Level winds

trapperben · Jan-31-2008, 10:56 PM

I have never used a conventional reel and am shopping for one since I want to try an albacore/yellowtail trip this year. Just curious in general what you folks use level wind reels for though, types of fishing etc. I would guess bay and deep water that does not require casting? Thanks.

Newportlocal · Jan-31-2008, 11:51 PM

Level winds are O.K. for freshwater, bay fishing, and half day boats. Learn to use baitcasters without levelwinds if at all possible. It takes some getting used to but you can do it and you will be much better off. My recommendation if you are new to this is to buy a diawa sealine baitcaster they are inexpensive and cast great. It will get the job done on yellowtail and albacore.

trapperben · Feb-01-2008, 10:56 AM

Thanks, I picked up a used jigmaster for 25.00 on ebay and will work with it to get the conventional side down on catfish and maybe some inland redfish. Besides the Diawa you mentioned I am also looking at the Penn GS or a Newell S. If I can find bearings for it the 500 might be ok for an occassional trip west. Thanks again.

FISHFORLIFE · Feb-01-2008, 11:21 AM

make sure you grease that jigmaster they can dry up pretty good. infact i take my old one apart like once every three months and clean and lube it. Dont try and cast to China your firt time either. easy cast to start especially with a used jigmaster. peace out

trapperben · Feb-01-2008, 12:46 PM

Thanks Billy, I intend to clcean it, corrosion x everything and gease/oil where needed. Quick question-someone told me and I do not remember who that it takes about 3-4 oz of weight to cast these things a reasonable distance, does that sound about right?

FISHFORLIFE · Feb-01-2008, 01:36 PM

No not that much. It does make it easier but once you are comfortable with the reel you can cast about two ounces forty yards or so. i would just practice. when i was younger i got my first ten foot jigstick I took it to the park to get used two it. now i throw a jig with it about 125yrds or so. Practice is all that is needed. peace out

coryellk · Feb-01-2008, 04:27 PM

Gradually work your way down in weight to whatever you plan on casting and then spend time at that weight maybe getting lower if you can put the time in. I use half to three quarter oz weights to simulate a small sardine.

trapperben · Feb-01-2008, 10:24 PM

Bowing to Capt Kevin, retired navy chief corpsman here. The casting part I will be comfortable with as I have many fresh water bait casters, educating the thumb or finger on rewinding will be new. The replies I received on the 500 as to casting ability exceeded my expectations though, looking forward to trying it out. I appreciate all the replies and the personal messages, this is a heckava board and I am not just talking about the avatars.

Newportlocal · Feb-06-2008, 11:47 AM

Penn 500 Jigmaster is what many of us started out with. It is a great reel you can catch albacore and yellowtail on it. I used to switch the drags to super smoothies, but the HT 500 drag material for penns is a great drag material. 2 o.z. at most on the weight should get you way out in the lake catfishing. Your casting life will be considerably easier with a 8-10ft rod.

trapperben · Feb-06-2008, 09:53 PM

I got it in late today, it will need some work looks like. For one I cannot free the star drag, think it was opened all the way and is semi locked; and it has some spool noise which may be normal or may not be. No big deal I dont think. I am leaving tomorrow early for oklahoma for a blue catfish trip and may take it along just in case I find time to work on it. Might get to try it out. Thanks again.