IceShanty.com's Ice Fishing Community
Ice Fishing Tips -Check your local regulations! => Equipment => Topic started by: icejunky on Jan 14, 2006, 12:23 PM
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As mentioned in Previous Posts..I just splurged and purchased a St.Croix legend Ice Rod with the strike indicator...Does anyone have any recomenedations on what a good reel is to pair up with this rod
I purchased the lite action rod and it's use will be for panfish..Perch primarily then Gills and on occasion Crappie.
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A perfect reel for that rod is the Tica Cetus. They're relatively cheap ($30) and work well in the cold
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Thanx Eyedoktr....I just read a review of this model and it seems to do the job..I also noticed I can get one on ebay for about $35CDN....I will definently take that into consideration
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It depends on what you are looking for and how much you want to $pend. Okuma makes nice UL reels with 3 BB and a nice drag .. about $30.00. They have a really nice model .. the AL-10 .. which is UL, 8 BB and anti-reverse .. about $60.00. Good luck and let us know what chose. ;)
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I just picked up a Mitchell Avocet AV-S500 UL with 4 ball bearings and am very happy with it so far spooled with 2 and 4 pound test . By season end I can likely give you a better review but so far it gets the thumbs up . ;)
TD
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A perfect reel for that rod is the Tica Cetus. They're relatively cheap ($30) and work well in the cold
Ill second that motion ;D
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I have a couple ticas, model 500 match series but paid 50 bones a peice. Best drags and not affected by the cold.
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Done.....The Tica Cetus is on the way..Im happy with the price as well..only 37$ CDN..I cant wait to get both these new pieces of equipment
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I have a Tiny 20 sitting on my shelf ... I didn't care for it either.
You really can't compare a moderately priced Okuma to higher end Shimanos ..... that's like a Vega and a Corvette ! ;D
While at the store I was comparing a few reels and the Okuma AL-10 really impressed me ... so much I ordered one. The drag felt great. The handle, rotor and spool were smooth and tight. All metal construction. Also it looked sharp.
I should have it cleaned, greased and on my rod by Friday and hopefully give it a workout this weekend. If it's flawed you can be sure I'll post about it. ;)
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I put a Pinnacle on mine. Pretty smooth with all those ball bearings and no back up when the anti-reverse is engaged. Don't know who carries them now though.
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Ticas on my light and medium ice rods. Love them! You won't be disappointed.
Steve ><,))'>
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slipbob I recieved my Okuma AL-10 yesterday. It went back yesterday. I tightened the handle and it had play at the handle pivot. The shaft seemed to have excessive play. The anti-reverse had play. This could have simply been a lemon so I e-mailed Okuma management yesterday and I know they recieved it .... I sent it with a read reciept. That was yesterday at 1:39 PM their time . No reply as of yet. I guess management doesn't care !
Here is a copy :
To Whom It May Concern,
I have heard so many good things about OKUMA and your reels I decided to purchase your AL-10 for ice fishing. I ordered it and had it shipped UPS priority delivery so I could use it this weekend. The reel arrived today and I was disappointed.
The reel had a nice appearance. The drag seemed nice. The handle had excessive play ... I guess the washer wasn't thick enough. The anti-reverse also had play and the shaft seemed to have play.
I returned it for a refund about an hour ago. I'm out the shipping each way but I guess it's a lesson learned. I was shocked that your $ 60.00 reel was comparable to my $ 35.00 Abu-Garcia ...... although your drag was better. If it had worked out I was going to replace all of my reels .... UL (2lb), L (4 lb), M (6 lb) and H (8 lb) ... with yours. I'm also a moderator on www.IceShanty.com . I am LoneWolf and do alot of gear reviews as well as run our tournaments.
I just thought management would want to know for quality purposes.
Disappointed,
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I bought a Pflueger Trion reel. It was $60 Canadian. It is an UL reel 7bb I got it spooled with 6lb mono and it hasnt let me down yet. Cold doesnt affect its performance. Had it out in -35 still was as smooth as silk. A bit more money but worth every penny.
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slipbob I recieved my Okuma AL-10 yesterday. It went back yesterday. I tightened the handle and it had play at the handle pivot. The shaft seemed to have excessive play. The anti-reverse had play. This could have simply been a lemon so I e-mailed Okuma management yesterday and I know they recieved it .... I sent it with a read reciept. That was yesterday at 1:39 PM their time . No reply as of yet. I guess management doesn't care !
