New Hali Reel?????

L

loketar

New Member
Hi guys,
First let me say thanks to all the people that took the time to put in a lot of effort to make the Halibut seminar a smashing success. I for one learned a lot and really enjoyed it. Thanks guys!!!!!!!
Now on to my question regarding a new Hali reel. I have been scoping out a few and have narrowed them down to the following 2 reels that are with in my budget.
They are:
1. Penn FTH40LW Fathom
2. Shimano Tekota 800
Which ever reel I choose i plan on stringing it with 80lb Power Pro.

Thanks in advance guys
 
Both the Penn and Shimano are die-cast and only have 3 ball bearings plus a roller bearing. Why not go with an Avet - cnc-machined from bar-stock aluminum, 8 +1 bearings, bomb-proof lever drag (even the smallest SX handles tuna, stripers, bluefish, etc - all of which have more jam than butts) and there are sweet deals to be had on the internet as they're such popular reels, particularly on the east-coast of the US. Last year I got an Avet SX 5.3 shipped to my door for under $150 including the shipping, taxes and duty.
 
If I had to go with those 2, I would go with the Shimano, it will be better quality and more durable. However, IMHO I'd stay away from both as they both have star type drag which are harder to to use than a thumb level drag (TLD) when fighting big fish.

If you want to save some $ go with a Shimano TLD 20, or more more $ go with a 2 speed Shimano TLD. They are strong, bullet proof thumb level drag reels with no plastic parts like the Tekota. Many guides use Shimano TLD's because they are easier to use and tough. The Avets are also very nice all metal reels that well priced and worth checking out. My 2 bits.
 
I picked up a couple of TLD 20's from Nikka at the boat show. Dave Kosch was there and gave them a recommendation. When i got home I noticed they didn't have a line spooler, is this a big deal?
 
Can be an issue if you're not paying attention and your line all stacks up on one side, particularly with braid as if it bites into itself and binds up you've got problems. Another beauty feature of the Avets over the Shimanos and Penns - Avet reels have very deep, narrow spool drums so the lack of level wind's not the big deal it is with the wide spools of the Shimanos and Penns (plus that deep spool drum gives the Avets significantly more line capacity than all their competition of similar size/specs - lets you load heavier line or enough to fish deeper than you'd ever want to crank a butt up from!!). Anyway, the trade off with lack of level wind is that it's one less system to fail in the harsh salt-water environment (salt, corrosion, etc in worm gears = failure). Plus, like Whole in the Water stated - no comparison between star drags and lever drags for dealing with big fish.
 
Hi guys and thanks for the input. one of the reasons I was leaning toward these 2 is they are die cast aluminum. I have heard some bad things about the graphite frame and the graphite side plates with the TLD 20's. I know they are supposed to be good reels but I was told to stay away from the graphite ones. What is you guys opinion on this???
Now with the Avets I would agree they are amazing reels and look cool too, but I think the may be a little out of my price range. I would like to keep it under $200 if at all possible. Unless anyone knows where I can get a smoking deal on one????

Cheers
 
Thanks Ukee, I am reading up on them right now. They seem to be great reels for the price. Should I go for the regular spool width (MXL); narrow spool (MXJ). Also is 80lb power pro overkill. What are you guys running? I think I found a winner, lol. Just have to figure who is better to order from..
Cheers.
 
Well I made my decision I have ordered the AVET LX 4.6 GOLD LEVER DRAG. I found it online for $235. Seem to me this will give me the best bang for my buck. I hope I made a good choice here. I have been a Penn man since i was a little kid surf fishing in North Carolina where i grew up. Also fished the international series on my uncles boat that he used to guide on. But I wanted to try something new. Thanks to everyone for the input. See you out on the water.
Cheers, Loke
 
Please post up some pics and a quick review when you get it. I'd like to trade in my Shimano TLD for a lefty Avet.

Thanks,
 
loketar: I think you made a good choice of reel. The model you have chosen is exactly the one I will be purchasing for jigging for halibut. The LX has lots of line capacity for either 65 lb. or 80 lb. line and the reel weight is light enough to fish lots (jigging) without getting tired (22 ounces).

...Rob
 
Go hard core...go with a hand line. Ran into a guy in Port McNeil who did that. Coiled the line on a huge spool the size of a bike wheel. Could really crank up the line fast. When he hooked one, he played it by hand. He got a lot of hali's. No rod, no reel. Just hard core.
 
I've caught more with handlines/pelks, spinning reels/buzz bombs, and trolling than with more modern techniques which is why a can't envision going beyond the price of a Penn 330($109) and a sturdy stick ($20).
 
I've fought pelagics with a handline-it's a lot tougher than it sounds-best to wear something like dishwashing gloves not too heavy but provide some protection.
 
Harbour Chandler had some Avet's, Penn's and Shimano's on sale... I was there today spending more money...

I need 2 more Hali's reels just not sure which ones... to many choices..

Good price's though
 
I ordered 4 penn international 12vsx 2 speed today should be here sometime next week I'll let you know how they turn out

played with the 16 for a bit but to big for my liking
 
Sea Morgan said:
I picked up a couple of TLD 20's from Nikka at the boat show. Dave Kosch was there and gave them a recommendation. When i got home I noticed they didn't have a line spooler, is this a big deal?
Click to expand...

Dave's a Shimano rep is he not? and he fishes out of Vancouver and runs to Thrasher when he can... Pretty sure he doesnt spend any time fishing Halibut.. Id be more inclined to listen to guys who fish Halibut and have a little more experience with that style of reel..

With that said... ive heard they are decent for the price... he just may have a bias opinion being a rep..
 
Last edited by a moderator:
wait till you try the ones on my boat petterson then make the call...them make the decision on the ones you want

wolf
 
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