Reel Recommendations 2024
Dr. Watson reply :
Hello guys and gals,
So the black friday bait monkey attacked me this morning, i'm recovering, however, he threatened to batter me if I don't find a reel for the new rod I bought.????
The rod is a Kistler 2018 KLX 6'9" MH F as seen here:
http://www.kistlerrods.com/store/fishing-rods/klx-fishing-rods/klx-fishing-rods/texas-carolina-worm-jig-rods/klx-texas-carolina-rig-worm-jig-medium-heavy-6-9-fishing-rod.html#.W_b5f-hKguU
This will probably be an all purpose set up for me, throwing soft plastics, jigs, maybe some light spinner baits. Anyone have some reel recommendations, otherwise I'll go back to my old ways and pick up another Shimano.
new2BC4bass reply :
Budget is always nice to know. Fuego CT, Scorpion DC, Steez, Bantam MGL, Chronarch MGL, Curado 70, Exsence DC, Curado 200K, Antares, Helios SX, Lew's Team Lite, Tournament MB, Pro G, Tatula CT, MGXTreme2, STX. Revo SX, Supreme XT, Patriarch, Patriarch XT, KastKing Speed Demon and if you want a left hand reel look at the Helios Air at Sierra Trading Post for $150 (closeout of a $279 reel). Love mine. You can still find a Pinnacle Primmus Xi HS on Amazon. Fantastic reels IMO.
The Bait Monkey has been after me big time, but I am doing a great job so far of resisting. At least you have a good reason for needing another reel. I don't. 
BTW, hopefully I gave you enough choices. 
Dr. Watson reply :
On 11/23/2018 at 7:46 AM, new2BC4bass said:Budget is always nice to know. Fuego CT, Scorpion DC, Steez, Bantam MGL, Chronarch MGL, Curado 70, Exsence DC, Curado 200K, Antares, Helios SX, Lew's Team Lite, Tournament MB, Pro G, Tatula CT, MGXTreme2, STX. Revo SX, Supreme XT, Patriarch, Patriarch XT, KastKing Speed Demon and if you want a left hand reel look at the Helios Air at Sierra Trading Post for $150 (closeout of a $279 reel). Love mine. You can still find a Pinnacle Primmus Xi HS on Amazon. Fantastic reels IMO.
The Bait Monkey has been after me big time, but I am doing a great job so far of resisting. At least you have a good reason for needing another reel. I don't.
BTW, hopefully I gave you enough choices.
Lol, thanks, yeah I guess let's keep it under $190.
new2BC4bass reply :
I really like my Helios Air, but only LH reels available at Sierra Trading Post. I'd buy another, but already have two (LH models) and I like to try different products. Casts very far for me. Important since I fish from shore.
Shorter list: Supreme XT, Tatula CT, Helios SX, Helios LP or TCS, Curado K (ebay), Tournament MB.
Going to buy a Helios SX after reading this:
$172.07 with free shipping from ebay.
I have the Tournament MB and Helios LP...and original Tatula. Going to see what kind of deal I can find on the Supreme XT during Black Friday sales. Looks like I will be adding 2 more reels to my arsenal this weekend. Darn Bait Monkey. Got me after all. 
Dr. Watson reply :
On 11/23/2018 at 8:55 AM, new2BC4bass said:I really like my Helios Air, but only LH reels available at Sierra Trading Post. I'd buy another, but already have two (LH models) and I like to try different products. Casts very far for me. Important since I fish from shore.
Shorter list: Supreme XT, Tatula CT, Helios SX, Helios LP or TCS, Curado K (ebay), Tournament MB.
Going to buy a Helios SX after reading this:
$172.07 with free shipping from ebay.
I have the Tournament MB and Helios LP...and original Tatula. Going to see what kind of deal I can find on the Supreme XT during Black Friday sales. Looks like I will be adding 2 more reels to my arsenal this weekend. Darn Bait Monkey. Got me after all.
