baitrunner for half the price". Both had broken bails in the first season. Flexed just trying to reel in a snagged bunker, nevermind a bass.

for conventional I like the Shimano TLD15. Lever drag great for trolling AND live bait.

For everyday fishing I love my Diawa Sealine 50H conventional reels. Most of my fishing involves blues, bass, steelheads and salmon, and the 50H is perfectly suited to those sizes. Strong, well made reels. Wish they still made them. I probably have a half dozen of them on different rods. For spinning I like either Penn or Diawa reels. Never had a Shimano, so can't comment on them.

you don't say if your looking for spinning or level wind. not familiar with the type of fishing your describing, but i'll second the diawa level wind, have had 2 of the 4/0's for over 25 years. also second the penn spinning gear. i am very rough on spinning reeis and the penn holds up very well. usually easy to work on and parts are readily available.

congrats on the rod building, lotta fun to catch a fish on one u wrapped yourself.

Thanks guys so much for your input!! I have always used 2 Reels ,the Penn jigmaster 500, or the Penn level wind. I'm trying to convince myself to venture out a bit and maybe try the Diawa/shimano and alike. as far as snagging bunker I do have an older Diawa Spinning reel for that .

John, I figure I owe you anyways, so if you want one of my Diawa 50H's (The H is for high speed retrieve) it's yours. Understand they are not levelwinds, you have to thumb the line as your retrieve. I've never found it a problem but I know some people prefer the levelwind feature. Still, these are rock solid reels that with minimum care will last you a lifetime. Your's if you want one.

Paul, as much as I respect and admire the loyalty that's not necessary. I get far more Out of Wellcraft 20.com than I have ever given! Just this year alone I have not spent one red cent on a mechanic to help get my new to me boat in shipshape for the season. I've had a fuel delivery issue, an overheating issue, and let's not forget the not so minor issue of me overlooking the fact that the primer ball was in the battery compartment and quite possibly blowing myself up hehehe... and you guys still let me hang around here with the common Knowledge that I no longer own a V 20 ha ha . But seriously I found one of those Reels in my neighborhood on craigslist and I'm going to quite possibly buy it tomorrow afternoon. I will definitely let you know how I like it

I'm betting you're going to love the reel. If you get two matched rods, that reel and one from me you can have a matched set that will be the envy of most fishermen. :sun:

PS Remember that these reels came with a rod clamp so if it's not included in the one you're buying you should haggle a bit on the price. (hell, haggle anyways, you never know). Look at the reel in this eBay ad to see what I mean about the clamp. It's on the bottom of the reel.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Daiwa-SEALIN...UAAOSw32lYuhiO

Paul, I actually saw that one last night and thought about making an offer, so now I did .like you said you never know.