What 2 reels would you pair with your only 2 rods?

I saw the post below on people’s favourite two rods, and it’s pretty much what I was thinking. I fish mostly jigs, usually vertically or slowly moving, and lindy/live bait rigs. I’m currently using a Berkely Mr. Walleye Gary Roach Professional Series 6’6″ medium action rod. I plan to upgrade rods this spring and add some more precision and the ability to switch presentations quicker.

My next thought was – what reels are guys pairing with these rods to make for the best two combinations?

I’ve currently got a Shimano Spirex 1500 reel on the rod, and I like it, no real complaints. I think I probably could do better though.

Apparently I’ve got some $$$ to spend this spring.

Waxy

Myself I would go with the shimano symmetres. If you can swing it, it would be worth jumping up to the stradic’s.

Just my .02

Yep that is what I would do, can’t beat them IMO

I agree with Eric… The symetre is a very functional reel for the money. The 1500 is a exceptional size. Good spool capacity and height, paired with a relatively small frame.

However if money is no object step up to the stradic.It is alot more reel than the symetry. However with the new redesign of the stradic it also has a much larger price tag. The new shimano reel the Saros may also be a good choice. I have not used one yet but have played with a couple in a tackle shop. Looks like a nice reel. It has a large spool on a small frame which I like.

So basically it is tough to go wrong with any higher level shimano reel. They all will treat you well. If you are a guy who buys reels and keeps them for a while. Treat yourself to some high end gear. In the long run you will be much happier. The cost difference only matters when you buy it, once you use it you will be more than satisfied that you spent the extra cash.

I have been running shimano reels for a long time and have been pretty satistfied until recently. I dont know if I keep getting the lemons, but I have had some issues blowing out clutches, and another issue on a new sedona I have here that just suddently started binding after very little use.

There are so many good reels on the market now, I am leaning away from shimano to see what I run into I like. I have a couple Okuma reels here that are simply awesome that I have had no issues with at all, and the price tag is much lighter for a comparable reel to a high end shimano reel, once you really climb the ladder and start hitting the same price range as a stradic in an Okuma, in my honest opinion your getting way more reel for the money.

The Pflueger reels are also very nice.

I highly suggest to go somewhere with a large stock of reels and fit them to a rod and see what fits you best. There are lots of good reels out there. I honestly feel that Shimano is going down hill after I have been making repairs to mine all summer and its gotten old.

I have also had excellent customer service from Okuma on a part I did need for a reel. No hassle on the phone and my part was here 4 days later.

I have no problem forking out $100-$150 on a reel, but I dont want a expensive piece of junk, and worse yet get hassled by customer service when I am trying to get a part for a reel under warranty(shimano).

If your running into a lot $$$ I would spring for the sustains, and pair it up with a few croix elites.

In my opinion- you won’t finder a better spinning reel than that of a sustain. I have had a pair for, four years, they still look/function like new. I get about half of that life with a stradic. Of course I use my equipment hard, a lot of shore/wade fishing. Lets just say, my equipment and I have gone under a few times..

I’ve used Stradic’s for years love them
can’t go wrong with them

I would look at the stradics, paired with a 6’6 and a 7′ st. croix elite or avid

Go down and see Dean at Everts for a try and buy.

Jami

Plueger supreme, hands down!

For the money I am going to try the Pfleuger Presidents. I like the reel a little better than the sadona.

I’m with Eric, I’ve had my current pair of Symmetre’s about 3 years, and they’re still working great, also have a Stradic on my pitching rod that’s absolutley great if you’re going to spend that kind of money on reels…..

Quote:

---

The Pflueger reels are also very nice.

---

I have switched away from all my shimano’s to the Pflueger reels…the President is a GREAT reel for $60

The old style Stradics use to cost $119 but once the new models came out, the prices on the old ones dropped to $99. I believe the new style Stradics cost about $159 now. It’s hard to find the old style Stradics in the stores but Bass Pro still has them for $99. (At least they did last weekend.)

Good Luck,

Boone

Symmetres!

i found the Pfleuger Presidents are the best value for the $$. Check them out, I’m on my second year with heavy use and they are holding up like they are new out of the box.

Quote:

---

The Pflueger reels are also very nice.

---

I bought 9 of the Pfluger Supremes and love them. They are the lightest reel on the market for around $100. We can run 2 rods here in Nebraska and when rigging all day long they really reduce fatigue when paired up with my St.Croix Legends.

The St.Croix reels (made by Diawa)are awesome reels for under 100$…but so are my Fin Nor Ahab Lites (very hard to find)…
I certainly would not pass up a Stradic for $99!

My two rods would be St. Croix Legend Elites… A 6’3″ MXF and 6’6″ MLXF…

Symetres

big g