Do they only come in LH? I need a RH. I swear if that bait monkey comes at me again I'm taking him to jail.
I've seen the Tatula CT-R on sale on TW looks interesting, but I was turned off of Diawa when I first got heavy into fishing. Should I give them a second chance?
new2BC4bass reply :
RH $169.99 & free shipping. 2 left. https://www.amazon.com/Okuma-Helios-Air-Baitcast-Reel/dp/B00F5E3TTU
RH original Tatula Type R $104.60 free shipping. https://www.ebay.com/p/Daiwa-Tatula-Type-R-100xs-8-1-1-Right-Hand-RH-Baitcast-Fishing-Reel/1322623975?iid=142450672012&chn=ps
Personally I've never liked the looks of the CT Type R. Much prefer my original Tatula Type R. Like the looks of the regular CT better than the CT Type R. Low price on CT. https://www.ebay.com/p/2016-Daiwa-Tatula-Ct-Baitcast-Fishing-Reel-100xs-Right-Hand-8-1-1-Tatc100xs/1060510236?iid=382390292377&chn=ps
RH Helios LP $149.94 https://www.ebay.com/p/Okuma-Helios-Baitcast-Reel-8-1bb-7-3-1-12lb-130yds-RH/1600728660
Got to say I like the Air and LP.
RH Supreme XT $119.99 and a good store to buy from. https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Pflueger-Supreme-Xt-Baitcast-Fishing-Reel-10BB-7-1-1-145-12-SUPXT71LPX/112536709001?_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIM.MBE%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D20160323102634%26meid%3D0e3121b7710a4366bd2fb4bce6d11dc9%26pid%3D100623%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D302635831299%26itm%3D112536709001&_trksid=p2047675.c100623.m-1
What turned you off Daiwa? My first baitcast reel was an original Fuego on closeout. My latest is a used Steez. Personally I think you should try them again. I have 71 (I think) baitcast reels. Slightly over half are Daiwas. Love my Fuegos, PXL Type R, TD-Z 105H and Alphas reels. No doubt the Steez will join that list, but I've only had it out once before it got too cold for me. Beautiful reel.
EDIT: Here is another good choice. $140 for a $200 reel. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Pfueger-Patriarch-Low-Profile-Baitcast-Reel-PAT79LP-NEW/372487123717?hash=item56b9f67305:g:wRwAAOSwC9hb2RBg
I have the older Patriarch XTs. Very nice reels.
Dr. Watson reply :
On 11/23/2018 at 10:49 AM, new2BC4bass said:What turned you off Daiwa? My first baitcast reel was an original Fuego on closeout. My latest is a used Steez. Personally I think you should try them again. I have 71 (I think) baitcast reels. Slightly over half are Daiwas. Love my Fuegos, PXL Type R, TD-Z 105H and Alphas reels. No doubt the Steez will join that list, but I've only had it out once before it got too cold for me. Beautiful reel.
I had a bad experience with a spinning reel from them, the anti reverse was pretty much non existent. That paired with being inexperienced at the time and taking advice of other inexperienced people. Just turned me off them.
Edit: I do like those red and black Diawas, they would fit well with the rod I'm getting. Are there any Japanese made Diawas that are within the price range?
new2BC4bass reply :
On 11/23/2018 at 11:24 AM, Dr. Watson said:I had a bad experience with a spinning reel from them, the anti reverse was pretty much non existent. That paired with being inexperienced at the time and taking advice of other inexperienced people. Just turned me off them.
Sorry to hear that. My spinning reels hardly ever get used. Don't have many. One Shimano, one Pflueger and the rest are Daiwas. Can't comment on longevity even though most are older models bought used. Had my new BG1500 out once this year. New Procyon 2000 hasn't been spooled yet. The only new reel that has been out several times is an Advantage 2000A I bought several years ago. Nice reel on a super nice rod that hasn't seen any use lately because it is a MH, and I prefer casting for those weights.
