[Bring on the Bass]

Hi there, any opinions here greatly appreciated. I mainly fish short to mid range and most of the time that suits my needs fine. However, I am looking at getting a fixed spool for distance casting. I would be casting over head and off the the groundish type too. I have used multis for many years, but the attraction of better distances when required and also the use of braid coupled with easy fishing ie. no dreaded birdy just as the fish start to bite does seem very appealing.

I am intending to use 30lb braid with a tapered shock and to begin with this would be on a rod rung for a multi (which I understand should be ok). Casting weight would be no more than 5oz's fishing over sandy and mixed ground.

Having done a bit of reading it would appear the grauvell zeus 5000 would seem a good bet although it would be a little more expensive than i would ideally like.

Has anyone any other suggestions? As the shimano Aerlex and Penn Reels amoungst a few others also sound good.

My many thanks in advance.

 

[tatch]

Yes Daiwa tournament s6000T basia tournament iso tournament entoh all top class casting reels

 

[Robbo1530]

Look at the Shimano Ultegra's - the 10000 or the 14000. Light, powerful and great casting reels.

 

[fisherjohn2010]

I have a couple of Penn Affinitys, and can't fault them at all so far, perfect line lay, coned spool for long casting, seem much better made than the old Surfmasters, and really smooth on the retrieve.

 

[Bring on the Bass]

I have a couple of Penn Affinitys, and can't fault them at all so far, perfect line lay, coned spool for long casting, seem much better made than the old Surfmasters, and really smooth on the retrieve.

Thank you for the replies. The affinity is probably what I will go for. Can i just also ask, should I be looking at the 7000 size or the 8000.
Many thanks,

 

[jeffjeff]

the akios score is nice. for under 100 quid deff worth a look.

 

[Gruzzle]

Any of the above,but steer clear of Grauvell Zeus as spares if you need them are impossible to get.

 

[john elliot]

Thank you for the replies. The affinity is probably what I will go for. Can i just also ask, should I be looking at the 7000 size or the 8000.
Many thanks,

not a lot of difference between the two really , i have the 8000 , balance re size of reel comes into it depending on what rod its going on and i find the grauvells too hefty , 2 spools with affinity one braid but spare ones cost only about £16 if wanted , far cheaper than others , all counts

 

[Borncrazy]

Thank you for the replies. The affinity is probably what I will go for. Can i just also ask, should I be looking at the 7000 size or the 8000. Many thanks,

That depends of your rod and distance needed. The 7000 is much smaller and lighter than the 8000. Both lovely reels

 

[fisherjohn2010]

Thank you for the replies. The affinity is probably what I will go for. Can i just also ask, should I be looking at the 7000 size or the 8000.
Many thanks,

The 7000 is still a fairly big reel, and certainly holds a lot of braid- I use mine both on a bass rod (for which it is on the heavy side), and on a standard beachcaster, on which it is well matched. Best thing would be to try and have a look at them both, before buying.

 

[Mick B]

Hi mate,

I have a Zeus 5000 that I use as a boat fixed spool and use the Affinity 8000 for shore work on my fixed spool rods. They have a very good capacity on the deep spool and also comes with a shallower braid spool. Main difference between the Surfblaster and the Affinity is the Affinity has a manual bail arm as opposed to an auto one that re engages when you turn the handle. This suits me as less chance of it closing mid cast and cracking off. The oscillation and line lay on the reel is excellent. Whilst always been a Daiwa fan on the fixed spools, I was impressed with these enough to buy a pair. I have loaded the braid spools with 25 and 30lb and emptied them both on my 15ft continental rods. The braid spool could be a fraction deeper and it would be spot on. Stay with the bigger 8000 rather than the medium sized 7000. Hope this helps.

 

[Bring on the Bass]

Hi mate,

I have a Zeus 5000 that I use as a boat fixed spool and use the Affinity 8000 for shore work on my fixed spool rods. They have a very good capacity on the deep spool and also comes with a shallower braid spool. Main difference between the Surfblaster and the Affinity is the Affinity has a manual bail arm as opposed to an auto one that re engages when you turn the handle. This suits me as less chance of it closing mid cast and cracking off. The oscillation and line lay on the reel is excellent. Whilst always been a Daiwa fan on the fixed spools, I was impressed with these enough to buy a pair. I have loaded the braid spools with 25 and 30lb and emptied them both on my 15ft continental rods. The braid spool could be a fraction deeper and it would be spot on. Stay with the bigger 8000 rather than the medium sized 7000. Hope this helps.

Thank you very much indeed to everyone who has replied to my post, I am most grateful. Im going to go with the affinity 8000 as it Sounds like a good reel and in the sort of price bracket im looking at.

All the best and tight lines for 2014

 

[singy]

Yes Daiwa tournament s6000T basia tournament iso tournament entoh all top class casting reels

Spot on with those listed. Not cheap though.