Pro Gear 501

fatbass · Mar-15-2007, 10:54 PM

Just got one of the 501's from Ken's today that was talked about in a previous post. I practiced casting the reel when I got home and really liked it. You can chuck a plastic a mile. I want to use the reel for a 25lb tuna set-up, but I have never fished a progear before and am not sure of there capabilities. Is this reel sufficent for fishing 25lb for smaller tuna? If not, this will be my new favorite calico rig. Thanks, Chad

alantani · Mar-15-2007, 11:19 PM

i've got an old pg classic series 500 on a calstar grafighter 600xl. if the house was burning down and i could save only one rig, that's what i'd grab.

OG OUTCAST · Mar-16-2007, 12:59 AM

I FISH MINE W/ 200 YDS. OF 50LB SPECTRA BACKING AND 20-30LB FLOURO TOPSHOTS FOR YTL AND SCHOOL SIZED TUNA ALL DAY LONG. IT'S GOT A RIGID ONE-PIECE ALUMINUM FRAME AND 4/0 SIZED DRAGS TO HANDLE MOST FISH YOU'RE WILLING TO PULL ON W/ A SINGLE SPEED REEL. ALTHOUGH, I WOULD CHANGE THE COUNTER-BALANCE HANDE FOR A POWER HANDLE LIKE THE ONES ON THE ALBACORE SPECIALS.

SlantEyEdTuna · Mar-16-2007, 01:46 AM

I'm considering getting that model as well but to fish 20lb. How much did you pay for it? Im curious to see how much cranking power it has with the 6 to 1 gear ratio because my daiwa sealine x's dont have enough cranking power with 6 to 1.

jimdog99 · Mar-16-2007, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OG OUTCAST

I FISH MINE W/ 200 YDS. OF 50LB SPECTRA BACKING AND 20-30LB FLOURO TOPSHOTS FOR YTL AND SCHOOL SIZED TUNA ALL DAY LONG. IT'S GOT A RIGID ONE-PIECE ALUMINUM FRAME AND 4/0 SIZED DRAGS TO HANDLE MOST FISH YOU'RE WILLING TO PULL ON W/ A SINGLE SPEED REEL. ALTHOUGH, I WOULD CHANGE THE COUNTER-BALANCE HANDE FOR A POWER HANDLE LIKE THE ONES ON THE ALBACORE SPECIALS.

Or try a tiburon handle. Either or. The stock handle isn't that great.

fatbass · Mar-16-2007, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SlantEyEdTuna

I'm considering getting that model as well but to fish 20lb. How much did you pay for it? Im curious to see how much cranking power it has with the 6 to 1 gear ratio because my daiwa sealine x's dont have enough cranking power with 6 to 1.

With 300 yards of 30# spectra I paid $170. Yeah the 6:1 probably would hurt a little on larger fish. I see myself fishing the reel with light jig/plastics or using it to toss small chovies. This reel can cast! I can't wait to fish it.

biglou · Mar-16-2007, 10:56 AM

i bought one at th fhs from kens and i think i will fish 20lb on a 800 xl

masterBAITER88 · Mar-16-2007, 12:30 PM

fill it with spectra and you could fish 50lb on that mofo. i fish straight 20lb on mine though.

TurdRoller · Mar-16-2007, 01:58 PM

I used to have the 551 and that thing was sweet. I'm sure the 501 is just as good. I caught plenty of yellowtail and albies, 25+ with it on my seeker 858...my favorite set up in my aresenal...unfortunately i had to sell the reel to pay my bills...thinkin about getting another one tho. good choice. PG's dont get enough credit.

coryellk · Mar-16-2007, 02:33 PM

I filled my new 501 (from Ken) with solid 50# spectra. Based on conditions, I'll tie on short (5 - 10 foot) shock leaders of 15 - 30# Seaguar as I see fit.

I have pulled on 25# yellowtail with my 551 and the 6:1 ratio is fine...

PG's don't get enough press.

2380MIKE · Mar-16-2007, 03:36 PM

I bought a 501 from Ken as well. He has the best price to be found on them. He will be at the Del Mar FHS. I plan to use straight 20lb mono on mine.

knotapc · Mar-16-2007, 07:56 PM

I picked up a 800L and PG551 from Ken at FHS in LB as well. Was looking for a Diawa SLx20 or SLx30 and a 800xl.

Ken had a great deal on the 800L and sold me on the 501. At the last minute I opted for the 551, in case I wanted to run 30# later in the season. Since it was a impulse buy, I came home at tried to find feedback info on PG reels. Glad to see others providing feedback and looking forward to summer. Reel seems solid.