Been thinking about moving from my old ambassadeur 6500 c3 to getting a low pro reel for pike. Lure weight is typically 3/4oz spoons up to 1.5oz bucktails. Anything you guys like?
Background: one of my C3’s is not healthy but will try to fix it in the next couple of weeks. If I can’t fix it then what’s next? Reason for thinking about the low profile is the round one can be tough on my wrist when pulling bucktails, especially on cold days. Broke it many years back and never really healed.
Look at the Revo, Curados and other low profiles. I personally, if buying my first one, would look for a higher gear ration 6.0 on up. That way you can burn stuff or pick up enough line fast enough on the jerk/twitch baits to get ’em stuck when they hit…
Mark
I’ll second that on the 6.0 and up. For small bucktails that higher gear ratio is awesome.
My first question would be is what is your budget? I have been a Shimano fan for many years. I have heard good things about the Lew’s. But I have never tried one.
I’d had Revo’s in the past for my medium-heavy rods I use for pike. But the last couple years I switch over to Lew’s … primary reason is they just fit in my palm better. I’ve had 2 wrist surgeries on each hand so I’m a little more aware I guess.
Comfort and grip are a real plus both with a long day of casting or when fighting bigger fish. I have three different Lew’s models that range in the $120-180 range. All 7.0-ish gear ratio. Really like them ~
My first question would be is what is your budget?
Depends on if Scheel’s carries the reel. I’ve got a gift card there that will let me be pretty generous. Even if not, I was assuming it would be at least $100-$200.
I’ll second that on the 6.0 and up. For small bucktails that higher gear ratio is awesome.
Does something like a cranking handle help move them? I tried a C4 Ambassadeur one time that had a 6.3 to 1. Struggled with the biggest of the Mepps, the giant killer size. I really like the idea of the higher gear ratio but my first experience wasn’t so hot.
patk:
I think most of the Revo’s sell in the mid $200 range… I am intrigued by the Lew’s suggestion as I have heard of them used as a saltwater reel, but not seen one as of late (mostly because I haven’t been in the market for a reel).
As for the cranking handle, it will help some for sure…
Pat, what was the problem with the faster speed???
I loved my C4, but as I was updating my reels, the old Abu’s were starting to signs of unreliability. I was working at Rollie and Helen’s Musky Shop and was able to get into the Revo line at the time. I have seen (but not used) the NaCl, but they are coming out with new reels in the line-up which I can’t speak to as of yet. As frydog mentioned, there are reels with speeds into the 7.0’s now.
Mark
Does something like a cranking handle help move them? I tried a C4 Ambassadeur one time that had a 6.3 to 1. Struggled with the biggest of the Mepps, the giant killer size. I really like the idea of the higher gear ratio but my first experience wasn’t so hot.
Yeah the old C4’s have really small handles making the high gear ratio and the bigger bucktails very fatiguing to reel in. A lot of the newer low profile reels have bigger stock handles and also offer the option for a power handle. I always instal the power handle even if I plan to use it for small baits.
Pat, what was the problem with the faster speed???
Pat McSharry nailed it. In order to take advantage of the higher gear ratio. I struggled to turn the handle fast enough cast after cast.
did a little web research after reading the comments. That curado E looks pretty nice(6.2:1 and 28″/crank). Lots of Revo’s out there but only found the Toro Beast to have a 6.2:1 ratio(34″/crank) in the low 6’s and enough line capacity. 
on the price.
The Toro S looks good at 5.3:1 and picks up just a little more line than my existing c3 at the same ratio(29vs26). Still think you guys have it right about getting up into the 6’s for ration though.
After spending my lunch researching the net it makes me wonder how important is inches retrieved per crank of the handle?? Using the stats above how different is the Curado E vs the Toro S. Ratios are different but line retrieved is nearly equal.
Check out the Daiwa Lexa 400. Been doing a lot of research on these reels myself and the Daiwa seems to be getting great reviews and very high speed options
Update
Fixed the issue on my c3 and added a power handle. Then pulled bucktales for days on end.
Very happy with the results. More relaxed grip on the rod/reel meant less issues on that wrist. Looks like I can wait a few years before spending lots on a low pro
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