Spinning reel for fluke

[John D.]

I need a decent spinning reel to pair with a Black Hole Challenger 7’ L (2.5 oz) for bucktailing fluke on charter boats.

I currently use a Daiwa BGMQ4000D-XH (10 oz) but would like to get down to around 7-8oz on the reel. I love the reel and price, but feel like it is a bit overkill. The 3000D-XH is basically the same size and only an ounce lighter.

Any recommendations appreciated and would like to stay under $300.

Thanks

[hammer4reel]

I need a decent spinning reel to pair with a Black Hole Challenger 7’ L (2.5 oz) for bucktailing fluke on charter boats.

I currently use a Daiwa BGMQ4000D-XH (10 oz) but would like to get down to around 7-8oz on the reel. I love the reel and price, but feel like it is a bit overkill. The 3000D-XH is basically the same size and only an ounce lighter.

Any recommendations appreciated and would like to stay under $300.

Thanks

How do those reels balance on the rod ?
It’s not always good to just go lighter .
Sometimes a lighter reel allows the rod to want to tip forward , which causes fatigue quick .

I personally try and match the reel so it is perfectly balanced and floats in your hand .

It’s weird because sometimes a heavier reel actually feels lighter on the rod due to balance

I have a Penn clash 4000 on my BH701 it’s 10.6.
But even the rod build can change what will float best

[John D.]

How do those reels balance on the rod ?
It’s not always good to just go lighter .
Sometimes a lighter reel allows the rod to want to tip forward , which causes fatigue quick .

I personally try and match the reel so it is perfectly balanced and floats in your hand .

It’s weird because sometimes a heavier reel actually feels lighter on the rod due to balance

I have a Penn clash 4000 on my BH701 it’s 10.6.
But even the rod build can change what will float best

Fair point but the reel I have feels overbuilt for fluke.

How do you like that BH rod? Pretty awesome isn’t?

[hammer4reel]

Fair point but the reel I have feels overbuilt for fluke.

How do you like that BH rod? Pretty awesome isn’t?

I actually like the Fenwick elite inshore better .

In BH line up I like the 731 and 761 as conventional buck tail rods

[Gerry Zagorski]

Check out the Daiwa Ballistic the 3000 is 7.6 ounces or the Shimano Stradic FM 3000 comes it at 7.9 ounces.

[John D.]

Check out the Daiwa Ballistic the 3000 is 7.6 ounces or the Shimano Stradic FM 3000 comes it at 7.9 ounces.

Thanks, will check out the Daiwa Ballistic 3000. Curious to see the differences btwn that and the Daiwa BGMQ.

[Jigman13]

I use ballistics in 2500, 3000 and 4000 sizes for various types of fishing from freshwater water river fishing for walleye, back bay ocean beach fluke, throwing small metals off the ocean beaches, and jigging fluke and sea bass off the boat.

I've landed 20 lb stripers, a 46 inch pure strain muskie and more than my share of cow nosed rays...along with false albacore, bluefish and even a 26" gag grouper off the skyway pier in Tampa.

They're solid reels. Very different drag feel vs a shimano. A different type of smooth...not buttery, but not clunky or jumpy either. It's hard to explain...I'm a huge fan. I've been using them since their metal body version debuted. I think it was the EX. I also have some with the newer Zaion (sp?) Frames. I'm gonna upgrade soon to an MQ to see if I like them too.

[John D.]

Think it’s going to btwn the Daiwa BGMQ 2500 or a Ballistic. I do like the BGMQ has a bit of a studier frame to the extent we are bucktailing a bit deeper and generally more protective in the elements although a tad heavier than the Ballistic. Will need to see both reels and go from there.

Thanks again.

[Gerry Zagorski]

Think it’s going to btwn the Daiwa BGMQ 2500 or a Ballistic. I do like the BGMQ has a bit of a studier frame to the extent we are bucktailing a bit deeper and generally more protective in the elements although a tad heavier than the Ballistic. Will need to see both reels and go from there.

Thanks again.

Yep the ballistic is definitely more of a finesse reel.. Had a friend crack the arm between the reel seat and the main body of the reel getting a snag out.

[hartattack]

Shimano Vanford,,, you can get last year's model at significant savings, my favorite reel for everything NJ..

[hartattack]

Shimano Vanford,,, you can get last year's model at significant savings, the fish don't know it's discontinued, my favorite reel for everything NJ..

[Gerry Zagorski]

Shimano Vanford,,, you can get last year's model at significant savings, the fish don't know it's discontinued, my favorite reel for everything NJ..

That’s the reel that replaced the Stradic CI4 right? What size did you get Larry?

[hartattack]

I got the 4000,,,, 24 lbs drag, only 7.6 oz ! All day jigging :D

[Rickhem]

I need a decent spinning reel to pair with a Black Hole Challenger 7’ L (2.5 oz) for bucktailing fluke on charter boats.