If I could just retire and move to Florida, my babies would be getting used a lot more.
Dr. Watson reply :
On 11/23/2018 at 11:38 AM, new2BC4bass said:Sorry to hear that. My spinning reels hardly ever get used. Don't have many. One Shimano, one Pflueger and the rest are Daiwas. Can't comment on longevity even though most are older models bought used. Had my new BG1500 out once this year. New Procyon 2000 hasn't been spooled yet. The only new reel that has been out several times is an Advantage 2000A I bought several years ago. Nice reel on a super nice rod that hasn't seen any use lately because it is a MH, and I prefer casting for those weights.
If I could just retire and move to Florida, my babies would be getting used a lot more.
Well if you're down here for a visit let me know, we can meet up and fish or if I'm working you can come for a ride along ????
new2BC4bass reply :
On 11/23/2018 at 11:41 AM, Dr. Watson said:Well if you're down here for a visit let me know, we can meet up and fish or if I'm working you can come for a ride along ????
I get to Deland every year. You are about an hour and a half south-southwest. I currently keep 5 baitcast rods and one spinning rod there. Gave my 7' MH Quantum Superlite/Daiwa SS1600 to my brother-in-law when there earlier this year. Like I said...baitcast for me with any weight a MH handles. Think all my fish this year were caught on an old Fenwick Elite Tech MF Jig and Worm rod I shipped down there before my trip. I take reels back and forth. Forgot to take a baitcast reel with braid this year. Took two spinning reels and one had braid.
EDIT: Not a real doctor so what do you do? If working in a machine shop, I would be glad to ride to work with you. I am the only programmer for 27 lathes. We are short 4 people in that department so I also spend a lot of time setting up. Funny Dr. Watson that you aren't a real doctor. Some at work call me "Doctor Dale". Got a problem on a lathe? See Doctor Dale. Let him operate. 
Dr. Watson reply :
On 11/23/2018 at 11:52 AM, new2BC4bass said:I get to Deland every year. You are about an hour and a half south-southwest. I currently keep 5 baitcast rods and one spinning rod there. Gave my 7' MH Quantum Superlite/Daiwa SS1600 to my brother-in-law when there earlier this year. Like I said...baitcast for me with any weight a MH handles. Think all my fish this year were caught on an old Fenwick Elite Tech MF Jig and Worm rod I shipped down there before my trip. I take reels back and forth. Forgot to take a baitcast reel with braid this year. Took two spinning reels and one had braid.
Awesome, I took my state officer certification exam in DeLand. Just let me know.
Did you happen to know if any JDM Diawa reels in the price range I'm looking for?
new2BC4bass reply :
I am the wrong guy to ask. A quick check showed a Japanese version of the Tatula SV TWS within your budget. Don't know what...if anything...is different than the American model. There are a few guys on here that would know. I would start a thread here and on TT asking that question.
Guys like hoohoorjoo (Tim Starnes), LgMouthGambler (Matthew Litwinas) and 78Staff (Mark Mathis) to name a few would be much more knowledgeable about JDM reels. Lots of Daiwa knowledgeable guys at TT. A few of them also frequent here. (Maybe a lot of them. I wouldn't know.)
Joshua van Wyk reply :
On 11/23/2018 at 10:13 AM, Dr. Watson said:Do they only come in LH? I need a RH. I swear if that bait monkey comes at me again I'm taking him to jail.
I've seen the Tatula CT-R on sale on TW looks interesting, but I was turned off of Diawa when I first got heavy into fishing. Should I give them a second chance?
The tatula ct-r is my fav reel. Given the choice between the tatula and a Curado K (which I have and use) I'd take the tatula any day. Not to mention you can get the tatula for less than $100 of you're lucky on Ebay!
Dr. Watson reply :
On 11/23/2018 at 11:52 AM, new2BC4bass said:EDIT: Not a real doctor so what do you do? If working in a machine shop, I would be glad to ride to work with you.
