Inline Reel

I want to get a Inline reel for Crappie fishing but can’t makeup my mind. Anyone have any experience with No 8 cgi or Black Betty 6061? Every time I go look at them they are either sold out or in the package so I can’t handle. The No 8 reel is a lot cheaper the the Black Betty but not sure about durability.

Anyone have any favorites?

I might have to give that cgi a try. The price is hard to beat.

Everything I’ve read is that they are identical guts. The CGI is plastic, the 6061 is metal. They are related companies. Similar to the plastic and metal Eagle Claw “Tony Roach” inlines.

I have an aluminum Roach inline. Not horrible for the price. I bought a CGI and a Frabill 371 this year, but they are still waiting for ice to get their first use.

I own several CGI reels and my friends own several 6061 reels. To be honest there is vary little difference between them. The 6061 may be slightly smoother. But at a 3X higher price point I’m not sure it is worth the extra money

I have been thinking of updating the arsenal to include an inline reel. We started carrying ice fishing gear now so I am looking at this one. I liked it because its reversible and its geared so its not 1:1 ratio. anyone use this one yet?

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I started using the pulsator rod and reel. Reel is on the end of a 48″ rod and the line runs up through the rod. I do exclusively hole hopping now. No worries getting lines tangled with multiple rod in the bucket plus standing for me is easier on my back and kneck compared to sitting on a bucket. Rod and reel is light and you can feel the slightest bite. I get them here in Wi for about $38. HT enterprises has what they call the jiggler rod, but it is a bit heavier and has a cork handle

with some of the problems with inline reals, wouldn’t it be be better to use some of the smaller bait casting reels. need to build some good rods more adaptable to the use of them. some pretty smooth little bait casters being made.

What ever you choose rebuild the drag yourself and you can have a very nice drag. I have been using the the Eagleclaw IR from the get go. Use them for perch to monster muskies. Clem them up put better real lube in and switch out the drag washers.

I just got a new combo at Mills Fleet. 29″ Snitch paired with the CGI reel for $45. seemed like a good deal. The CGI is not as smooth as the 6061, but it is warmer in the hand.

I prefer my Frabill 371 over the CGI, but for the price of the combo i won’t complain. i really like the snitch for crappies, and have been liking the inline reels.

I have a 371 combo and am liking it so far. I have found that I need to ‘finger’ the spool when I have it freespooled to avoid the birds nest that can occasionally happen with these types of reels. The drag is smooth and the reel is nice.

That’s my only complaint on the BB 6061 it’s really cold on the fingers. I use the Cold Snap rings and when it’s really cold I can feel that metal through my thin gloves !!

i pulled my 371 and CGI apart the other night after getting some tips from Bronzbak and IceAsylum. I still need to find some carbon washers for the drags, but i greased everything and it did help a lot. My reccomendation to any one with the CGI is that if you have any mechanical skills, grease it. Mine was bone dry.

I think I will have to order some Carbontex washers, or a sheet of it and make my own. Can’t find any around here.