Fishing and Fishing reels/lures

[Code54]

My wife and I have recently been doing more and more fishing in the local area (WV) mainly for Bass. Years ago I fished ever free minute but life got in the way for a while and now as the kids are getting older we have a little extra time and even the kids enjoy going. I have always had Shimano reels and really liked them. I personally like the quick fire system on the reels but noticed there are fewer versions available. I bought a new Spirex due to it having the quick fire and really like it. I think I am going to buy another one for my wife (she has not having a "trigger" and was sort of wondering why there is not more quick fire systems out there. I do understand it does not have "instant" anti reverse but if you are holding the handle of the reel I never seemed to find it mattered. I personally also like that I can cast one handed and know some say it is too hard on the bail to close it by using the handle. I personally never broke one or wore one out so I really don't know but was just interested in everyones thoughts?

On another note it seems KVD lures are the hot item currently. I grew up on Rapala's and still love them, have they fallen out of favor?

 

[bilrus61]

Since my left hand is right there tuning the handle I've never see the advantage of the quick fire system. It might theoretically be faster but I've never lacked for speed. I use Shimanos also. Used to use Penn before they went to China and became so much cheaper. I even have a Stella 1000. What a jewel that is! I can't fish for looking at it. haha. I've used lots and lots of spinning reels in my 50 years of fishing and I think the Shimano's are hard to beat. Someone at that company actually fished with reels and tried to improve them.

Close the bail with the handle!

Try fly fishing with a popping bug in summer if you want to REALLY have fun. Watching them float up and suck that cork popper down is one thing on this earth I'll never get tired of. Start with a 8 foot 4or 5 weight rod.

If your fishing for bass go to a flea market and find a older floating Rapala(one actually made in Finland) They were balsa with foil and a laquer finish. There is a white stip under the belly. They float MUCH better than the currently made ones. Fish them in the fall on streams. Also try a Rooster Tail spinner.1/8th ounce in yellow or Tequila Sunrise purple. If you like live bait get a Japanese Beatle trap and harvest your beatles and use them for bait. Fish love them and they are a easy bait to get plenty of. Enjoy fishing and take a kid fishing and when you do don't expect to catch some yourself just let him/her fish. Best thing a man can do in this life is take a kid fishing.

 

[Code54]

Been hitting the flea markets pretty hard this year. Lucked out last week and found a guy with a bait shop that was clearing out a TON of stuff pretty cheap. Bought 20 different Rapala's for $3 each new in the box. Feel like I should have bought a few more because by the time the kids got to them and my wife I was down to slim pickings!

Agreed on the kids - ours are both 13 (1 boy, 1 girl) so they are now to the point I can at least fish some when we are out. They really don't care if we are out on the boat or walking along the shore, they seem to have fun either way so I think that is great.

I have to admit I really do like the quick fire, it just sets everything in the right spot instantly BUT I am kicking around getting a Stradic CI4 Plus so I maybe passing my Spirex to the wife... Decisions, Decisions.......

 

[RetiredCarGuy]

When not fly casting, or when the wind comes up, I also like a quick fire ultra light spinning reel.

 

[murphy1244]

I have used Garcia Mitchell 300's forever and love that series. These reels are truly bullet prof. Bought two more at a garage sale.

 

[Code54]

My wife has now taken over my Spirex and I bought a Stradic CI4+. Just got it this weekend and have not got to try it out yet - can't wait till the 4th of July weekend to get some! Still have my ultralight with the quickfire so I didn't give it up completely. I also used braided line for the first time so I am looking forward to seeing how that works out also.

 

[whistlepig]

I am a bait fisherman and not of any help on artificial lures. I do have a couple of Shimano reels. Shimano makes excellent open face reels. But I prefer the Pflueger open face reels.

 

[Code54]

I have used Garcia Mitchell 300's forever and love that series. These reels are truly bullet prof. Bought two more at a garage sale.

Those reels are solid and almost have a cult like following around here!

 

[whistlepig]

There is a Bass Pro shop about an hour from here. Probably 100 or more different types of types and brands on display there to try. Some high dollar. Some not so high dollar. And some as smooth as silk regardless of price. A worthwhile trip.

 

[murphy1244]

Those reels are solid and almost have a cult like following around here!

I went with the ultra light reel too. I believe a 306 with 4 pound test on a Ugly stick. Still have a few of them too.