I'm not a machine shop worker, more of a garbage collector, but in my case the garbage is crack heads and people that make poor life decisions.????
new2BC4bass reply :
On 11/23/2018 at 4:18 PM, Dr. Watson said:I'm not a machine shop worker, more of a garbage collector, but in my case the garbage is crack heads and people that make poor life decisions.????
But you get an excellent retirement plan to help make up for picking up the "garbage".
Jig Man reply :
I bought a used Shimano 70 on this site. I liked it so well that I have bought 2 more. I use them for most everything except jigs, spinner baits, and chatter baits.
BTW there is a Curado 200 on sale in the Flea Market for $110.
WRB reply :
Nice rod choice, Daiwa Tatula SV TWS is within your budget with sales today and a good match with your rod,
Tom
LOZSteve reply :
Agree with Tom on the Tatula SV TWS, on eBay the lowest price was 151.00 and Tackle Warehouse has 20% off 199.00. If you are patient you can find them discounted under that but it might take some time. I bought one this week for 129.00 when ebay ran there 15% off for using their App but that discount has expired. The Zillion in the same platform is a little more refined and I like the adjustable clicking tension knob but carries a higher price tag at retail 299.99, but again sale prices apply and you can find them less expensive on eBay as well.
CrankFate reply :
On 11/23/2018 at 2:50 AM, Dr. Watson said:Hello guys and gals,
So the black friday bait monkey attacked me this morning, i'm recovering, however, he threatened to batter me if I don't find a reel for the new rod I bought.????
The rod is a Kistler 2018 KLX 6'9" MH F as seen here:
http://www.kistlerrods.com/store/fishing-rods/klx-fishing-rods/klx-fishing-rods/texas-carolina-worm-jig-rods/klx-texas-carolina-rig-worm-jig-medium-heavy-6-9-fishing-rod.html#.W_b5f-hKguU
This will probably be an all purpose set up for me, throwing soft plastics, jigs, maybe some light spinner baits. Anyone have some reel recommendations, otherwise I'll go back to my old ways and pick up another Shimano.
No way! I almost bought one of those when I saw it on Facebook! Instead, my kids don’t know they just got me a new Tatula 100xs. That will go on your rod nicely. It’s right around your budget at $160.
They don’t know it yet, since the Tatula is all black, but they’re getting me a recon elite rod to go with it for my birthday this spring ????
new2BC4bass reply :
Are you stuck fishing from shore? The Tatula SV is a very nice looking and performing reel. I feel I get good distance with mine. However, I am aware its braking is more restrictive than a reel without the SV spool. If I needed a reel for maximum distance, then I would select a different reel. And, yes, I am aware of how important accuracy can be at times. I also know I like to reach water many other shore fishermen don't reach. Luckily I'll normally have both with me.
Check out japantackle for the 16 Scorpion 70 for a holiday sale price of $172. I may be forced to get a 71. 
EDIT: Provided line capacity is sufficient for you.
Dr. Watson reply :
On 11/24/2018 at 9:37 AM, new2BC4bass said:Are you stuck fishing from shore? The Tatula SV is a very nice looking and performing reel. I feel I get good distance with mine. However, I am aware its braking is more restrictive than a reel without the SV spool. If I needed a reel for maximum distance, then I would select a different reel. And, yes, I am aware of how important accuracy can be at times. I also know I like to reach water many other shore fishermen don't reach. Luckily I'll normally have both with me.
Check out japantackle for the 16 Scorpion 70 for a holiday sale price of $172. I may be forced to get a 71.
Yeah, I don't have a boat other than a kayak, which I am trying to get rid of in the fishing flea market. I do have access to others with boats, though.
On 11/23/2018 at 11:01 PM, Jig Man said:I bought a used Shimano 70 on this site. I liked it so well that I have bought 2 more. I use them for most everything except jigs, spinner baits, and chatter baits.
BTW there is a Curado 200 on sale in the Flea Market for $110.
