Posted by:
Russell Brunt
(---.lightspeed.miamfl.sbcglobal.net)
Ball gimbals are another possibility. They don't wear a hole in your gut if the fighting belt isn't handy when the fish strikes. I find I either can't get the gimbal cover off....or find it....when necessary.
A good reel will last a long time. The jigmaster is a solid choice but dates back to middle of last century. An entire industry has been built on upgrading these penn casting reels over the years. From Newall to progear, to upgrade parts galore. That alone should tell you they are lacking by today's standards. By the time you buy one and upgrade it you could have bought many other newer and superior (IMHO) reels (like an avet sx).
And BTW, don't buy the drag ratings. For a lever drag reel set the drag at 1/3 of weakest line/knot strength. Make that 1/4 for any other type reel. Use a good spring scale and don't touch it afterwards. You can always add drag with hand/thumb/fingers. Don't fish any reel near its maximum rating. The narrow spool reels are easier to cast and thumb the line back on. They are often called "jigging" models because of this. The wide spool reels need to have a stronger frame and drag/retrive ratio won't change as much as line goes in/out.
All things equal I will always opt for a machined aluminum reel with dogs over a plastic reel/cast metal with silent anti-reverse. The latter can be totally adequate up to about 10# drag setting (30# class).
Alan Tani's web site is a good place to visit. One could learn a lot about what makes a quality reel.....and what can break and leave you with an unrepairable high priced item. Ability to buy parts down the road is huge. Penn is king there.
Russ in Hollywood, FL.
