Spinning reel for Crappie suggestions?

[livemusic]

I have a Pfleuger President, it costs $60, and I think it is a great reel. I recently bought a Shimano Stradic (I bass fish mostly) that cost me $170, almost triple the cost. I haven't used the Stradic much yet, but honestly, so far, I can't tell the difference, lol.

I really question spending as much as I have for some of my bass-fishing rigs. I get wrapped up in the bass fishing forums and guys touting this and that, and I really don't know if it's worth it. I mean, I have $500 (per rod and reel) on a couple of rigs and just recently I bought a BPS pro qualifier model rod/reel for $100 during the annual spring sale (they put this reel on sale each year) and I am blown away with how much I like it. Everybody kept telling me how good a bargain it is.

Then again... I do admit I have a $300 Daiwa reel that I often notice how wonderfully smooth it is to reel. There is something special about it. So, if one can afford it, maybe it's okay, lol. But, does it catch more fish? Probably not. Maybe it gives a little bit less fatigue after a long fishing session.

I am also curious about obtaining a really good crappie rig but I am thinking a rod might be even more important than a reel.

[Alphahawk]

I have a Pfleuger President, it costs $60, and I think it is a great reel. I recently bought a Shimano Stradic (I bass fish mostly) that cost me $170, almost triple the cost. I haven't used the Stradic much yet, but honestly, so far, I can't tell the difference, lol.

I really question spending as much as I have for some of my bass-fishing rigs. I get wrapped up in the bass fishing forums and guys touting this and that, and I really don't know if it's worth it. I mean, I have $500 (per rod and reel) on a couple of rigs and just recently I bought a BPS pro qualifier model rod/reel for $100 during the annual spring sale (they put this reel on sale each year) and I am blown away with how much I like it. Everybody kept telling me how good a bargain it is.

Then again... I do admit I have a $300 Daiwa reel that I often notice how wonderfully smooth it is to reel. There is something special about it. So, if one can afford it, maybe it's okay, lol. But, does it catch more fish? Probably not. Maybe it gives a little bit less fatigue after a long fishing session.

I am also curious about obtaining a really good crappie rig but I am thinking a rod might be even more important than a reel.

I agree with you 100 percent. Being and enthusiast I just like having that fine piece of machinery in my hands to fish with. I am not going to catch anymore fish with a JDM reel.....but using a great JDM UL rod...that is a whole other story. If you ever use one of those you will never want any other rod in your hands.

Regards

[wannabe fisherman]

I agree with you 100 percent. Being and enthusiast I just like having that fine piece of machinery in my hands to fish with. I am not going to catch anymore fish with a JDM reel.....but using a great JDM UL rod...that is a whole other story. If you ever use one of those you will never want any other rod in your hands.

Regards

one thing about high end equipment is even if you're not catching it still makes you look like you know what you're doing.

[livemusic]

one thing about high end equipment is even if you're not catching it still makes you look like you know what you're doing.

You should tell that to that old gent I saw yesterday who had a jon boat bottom full of crappie, fishing with a cane pole and I had one crappie in the boat fishing a Stradic reel and St. Croix rod.

[Greg Parker]

Mitchell 300

[Fatman]

Shimano for me - have them from the 80's to present and never a problem with any of them

[wasilvers]

Hmmm, I fish a lot for crappie, used to be 2-3 times, 7 hours of reeling a time - rarely do I use live bait about 97% artificial. I go through my reels at the start of every season to clean and relube them. I have worn so many reels out it is embarrassing. Maybe it's time I try out a $100 reel and see if I can wear it out.

The wear comes from parts working loose so that the reel 'bumps'/thumps when moved. Some just get more difficult to turn over time, or develop something of a squeak/squeal or rough spots on the retrieve. I had one that would 'catch' during the retrieve about every 3-5 turns of the handle - crazy - I finally just pulled it and threw it away. I don't know why they get this way. They stay dry except for rain - but they don't get dunked and only stay in the boat or garage. Maybe I just fish harder?

[Alphahawk]

You should tell that to that old gent I saw yesterday who had a jon boat bottom full of crappie, fishing with a cane pole and I had one crappie in the boat fishing a Stradic reel and St. Croix rod.

Looking at the equipment I use out of Japan...the outfit I used today. To look at it most would not give it a second look. The rod is all black...the reel looks like any other reel...as I said most won't put anymore fish in the boat than with a cane pole. Same as those with $30,000 crappie boats....the jon boat will do just fine...but we are all different....what makes the world go around.

Regards

[doggone]

The daiwa's with the digi-gear and abs spool have won me over. They are the slickest operating reels I have owned. Have a Tierra,some Capricorns,and Excelers. Lot of good reels out there....I have some other reels...but every time I fish them I notice the Daiwas just get a point or two higher rating on my chart. Course now I have not tried every reel. But quite a few. Some people that have fished with me have switched after they tried one of mine.

If you don't ....try closing the bail by hand after the cast. I think it helps them last longer....and it is the craziest thing but you will get so you do not even realize your doing it.

[VaCrappieMan]

I close the bail by hand on all my reels... It's just force of habit now