Topwater Caranx Ignobilis: Giant Trevally (GT) > Tackle & Techniques

Low Budget GT Reels

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Kevin Hulse:
Hi all,

I'm looking at putting a reel on my GT Special with a limited budget. Dont particularly want to spend over about $400. So far the reels I've had a look at are the Shimano Saragosa 18000, Diawa Saltist 6500 and had a quick look at the Okuma Salina II but the sales person steered me away from them. I have read a bit on various forums about the Saragosa vs Saltist and found some info about the Saragosa on here too and was hoping that there might be a few more people out there who could share a bit of knowledge and their opinions on these reels. 

I'm probably going to start off with 80lb braid and see how I go. Will be fishing out of Yepoon mostly. Dont think I'll make it as far north as Shoalwater but it could be a possibility (yes the 80lb will be replaced if that happens) if that helps at all.

Any advice will be appreciated.

Cheers

Kev

Mark Harris:
I have a Saragosa 18000 Kevin but have only used it personally as a back-up jigging reel. No issues with the reel - it is hardy and good value. Have landed reasonable sized GTs and Dogtooth with it. Friends have used it for casting with some success. Hard to find fault with this reel for the money.

If the first generation Salinas are anything to go by, stay right away from those. Several Indonesian friends bought those as a very cheap jigging reel and had all sorts of problems (all witnessed first hand, not hearsay) - warped bail arms (they do not like the sun), massive corrosion (they do not like the water), frazzled drag (they do not like fish)......

Karl Nelson:
hey Kev
 Ive got a diawa saltist 6500. grate value for money. caught a bunch of fish on it, had some big runs to, drag is still good, still going strong. not as smooth in the gearbox though. but for  $300 i say its a good thing.
 
Karl.

Luke Wyrsta:
Hi Kevin,

Whatever reel you use, putting it through regular GT use - it's going to need maintenance and replacement parts at some point.

I second the Saragosa, and the aftersales support you will receive from Shimano if you need it serviced.

I've caught GT to 30kg on the Saragosa, did not miss a beat. Mind you, I have not used it for an extended period of time - but would not expect anything more than any other product in that price bracket.

L

Kevin Hulse:

--- Quote from: Mark Harris on December 07, 2010, 09:44:21 PM ---If the first generation Salinas are anything to go by, stay right away from those. Several Indonesian friends bought those as a very cheap jigging reel and had all sorts of problems (all witnessed first hand, not hearsay) - warped bail arms (they do not like the sun), massive corrosion (they do not like the water), frazzled drag (they do not like fish)......

--- End quote ---

LMAO No wonder there aren't many good things said about them. Its pretty suprising to hear that seeing as they offer a lifetime warrantey isn't it? You would think that they woud want their products to be fairly reliable.

I have to admit that going by reports its pretty neck and neck between the Saltist and the Saragosa but in saying that I have always been partial to Shimano though. I understand that with the heavy nature of this type of fishing that maintenance is an important issue and that you also get what you pay for. Luke I've never had to deal with shimano before (maybe that is saying somethin in itself) but know that other manufacturers can be less than ideal.

Thanks for the feed back guys

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