Suggestions for a third reel?

[nmbrinkman]

I have an Avet LX and an MX but I'm tired of beating the shit out of them on my kayak. I want a third reel but don't want to buy another Avet. Don't get me wrong, I love Avets but I hate to see them take the beating... I was thinking about buying a used jigmaster and converting it to a lefty (by the by, I crank with the left). I know that they're cheap but I hear that with the right upgrades, they can be great reels. My questions are:
A) Am I going to spend the same on a jigmaster with upgrades as I am on an Avet?

B)Is there a better setup that can handle kayak abuse that is still lefthanded?

I am looking for something I can fill with 50# spectra and interchange topshots (20#-40# flouro)..

[Special Ed]

dude they sell lefty 500s

get a 500, upgrade the drags, and you're golden. Maybe call Ken's Custom and see if he has any lefties with upgrades around. He's a Penn lover BTW.

[nmbrinkman]

kens customs ehhhhh..

I'll give em a call.....

[coryellk]

Ken is the Guru. He has forgotten more about rods, reels, and live bait fishing than most of us know. He convinces me NOT to buy more gear than I actually buy there. I'm a big fan of the Pro Gears that he sells. The new classic series are relatively inexpensive ($150) and will out cast my two MXLs. They have an integrated sideplate like the new Penn 300 boasts about and thier design is extremely simple and very resistant to water intrusion. For the yak, I recommend the CS 551 for 25 - 30# line. They'll smoothly develop more drag than an LX or JX, overkill in that department I'm sure...
Alan Tani took these reels to Alaska and slayed the halibut...

[alantani]

the progear classic series reels are my favorite. but they still have shielded bearings and i've had to replace a couple. since i started pulling the shields out of the bearings, they've been ok. are you sure they're only $150. i think i paid $200 for my last one. yes, i still pay retail.....

[word-doctor]

Get the jigmaster. You'll thank yourself the first time you dump it overboard (leashed, of course). When we unclip our anchors and go for a ride, anything with stout line will do the trick: I use a Penn 65. Lots of guys use a 209. I've used a 9 with 20#.

If what you're doing involves fighting fish stationary (i.e. need good drags), then a good rod and a jigmaster or 320 would be perfect. Save your money for expensive offshore rigs.

[dewers@race505.]

where is Ken's customs?

[Kelp King]

I would take a Penn jigmaster over any Avet for any application.

[nmbrinkman]

Originally Posted by dewers@race505.

where is Ken's customs?

Not in your neck of the woods, that's for sure. Oceanside, Ca. (North San Diego County)

[nmbrinkman]

Originally Posted by coryellk

I'm a big fan of the Pro Gears that he sells. The new classic series are relatively inexpensive ($150) and will out cast my two MXLs.

Can I get that in a lefty though?

[Staven]

Just out of curiousity why are you guys against using Avets on a kayak. Granted I fish out of my kayak in Florida, but my SX has been doing fine.

No I am not a Avet lover. I actually like Daiwa and Shimano alot more, but my SX and SX 2 speed are just great reels and they have taken beatings so far. Just take good care of them after each trip I would say.

[WreckinBall]

Originally Posted by nmbrinkman

B)Is there a better setup that can handle kayak abuse that is still lefthanded?

I believe Newell makes some leftys. Yeah, they're noisy, but they can take a lot of abuse and keep kickin' fish ass.