Re: Spinning reel for fluke
 

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..

Re: Spinning reel for fluke
 

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

Re: Spinning reel for fluke
 

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

Re: Spinning reel for fluke
 

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.

Re: Spinning reel for fluke
 

#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

Re: Spinning reel for fluke
 

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..

Re: Spinning reel for fluke
 

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.

Re: Spinning reel for fluke
 

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.

Re: Spinning reel for fluke
 

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...................

Re: Spinning reel for fluke
 

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....