Thanks, I will take a look. I do still love my ole Curado 200E
On 11/24/2018 at 12:28 AM, WRB said:Nice rod choice, Daiwa Tatula SV TWS is within your budget with sales today and a good match with your rod,
Tom
On 11/24/2018 at 12:55 AM, LOZSteve said:Agree with Tom on the Tatula SV TWS, on eBay the lowest price was 151.00 and Tackle Warehouse has 20% off 199.00. If you are patient you can find them discounted under that but it might take some time. I bought one this week for 129.00 when ebay ran there 15% off for using their App but that discount has expired. The Zillion in the same platform is a little more refined and I like the adjustable clicking tension knob but carries a higher price tag at retail 299.99, but again sale prices apply and you can find them less expensive on eBay as well.
Thanks for the suggestions guys, looks like I got quite a bit of research to do. Keep em comin.
Dr. Watson reply :
I actually just found a JDM zillion for $172
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Daiwa-JDM-Zillion-TW-TWS-1516-Baitcasting-fishing-reel-magsealed-Select-Models/142232826388?_trkparms=aid%3D555018%26algo%3DPL.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D52935%26meid%3De6b98a35ade643b29c7f95a89ba6436a%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D12%26mehot%3Dpp%26sd%3D142484170974%26itm%3D142232826388&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851
Edit: I freaking bought it; if I end up hating it, I'll send it back. I am still looking for a second reel, I think I'll try out this new zillion to replace my Revo SX that I'm trying to get rid of.
18RangerZ520L reply :
Stick with Shimano and Daiwa.
They are the top dogs in the freshwater bass fishing reel industry. I'm strictly a Shimano/G.Loomis guy.
You get what you pay for. There's a reason a Lamborghini costs more than a KIA...............
Good luck
new2BC4bass reply :
On 11/24/2018 at 2:16 PM, Dr. Watson said:I actually just found a JDM zillion for $172
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Daiwa-JDM-Zillion-TW-TWS-1516-Baitcasting-fishing-reel-magsealed-Select-Models/142232826388?_trkparms=aid%3D555018%26algo%3DPL.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D52935%26meid%3De6b98a35ade643b29c7f95a89ba6436a%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D12%26mehot%3Dpp%26sd%3D142484170974%26itm%3D142232826388&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851
Edit: I freaking bought it; if I end up hating it, I'll send it back. I am still looking for a second reel, I think I'll try out this new zillion to replace my Revo SX that I'm trying to get rid of.
No experience with the new Zillion, but have a couple older models. (The 50th Anniversary is a favorite.) My understanding is they still do best from 3/8 oz. up unless you get an aftermarket spool. Shouldn't be a problem on your rod. I use mine on MH rods as well. If I want to cast 1/4 oz. I drop down in rod power regardless of reel mounted on the MH. Some people don't like TWS. Hopefully you won't be one of them.
Looking forward to your impressions of the reel once you get to use it a bit.
Big Rick reply :
On 11/23/2018 at 4:18 PM, Dr. Watson said:I'm not a machine shop worker, more of a garbage collector, but in my case the garbage is crack heads and people that make poor life decisions.????
As Holmes would say, "Bring your trusty revolver, Dr. Watson, the game is afoot!" I started young and retired early from your profession and moved several hours away after retirement. Working on my second retirement now. Unfortunate to say, you'll never run out of customers.
Dr. Watson reply :
On 11/24/2018 at 11:45 PM, Big Rick said:As Holmes would say, "Bring your trusty revolver, Dr. Watson, the game is afoot!" I started young and retired early from your profession and moved several hours away after retirement. Working on my second retirement now. Unfortunate to say, you'll never run out of customers.
Job security at its finest ????
Brendan Roll reply :
On 11/23/2018 at 8:55 AM, new2BC4bass said:I really like my Helios Air, but only LH reels available at Sierra Trading Post. I'd buy another, but already have two (LH models) and I like to try different products. Casts very far for me. Important since I fish from shore.
