Need help on conventional reel.

[Steve Dupree]

I finally decided to buy a 525 mag reel.When I called the Avid Angler in St.Augustine,Fl.the person at the store recommended the Abu 6500 ct mag instead.I'm back to square one and need some advice.Which reel would be better for the 11ft rod I bought at Bass Pro? I had a 5500 and 7000 Abu I used years ago,so I'm somewhat familiar with the ABU.Thanks for the help.

[AtlantaKing]

Both would be good. The Abu's a tad lighter (and cooler looking ;)) but holds less line. The Penn's a bit heavier, but more rugged and holds around 40 yards more line than the Abu. Both retail for around $150 so whichever they give you the best deal on, go for it! Besides, in a year or two, you'll have both anyhow :D

[kmw21230]

Ct, is right for once!! :) they are both great reels. I personally think the Abu's are more user friendly. I personally have gotten my best distance on my 525.... so either way you won't be screwed.. :)


Both would be good. The Abu's a tad lighter (and cooler looking ;)) but holds less line. The Penn's a bit heavier, but more rugged and holds around 40 yards more line than the Abu. Both retail for around $150 so whichever they give you the best deal on, go for it! Besides, in a year or two, you'll have both anyhow :D

[Hannibal]

The most important thing said above is "in a year or two, you'll have both anyhow." Truer words have never been skoken.

My personal opinion - learn on the 525. The Mag setting can be adjusted to compliment your level of casting.

[jcreamer]

Use the 525..

[sprtsracer]

525

[Mark G]

An 11' rod at bass pro is not very descriptive. (We need more info)

Before deciding on a reel decide on type of fishing, species targeted , etc.

Since you already have the rod what is it rated for ?

The penn 525 is not great for tossing really light weights, say 3 oz and under, the abu would be better for that, but the penn 525 is a little more stout and would be my preference for bait fishing with heavier lines (17 lb test) and weights of 5 or more oz.

BTW never let some dweeb sales clerk tell you what you want- that is what we're here for. :D

In all seriousness either reel will serve you well.

[Steve Dupree]

The 11'4" rod is the Daiwa Emblem rated for 5-8oz.Without casting the rod it appears to be overrated weightwise.It looks like it would probably throw 3-6.

[sprtsracer]

There is probably more mark-up on the Abu's at Avid Angler than on the Penns. Penn does control their prices fairly tightly, and it's my understanding they give very little leeway to retailers, so they probably make more money on the 6500CT. Also, the guy you talked to probably never even threw the 525. With that rod, I'd definitely recommend the 525. You'll have, as already stated, the Abu next year sometime, with a lighter rod:D

[Sea Level]

The folks at Avid Angler are good guys and excellent fishermen -- probably forgotten more than most know. That said, surf fishing is not their strong suit. Tommy and Randy could win you a Kingfish tournament though. Randy and his wife like to surf fish and they prefer the cute little Abu's with levelwind. No chance the Mrs. will wind a big hump up against one side or the other. Avid Angler carries 525's, but they don't sell much in the way of surf rods and reels.

I personally would put a 525 Mag on the rod you have. As Surf Cat states, the reel likes 4 ounces and above. The 525 Mag is a surf fishing reel.

[Mark G]

The folks at Avid Angler are good guys and excellent fishermen -- probably forgotten more than most know. That said, surf fishing is not their strong suit. Tommy and Randy could win you a Kingfish tournament though. Randy and his wife like to surf fish and they prefer the cute little Abu's with levelwind. No chance the Mrs. will wind a big hump up against one side or the other. Avid Angler carries 525's, but they don't sell much in the way of surf rods and reels.

I personally would put a 525 Mag on the rod you have. As Surf Cat states, the reel likes 4 ounces and above. The 525 Mag is a surf fishing reel.


My comments about a dweeb sales clerk weren't meant to knock on anyone individual or business in particular. Just wanted to point out they will always be directed to do what is best for their bottom line, and will consider what is best for your particular concerns as secondary.

[Steve Dupree]

Thanks for the advice everyone.Looks like I'll get the 525.I just wanted to make sure it would be the best for my needs.As I progress I'll probably get a 6500.

[eric]

for fishing, i would suggest and prefer a 525mag
outta the box. itll do it all with the slidey.

no need to upgrade this or that, just lighter oil in the spool bearings, and thats it.

i doubt youll need a 6500 later on.
the 525 has better drags and internals.

[Digger]

Most ABU mags don't have the clicker for bait fishing. So if you are spiking go with the Penn. For bait I use a Blue Yonder, 525MAG, and SLOSH's for that reason. Now if that CT MAg has a bait alarm let me know.

[sprtsracer]

for fishing, i would suggest and prefer a 525mag
outta the box. itll do it all with the slidey.

no need to upgrade this or that, just lighter oil in the spool bearings, and thats it.

i doubt youll need a 6500 later on.
the 525 has better drags and internals.

I agree. If you like the 525 and need another reel, probably best to get another 525, or if you need even more line capacity, get a 535 knobby conversion later on. Of course, being the way we are, we like to try new stuff anyway!!!:D

[snowy]

Now if that CT MAg has a bait alarm let me know.
The new Abu high speed mags have a clicker.

[LostLures]

525 is a great way to get started.

[JeepMike]

I have an 11 foot Emblem and bomb 8nbait all day long, idk about the reels though, I'm still waiting to buy one for myself!!