Building up a Seeker CLB704 and CLB706 for a friend to use for spanish, king, and dolphin trolling as well as wreck fishing. He asked me to match up a reel for each rod to meet his needs. I've looked at some Newells 220's, Daiwa Saltist 30's as well as Shimano Charter Specials but feel these reels may be too big for these blanks, so I'm looking for recommendations from you all.

Thanks in advance,
Ken Saums

If they are too large then look at the Daiwa Grandwave 30 or 20. Another be is the Avet reels from CA, I think it is the SX series that is small but has a large line capacity

The old Ambassadour 6500 or 7000 series with clicker are ideal and pretty sound reels. I just put a Peen International 975 on a CLB706 and it's a nice match.


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Ken,
If the budget allows, check out the Accurate Boss Magnum line. Smaller and lighter in weight but BUILT to handle the job and last. Great reels. I hope you're building the rods in a Spiral confuguration.
Dave

Not sure about the Newell 220's size, but have used every other reel mentioned on this post with those blanks. My fav's are the Grandwave 20 and Int'l 975. The Saltist would be great too, but don't have one so won't comment for sure. They sure seem like a nice little reel. The SX I have is a great little reel, but a bit too small for serious fishing I think as it doesn't have a lot of drag. My Accurate-- I'm not recommending Accurate to anyone right now cause mine has been broke 98% of the time I've owned it, and been sent back to Accurate four times.

The charter special is a good reel that usually takes a beating. I have friends who've used them on charters for leopard shark, salmon and striper trolling for years, along with the 7000 ambassadeurs. They just aren't as pretty as some of the other reels out there.

Phil

Penn 310 or 320gti would work also. Ed



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/15/2005 10:09PM by Ed Grella.

I have a set of 704's with Penn 535's on them. I would ask if he prefers star drags or lever drags for king fishing, and go from there.

Ken,
If kings are a major part of his fishing, I'd avoid most of the levelwind reels that have been recommended. Most levelwinds will wear out quickly from the high-speed runs of a kingfish. If money's not a problem, one of the favorite reels on the kingfish tour is the Penn International 12LT spooled with either 20 or 30 lb. line. Another standard for many years has been the Penn Senator 4/0 High Speed

Lynn

Lynn- Wow.... you must fish around oil rigs or heavy structure? I've never seen anyone use anything close to that heavy for kings in this part of Florida. Wondering if its a location thing or a technique thing?

Agree with the levelwind issue... forgot about that myself. None of my kingfish reels are levelwind.
Phil

Thanks for all the great respones, I think he's going with the Avets. A SX for the 704 and a MX for the 706.
Thanks again,
Ken Saums