Shorter list: Supreme XT, Tatula CT, Helios SX, Helios LP or TCS, Curado K (ebay), Tournament MB.
Going to buy a Helios SX after reading this:
$172.07 with free shipping from ebay.
I have the Tournament MB and Helios LP...and original Tatula. Going to see what kind of deal I can find on the Supreme XT during Black Friday sales. Looks like I will be adding 2 more reels to my arsenal this weekend. Darn Bait Monkey. Got me after all.
How do you like the Tournament MB? Would it be a good starter reel?
new2BC4bass reply :
On 11/29/2018 at 9:02 AM, Brendan Roll said:How do you like the Tournament MB? Would it be a good starter reel?
Should be. I read a recent post that said the MB fit better, but a Tatula backlashed less for the poster. I don't see why as a dual brake reel should be able to be set up to run pretty good. I am not nearly as good with a baitcast reel as many, but by the time I got my MB I was to the point I could pick up any BC reel and cast well (for me) with it in no time. The MB has not been any more likely to backlash for me than any of my other reels....and less than a couple.
Haven't used my MB (or any reel) much lately. Working two jobs for over a year now. My Carbonlites are dual brake reels, and I can cast a #5 Shad Rap as far with them as I can a tuned TD-Z 105H (magnetic only). Neither backlash as long as I do my part.
Dr. Watson reply :
Got my new rod, very nice, i'm thinking i'll do a first impressions review soon, as I don't see too many reviews of the newer KLXs. I Am still waiting for my zillion to get here, if it turns out to perform really well. I'll probably get another Daiwa or Shimano to replace that Abu SX I want to get rid of. I'm thinking Tatula Type R, CT, or SV on the Daiwa side and a new Curado K or Scorpion 70 on the Shimano side.
Brendan Roll reply :
On 11/24/2018 at 12:55 AM, LOZSteve said:Agree with Tom on the Tatula SV TWS, on eBay the lowest price was 151.00 and Tackle Warehouse has 20% off 199.00. If you are patient you can find them discounted under that but it might take some time. I bought one this week for 129.00 when ebay ran there 15% off for using their App but that discount has expired. The Zillion in the same platform is a little more refined and I like the adjustable clicking tension knob but carries a higher price tag at retail 299.99, but again sale prices apply and you can find them less expensive on eBay as well.
Hey, do you think that it is worth upgrading from the tatula 100 to the SV TW?
new2BC4bass reply :
On 11/29/2018 at 11:50 AM, Dr. Watson said:Got my new rod, very nice, i'm thinking i'll do a first impressions review soon, as I don't see too many reviews of the newer KLXs. I Am still waiting for my zillion to get here, if it turns out to perform really well. I'll probably get another Daiwa or Shimano to replace that Abu SX I want to get rid of. I'm thinking Tatula Type R, CT, or SV on the Daiwa side and a new Curado K or Scorpion 70 on the Shimano side.
Digitaka has the Scorpion 70 for $173.56 with free shipping. I didn't discover this until I had already ordered one from Japan Tackle....which was about a buck fifty less but shipping was $22.00
On 12/2/2018 at 7:43 AM, Brendan Roll said:Hey, do you think that it is worth upgrading from the tatula 100 to the SV TW?
Only if you need the benefits of the SV spool. I do think the finish on the SV is better than on the standard Tatula. I also think the finish on the standard Tatula Type R is better than the standard Tatula. Never handled a CT model.
Dr. Watson reply :
On 12/3/2018 at 2:25 AM, new2BC4bass said:Digitaka has the Scorpion 70 for $173.56 with free shipping. I didn't discover this until I had already ordered one from Japan Tackle....which was about a buck fifty less but shipping was $22.00
Only if you need the benefits of the SV spool. I do think the finish on the SV is better than on the standard Tatula. I also think the finish on the standard Tatula Type R is better than the standard Tatula. Never handled a CT model.
Awesome, I'll take a look
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