Here is a copy :
To Whom It May Concern,
I have heard so many good things about OKUMA and your reels I decided to purchase your AL-10 for ice fishing. I ordered it and had it shipped UPS priority delivery so I could use it this weekend. The reel arrived today and I was disappointed.
The reel had a nice appearance. The drag seemed nice. The handle had excessive play ... I guess the washer wasn't thick enough. The anti-reverse also had play and the shaft seemed to have play.
I returned it for a refund about an hour ago. I'm out the shipping each way but I guess it's a lesson learned. I was shocked that your $ 60.00 reel was comparable to my $ 35.00 Abu-Garcia ...... although your drag was better. If it had worked out I was going to replace all of my reels .... UL (2lb), L (4 lb), M (6 lb) and H (8 lb) ... with yours. I'm also a moderator on www.IceShanty.com . I am LoneWolf and do alot of gear reviews as well as run our tournaments.
I just thought management would want to know for quality purposes.
Disappointed,
Well written LW ! :thumbsup:..."people (fishermen) have the power to change things"...if more would speak up, you would see changes!...
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Well I do owe Okuma an apology .... which I did. It seems my message was forwarded right to the VP who was out promoting at shows. A gentlemen contacted me a few minutes ago and apologized for the late response. He explained about the message being forwarded and he would handle it.
First he explained customer satrisfaction is number one. He explained how they try to respond within 24 hrs or less. He was friendly and to the point. He explained due to my loss in shipping and being unsatisfied they would send me a new reel. ;D
It could have simply been a bad bearing, shaft or whatever but it wasn't right and they are making it right.
Okuma stands behind their products ! :clap:
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Lonewolf....or anyone else? Where can I get a look at Okuma reels up close and personal...I have seen them on E-bay but not in any local shops including the BPS....Do you recomend them for Openwater aswell as ice..If so can you tell about some models to reserch
Im normally a shimano guy when it comes to freshwater...but the price is killing me...So Im starting to branch out
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I'm new to Okuma as well. After doing a little research I found they are putting out as good if not better products and for less. I would go to Okuma's site and go to find a dealer. I saw them at a local store but he was out of stock on the one I wanted so I ordered on the imternet.
I found out that one of our sponsors ... Fish307 ... carries Okuma reels.
Here is something I had found (on a website) about Okuma :
About Okuma: Many who have not heard of Okuma are surprised to discover that it is the largest spinning reel manufacturer in the world. Okuma has a long history of OEM manufacturing, and in recent years has stepped up to become a major player with the introduction of their branded products. Okuma is well known today for a complete range of products including spinning reels, lever drag casting reels, and rods. Key to Okuma's success is their focus on the development of strong product offerings with an eye on value.
I hope this helps ! ;)2
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I have a number of Okuma reels but do not use them on my ice rods only because they are heavier than I like for a short rod. I feel that the Okuma drags are the best I have ever used and that includes alot of much higher priced reels.
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I hope things work out for you LoneWolf, but in my opinion it is just more Asian crap. I'll predict the handle looseness is the same on your replacement. So what do I use? PENN The same one I have been catching thousands of fish with for about 20 years. It's still good as new with an incredible history. Yea I've done some parts replacements, usually from drunken tumbles and stupidity, but I've watched so many people go through so many reels over the years it's just ridiculous. Maybe I am actually benefiting from my tech skills. I wish you guys could too.
By the way - ICE SHANTY might be the best forum on the web, of any topic! Great site! Thanks ;D
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I have two Penns that I use for saltwater fishing. Also I try to buy American when possible ... I even drive a Ford. But when you're looking for a light weight reel with a sweet drag for 2 lb line I don't think Penn would be the answer. JMO ;)
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I have 7 jigging rods and each one has an Okuma ul-10 reel on them. I like the light weight and the quality drag system of these models. This will be the 3rd year using these reels and the only thing I've done to them is removed the standard grease and applied Quantum hot sauce. I did step on one accidentally last year with my full weight and other than breaking off a few nubs in the handle shaft, it still works normally. The only thing I would like changed would be a slightly larger spool diameter, since I don't need 100 yards of 2 lb. line for ice fishing.
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Lonewolf....or anyone else? Where can I get a look at Okuma reels up close and personal
Dick's Sporting Goods and Sports Authority sell them in my area. Not sure if those stores are near everyone. I have an Okuma fly reel that is pretty nice for the $ I paid. Nowhere near my Lamson, but still a very good value for what it cost.
