new reel, tuna fly or VS spin

[Jacob K.]

so here is my delima,
I have 700 bucks to burn on a reel. I was planning to get a fly reel formy 12 weight to use for SBFT, but then i was thinking, why get a reel for a type of fishing i do 3-4 times per year (if i am luck) as opposed to a VS spin, which i can use 3-4 times/week.
any thoughts?

[e-sea-e]

so here is my delima,
I have 700 bucks to burn on a reel. I was planning to get a fly reel formy 12 weight to use for SBFT, but then i was thinking, why get a reel for a type of fishing i do 3-4 times per year (if i am luck) as opposed to a VS spin, which i can use 3-4 times/week.
any thoughts?

jacob, spend the $$ where it will do the most good. I had simillar situation tis year. I rarely use conventional tackle, except in a few limited situations. so when it came time to buy a conventional reel, I couldnt justify spending 400-500 bucks on a quality reel that i'd use 4-5 times a year. So, I spent 100 bucks on a serviceable conventional reel and used the leftover $$$ to bolster my tuna/bass spin gear, and I am now all set.

just my 2 cents.

[Ray]

Jacob,

What is goal regarding the spinning reel? Do you want a top of the line spinning reel for daily fishing for everything from blues to Albies? Or would it be for SBFT?

One option is to get a fly reel for your 12-weight in the $500 range, then use the remaining $200 to go towards a good daily use spinning reel.

One option I'm thinking is the following:

SBFT fly reel: Nautilus #12. $500, extra spool = $180

Daily spinning reel: Shimano Spheros 8000. $110

[Jacob K.]

Ray
probably daily use, but the occasional SBFT, i figure if i get a VS it could handle a SBFT.... but maybe not?
from what i have read, there is no point in getting a 'cheap' fly reel forSBFT, because they will just burn it.
Jacob

[Ray]

I agree competely, no need to buy an inexpensive fly reel for the tuna. They're rip it to pieces. Unless your going to get a lot of use out of the 12-weight FOR tuna, I'd hold off on getting a reel specifically for that. I told myself when I get a boat, and increase my shot significantly at tuna, I would hold off on the correct setup for it.

I would probably go with a good spin reel. The Shimano Stella is another great option.

[RogerStg]

but then i was thinking, why get a reel for a type of fishing i do 3-4 times per year (if i am luck) as opposed to a VS spin, which i can use 3-4 times/week.
any thoughts?

So are you going to give up fly fishing for SBFT?

[Jacob K.]

So are you going to give up fly fishing for SBFT?
no, just shore/kayak bound so i dont get to go out that much for 'em.

[Tie-Dye-Fly-Guy]

bought tibor gulfstream for the bigguns (tarpon and tuna). must admit ive rigged it thrice in a year. she is still a virgin. shes pretty and able, but unfortunately she sits around alot. not sure if it was best purchase as i dont have a boat (yet). but she does shine on the shelf. fwiw.

[uncle4]

I use a Van Stall spin when trolling and casting for bluefin. I
also use BaitRunners (6500) as well. Both work exceptionally
well.

I also use a mix of VanStaal and BaitRunners when chunking
for stripers and brown sharks from the beach.

Unless the spinner is going to get dunked quite a bit, I'd in-
vest in the gear that will get the job done (Shimano) and
take the leftovers to spend on your passion (maybe a nice
used tuna fly reel from eBay).

If you're likely to immerse the spinner, you can't get more
reliable/dependable than the VanStaal.

FWIW, my tuna/shark reel is an Abel 12 (with the arm).

Tschuss!

Uncle 4

[surfrat59]

Jacob, unless you are surfcasting regularly in places like Montauk where the reel will be frequently submerged or exposed to very harsh conditions, the money will be better spent elsewhere. I own two of em, they are by no means state of the art...simply a well built specialized tool. A quality boat or light beach spinner can be had for 200 bucks, freeing up the other 500 for a new fly reel. ;)

[ruge13]

Agreed, no reason why you can't get both if you shop around.

[Jacob K.]

Agreed, no reason why you can't get both if you shop around.


insurance. this is money from my accident. they gave me 500 for the reel that i lost. it was worth 700. unless i show a recipt i only get 500....

[ruge13]

Ahh..that makes more sense.

[DAQ]

I have been tossing around the idea of getting a new fly reel or high end spinner also, I almost posted the same question awhile back.

I have come to the conclusion that I am going to pick up a Daiwa Saltiga, I'm not a big fan of the VS reels.

D

[Jacob K.]

why you no like the VS?

[DAQ]

I no like VS because they feel clunky and not very well balanced to me. Also, I do not like manual pickup and I do not think a spool redesign and a bail are worth an additional $100. One other thing, one friend had oil leakage from the body of his VS.

I am impressed with their dunkability but I don't typically fish underwater and I don't swim to my fishing spots (like some in Montauk). So, dunkability is no big issue for me. The line capacities are pretty decent too.

I'm on the fence about the lifetime waranty for $40+ a year.

D