I currently use a Daiwa BGMQ4000D-XH (10 oz) but would like to get down to around 7-8oz on the reel. I love the reel and price, but feel like it is a bit overkill. The 3000D-XH is basically the same size and only an ounce lighter.

Any recommendations appreciated and would like to stay under $300.

Thanks

First, I'll state that it's been about a decade since I fished out front in the salt. But I remember that braid was not welcome on head boats. I think that the line you'll use and the quantity you want on the reel are going to be what makes up much of your decision for you. If you want to use (or have to use) 10 or 12 pound mono, a 4000 size reel may be your best choice. From there, how will you fish? If you're drop fishing, and not casting, lots of features on a spinner don't matter. But a nice 7-8 foot rod, with a spool of 20 pound braid, that would work for fluking from the beach, and a lot of other applications as well.

[Jigman13]

First, I'll state that it's been about a decade since I fished out front in the salt. But I remember that braid was not welcome on head boats. I think that the line you'll use and the quantity you want on the reel are going to be what makes up much of your decision for you. If you want to use (or have to use) 10 or 12 pound mono, a 4000 size reel may be your best choice. From there, how will you fish? If you're drop fishing, and not casting, lots of features on a spinner don't matter. But a nice 7-8 foot rod, with a spool of 20 pound braid, that would work for fluking from the beach, and a lot of other applications as well.

#20 braid from the beach for fluke? That's heavy. I'm typically #10, max #15. A good 7'6 can sling a 3/16 oz jig on #10 braid and fairly good distance... even though most strikes come in the last 5 to 7 handle turns lol

[Gerry Zagorski]

I got the 4000,,,, 24 lbs drag, only 7.6 oz ! All day jigging :D

Crazy to have all that drag on a reel that only weighs 7.6. I've had the Stradic CI4+ 4000 going on 4 seasons and it been flawless. I would guess the Vanford would be as reliable and a killer deal since it's discontinued now as well..

[John D.]

I got the 4000,,,, 24 lbs drag, only 7.6 oz ! All day jigging :D

How do they get it so light? Concerned it may have some of the same issues the Ballistic has with the reel handle breaking/bending when snagged or heavy torque. The BGMQ is built like a tank but carries an extra two ounces.

[Jigman13]

How do they get it so light? Concerned it may have some of the same issues the Ballistic has with the reel handle breaking/bending when snagged or heavy torque. The BGMQ is built like a tank but carries an extra two ounces.

I've never come close to that with any of the 5 ballistics in have, and I've hung many jigs, snagged the bottom and handled cow nose rays pushing 35-40 lbs. I'm pretty hard on my gear too. Meticulous, but definitely hard on my tackle.

[Dclark2]

I always carry a 3" piece of 1/2 inch dowel in my pocket for those times when a snag really gets tough. A few wraps around and you can get out of any snag without reel damage...................

[hartattack]

How do they get it so light?

Both the Daiwa Ballistic and the Shimano Vanford use high density carbon composite reel frames. Daiwa's Zaion-V material and Shimano's Ci4+ are known to be strong, lightweight and corrosion resistant. Both reels use aluminum gears. They are very similar reels and your choice may come down to preferred gear ratios. When paired with today's nano carbon rods, it's mind boggling that these setups can weigh so little and be so strong. I was previously leary of these new-age materials but they are NOT flimsy at all....

[John D.]

Both the Daiwa Ballistic and the Shimano Vanford use high density carbon composite reel frames. Daiwa's Zaion-V material and Shimano's Ci4+ are known to be strong, lightweight and corrosion resistant. Both reels use aluminum gears. They are very similar reels and your choice may come down to preferred gear ratios. When paired with today's nano carbon rods, it's mind boggling that these setups can weigh so little and be so strong. I was previously leary of these new-age materials but they are NOT flimsy at all....

Thanks. Will need to see/hold one of those reels against a BGMQ2500 which I am leaning towards.

[Jigman13]

You can't compare a BG to a Ballistic and Vanford. Two completely different price points and levels of quality.

Comparing a ballistic vs a vanford is more realistic. Don't get me wrong, the BG is a nice reel. The ballistics and vanfords are a step or two above...

[John D.]

You can't compare a BG to a Ballistic and Vanford. Two completely different price points and levels of quality.

Comparing a ballistic vs a vanford is more realistic. Don't get me wrong, the BG is a nice reel. The ballistics and vanfords are a step or two above...

I was of the impression the BGMQ has higher build quality? Def will look into the 2 you mention although I don’t like some of the reviews I have seen on the Ballistic’s trade offs re lighter materials as it relates to the handle.

[Belleric]

If you're trying to shave off some weight, maybe check out the Shimano Stradic CI4+. I think the 3000 size should be perfect for that rod, and it's super light. Plus, it's smooth as butter. I've used it for inshore stuff and it's held up great.