Steve ><,))'>
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I love my Shimano's for open water too. I'd love to put one together for a hard water combo. They can be pricey, but have NEVER let me down in open water. I know they make some affordable models, does anyone have an ice setup with a Shimano? They are the only reel I use these days in open water combo-ed with Ugly sticks. Penn's and older Diawa's were the other reels I have and they too were good, but both of these broke or came apart on me, never with a Shimano.
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MOD 500 TICUS is the match for you ! Great reel with never fail mechanics .
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Shimano came out with a 750 series of their Sahara spinning reels a couple of years ago and its a GREAT reel! It's not real big so it balances well with ice rods p to 36" and the drag is very good. A little pricey at $50 but the money is well spent.
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Pomoxis
Be careful!! Penn isn't what it used to be. many of the reels they sell are now made overseas. When Penn was sold a few years ago things changed.
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LoneWolf, I have a Penn 4300ss that's paired with an 38" St Croix custom, balances perfectly and it's tough as all get-out! I also use it on my open water outfit and have since the mid 90's. I don't think it would balance nearly as well on many of the smaller ice rods less than 32"-34".
I'm not a Penn loyalist (have several), but if properly matched.....as you would for any outfit.....they pair just fine on certain ice rods! Like I said before, they are very sturdy reels (don't know about the new one's).
-Grizz
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On the longer rods the Penn 4300 would probably balance great. I'm using this reel for my 24" Ultra Fine rod. I tried the Tiny 20 (older model) and the drag was good but no IAR and quite a bit of wobble. Now I'm using a AG Cardinal 301 which is a descent reel but the drag isn't what it should be for 2lb line ......... especially if I hook into a lake trout, big pickerel, etc. - which I have.
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Pomoxis
Be careful!! Penn isn't what it used to be. many of the reels they sell are now made overseas. When Penn was sold a few years ago things changed.
I wasn't aware that Penn was sold. Got any more info? I would not be surprised at all that their newer stuff was worse than the old, even if they weren't sold. I played with a new one in a store for a minute and I think you are right. This is just standard routine for everything in my life. Literally EVERYTHING I ever liked very much is now extinct. From reels to lures, from tools to cars, it is "no longer available". :'( The world has turned to crap. That is why I spent so much money a few years ago on spare parts for my Penn 420SS. I plan on using it 'til the day I die, even if I can go another 20. :)
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I just figured I'd keep you up to date with my correspondence with Okuma. UPS arrived at my door about a half hour ago with a small box. ;D
I opened it up and it was my Okuma reel. Not the AL-10 I had returned but Okuma's top of the line AE-10 ! :o
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I figured I'd keep you up to date on the AE-10. I noticed a side-to-side movement on the handle of the reel .. about 1/16". I took the reel apart and found three (3) parts not installed and one (1) part looked different than the schematic.
I contacted Okuma's parts dept. and explained and they were pleasant. After a week I called them back to make sure they had the parts and if they shipped. They couldn't find any order for me. They re-placed my order.
I recieved the order about a week later and it was missing one (1) of my ordered parts ... not even on the invoice as if backordered. I was fed up and put the reel together and said to heck with it.
If I had paid $100.00 for this reel I would be ballistic right now. I contacted Okuma's rep that I was dealing with a week ago and still no reply.
Well that's two (2) out of two (2) reels ... The AL-10 and the AE-10 both had flaws. At least they said they would contact the factory to find out what was going on.
I was out yesterday and had a chance to look at and hold the Tica Cetus SB500. I couldn't find a flaw after 15 minutes of handling it. The best part is it is under $50.00 ! I may have to get one. ;)
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slipbob the only difference between the SS500 and the SB500 is color and a tenth of an inch retrieval rate. The SB500 is a gold color and the SS500 is a gold on silver .... I ordered two SB500's today.
As for the functioning in the cold weather I don't take a chance. I strip out all factory grease from new reels and re-lube with TW-25B ..... it's good from -90 F thru +450 F . On the bearings I use Firepower FP-10 .. good to -65 F. I've been doing this for years and never had a problem even when it was -18 on Schroon Lake. ;D
FYI most reel manufacturers are using a teflon based grease which hovers around the 20 degree mark. They have problems with low temperature grease in their bearings. ;)
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My Shimano Stradics have that maintenace port which allows easy access to add a drop of lubricant each year if you wish. For my Shimano's I have always just used the regular oil that they provide but only maybe once a year do I add a drop in and sometimes not even that and they work fine and I haven't touched that Tica lube wise since I've owned it. It just seems over the years I've found that the better reels don't need to be messed with much, hot or cold.
