Opinions on inline reels?

[mt4410]

Interested in hearing the pros/cons that people have experienced with these reels.  I jig ultra light rods with 6lb for crappie and white perch with my flasher mostly outside the shack. I'm concerned about the line being wound evenly, quality of the products, line capacity at 6 and 4lb test, and other concerns and advice. Thank you in advance.

[Seamonkey84]

What has really held me back from getting one is the reviews on how long it takes to get a jig down, and the gear ratio makes it just a bit better than a spoolie rod.

[LilWeezy]

I just bought 2 black bettys and have yet to try them out. There made for 20 feet or less. They make another black betty 6061 for deep water the reviews are nice. And it has a free spool feature a little pricey though.

[Anomaly]

I don’t have any of the single action ones. Too slow for me and I fish deeper water a lot. I have several and like them very much. I have three of the first Eagle Claws and two of the red ones. I have had some issues with the star drag on the older ones. Probably operator error, but I gave a hard time adjusting them and have had to hit “free spool” a few times with larger fish till I could set the drag right.  Didn’t loose any fish. The red EC Have been easier. I’ve got 2 Black Betty 6061. I’d go with the Black Betty 6061 if you can. They work GREAT. There are some other models out that are supposedly the “nuts” as my dad used to say. Those are not cheap by any means....I think they are like 150+. All the reels I have “free spool” The line does not come off in a coil. Fish fighting and lures spinning will coil the line, but the reel itself will save you line and time. You DO NEED TO PAY ATTENTION backlash when you run ‘free spool”. I have pretty much come to keeping my finger on the spool when dropping the lure. I checked most of my reels last week. A couple needed new line, but most did not. Came off the reel like new off the shelf.

[LilWeezy]

Glad to hear review on 6061 is it worth the $100

[cjg]

Keep in mind the Fly reel type direct drive ones you need to let go of the handle when fighting a fish or reel backwards. Takes some getting used to if you've been using a spinning reel.

[bee]

 if you want to save some money I have a couple Eagle Claws.

[franklin fisher]

  I fish for White Perch and Crappie, and any pond I fish is less than 30 feet of water.  I have an Eagle Claw with the red spool and two No.8 tackle CGI reels.  I really like them, the free spool does drop nice and quick.  As clamfarmer says you really want to get used to resting your finger on the spool to stop the backlash, not a big deal just something you have to remember or it will be a birds nest of line. 

  Line capacity is: 2lb/ 270yds, 4lb/190yds, 6lb/120yds.
 
  I spool up around 100yds of 4lb on mine.  Overall I really like them.  I wouldn't spend the extra money for the red spool Eagle Claw again.  The other Eagle Claw and the CGI are just as good.  The drags are a little funky but I check them every now and then to make sure they are adjusted right. 

  I have no experience with the Black Betty 6061.  It sounds nice but I am not going do drop $100 on one until I see it in action.

[jacksmelt71]

i have 2 reg. eagle claws and a red spool one. really like them. no twisted line and free spool comes out nice and strait. real light too.had a issue with my first one. was skipping once and awhile . i took it apart and reassembled properly. no issues since. they didn't push the gear all the way into position at the factory so it would jump off the other gear once in awhile. works great now. i add extra weight about 18in above my lure to get it down quicker when using tiny jigs but i used to do that anyway w my spinning reels.

[hardwater diehard]

I finally broke down and got the Eagle claw in line  reel ...after noticing via my AV Micro my jigs/lures spinning last season ...even with a ball bearing swivel ...was hoping to see more in use action on ice with the in lines the last two years ..but the craze hasn't hit quite yet in my area . I mostly fish pan fish in skinny water (- 15 fow) ...I plan to use some tungsten jigs (broke down on that craze too) to get through slush(less light penetration) and weeds at early ice in the shallows .My goal are less line twist and being able to get right back down to the action via the tungsten ..if the my in line accomplishes these goal I will be adding more in lines to my arsenal .

[RIVERRAT2]

ALL i use is inline reels,new ones are better then the old  small H.Ts. and schoolys
 
rat

[mt4410]

Thanks for the replies guys and gals, I have recently purchased a fiblink brand, 2:6:1, right hand, 4+1 ball bearing reel. Have yet to get it (Amazon purchase) for $29.99 with prime. According to the guy at cabelas, they normally run $80, not concerned with that just looking for some input on this brand, but I also appreciate the feedback already received.

[stickbait]

Frabil 371. Picked it up last season,love it! 3.7:1 ratio= 22" line retrieved per crank.super smooth free spool,tiniest jigs on 2# floro zoom to desired depth,comes with a short and long reel seat stems,and a nice drag.

[IM-POUNDING- R -U]

Last years Black betty reels are heavy, drag is ok ,but the line winds on wherever it wants. Freespool is loosing drag then resetting every drop.