Are we going to get started on the Stradics again, SB? I just put three different lines on my extra spools for this weekend. 4, 6, and 8#. No maintenance required... 8)
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If you open a new spinning reel you will see a gold colored grease on the worm gear and an extremely light coating on the bearings. It has a thick consistency almost that of wheel bearing grease for vehicles.
It only took one instance many years ago up in Maine to make me do a little research about reel lubricants.Since then I haven't had any problems as far as a reel stiffening or locking up.
The reason I use the products I mention is two part. One is it is standard issue in the military for firearms under extreme conditions and has been tested. Two I can use the same product on my firearms as well as my reels ... no need for several products. ;)
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LoneWolf
where do you get those lubes? :tipup:
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Here are links for the products :
Firepower FP-10 http://www.mpclubricants.com/ (http://www.mpclubricants.com/)
TW-25B http://www.mil-comm.com/ (http://www.mil-comm.com/) I use the syringe.
They're not cheap but neither are my "toys". ;)
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They have passed my rigorous field testing and fish catching efforts with flying colors. :thumbsup:
Ah come now Slipbob you don't really mean that those pocket size walleyes and cigar like lakers caught out of a heated clam hut can be considered rigorous field testing .That's not much different then turning the handle in the store . ;D In the open on cold days nailing drag screamers is rigorous field testing . ;)
TD
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Thanks LoneWolf :tipup:
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As a follow up from the start of this thread..as you know I did purchase the Tica Cetus and after it taking a month to get to me, I used it everyday on my vacation...it was great...ran smooth even in some pretty serious cold weather..very impressed...considerin g I had origianally spent twice the money on a Quantum XP05 Xtralite, the thing is nice indoors, runs smooth, but as soon as the cold hits it, it just binds up tight
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As a follow up from the start of this thread..as you know I did purchase the Tica Cetus and after it taking a month to get to me, I used it everyday on my vacation...it was great...ran smooth even in some pretty serious cold weather..very impressed...considerin g I had origianally spent twice the money on a Quantum XP05 Xtralite, the thing is nice indoors, runs smooth, but as soon as the cold hits it, it just binds up tight
Take it apart and get the grease out. Find some low temp grease or oil and re-lube .... you'll probably like it. ;)
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icejunky I just looked and I see you're in Ontario .. if you were nearby I'd do the reel for you. ;)
The SB500's arrived about two hours ago. I stripped them, lubed with TW-25B and the FP-10 and spooled them.
slipbob I noticed the grease Tica uses , at least on these, has a blackish color and is used very sparingly .. as it should be. The reason you haven't noticed a problem in cold temps is probably the different grease and it being used sparingly. I trust my method .. it hasn't failed me .. so I relubed.
I'll give them a workout tomorrow ... the high is supposed to be 18 deg and the morning low 9 deg. Not a great test but it will do. ;)
Another thing I should mention, while it's fresh in my mind, is the bail roller bearing. This is the most overlooked part of lubrication in my opinion. This roller allows the line to "flow" smoothly on and off the spool. Without proper lubrication and a free turning action you will end up with line twist but more importantly a heat stressed line from friction. :o
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I was able to give the Tica's a little workout yesterday .... I fished with bigredonice and fishingking. The temp at 7:00 am, when we started, was 7 degrees and when I left at 3:00 pm it was 19 degrees.
Thanks to bigredonice and fishingking I caught roughly 50 gills and 30 crappies ... most of a descent size. The reels never skipped a beat all day. The drag is ultra sweet and they performed flawlessly. :thumbsup:
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Told ya :D Glad you like it. They really are a great reel, really ::)
Dangit slipbob .Does this mean I gotta test drive one too .That will mean I need to buy another rod to match it . ;D I like it . ;D
TD
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Told ya :D Glad you like it. They really are a great reel, really ::)
I knew an "I told you so" was coming .... but you did ! ;D
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Surely Slipbob they make those reels in full grown man size for us lads up here . We got pelagic baitfish dontcha know and we use a turkey roaster to cook one bluegill in . :o ;D Sooooooooooooooooooooo oooooooooooooooooooooo oooooooooo bigggggggggggggggggggg ggggggg and bigggggggggggggggg pelagic baitfish and they hit hard unlike state records from the western slope . ;D
TD