Reel Recommendations
 

I am looking for some recommendations for a new reel. I will be using this reel primarily for bottom fishing deeper water for cod, ling, seabass, ect. I currently have an old Penn levelwind but the gear ratio is low and reeling up from 200-300 feet down gets old quick with it. I have been looking at AVETs but I am not sure which model is adequate and they are pretty expensive reels. I don't mind paying for quality but I'd like some recommendations from some of the experts on here. Thanks for the help in advance!

Re: Reel Recommendations
 

A lot depends on your budget.

The Avets are solid reels for what you are doing I would suggest a JX 4.6. Shimano and Daiwa also make some great offerings.

Re: Reel Recommendations
 

I would go Shimano torium I love those things & they are star drag as I am not a good enough angler to operate lever drags

Re: Reel Recommendations
 

If you want a level wind I haven't had any problems with my collections of Saltists, but I spoiled myself with a 2-speed avet to match one of my Bogan rods, man! It is nice!

Re: Reel Recommendations
 

Believe it or not, I've done numerous offshore seabass trips with my little Avet SX and had no issues. Not too bad for a $150 dollar reel! But you may consider stepping up to a MXJ or MXL which would even be adequate for tilefishing. If budget is not a concern, may consider stepping up to a 2speed version for some serious pulling power when you get multiple bigger fish on the end of the line.
If you want a levelwind, you can't beat the Saltists LW 40 or 50.

Re: Reel Recommendations
 

I have a collection of Avets, an MXL and a few SXs and love em'. Depending on how much line you think you'll need for fishing bottom, the SX will probably suit your needs just fine and is light enough to work all day without getting fatigued. I use them for fluke, sea bass, blackfish, cod, etc.

Re: Reel Recommendations
 

You should be looking at inches per retrieve (one crank of the handle). Most, if not all, manufacturers provide theese specs. Naturally. the smaller the reel, spool the less line per crank, but that also depends on how much line is out, as in how deep you are fishing.

If money isn't an issue there are many nice 2 speed reels that will get the line up quicker when you need to rebait or if you have a smaller fish on the other end. But, if there is a big boy on the line and you want to put the spurrs to him, a two speed will fit the bill nicely in lower gear. There are always 2 speeds for sale used, on here, many other sites and eBay as well. Google the reel you decide on, shop around you should be able to get a good deal.

Realistically though, for the species and depths you mentioned, a single speed should fit the bill and save you some money.

From a personal perspective, I use a progear 251 5:1 ratio. It falls in between most speed wise and has decent cranking power and braid capacity. Unfortunately, they are no longer made. So, used is the only way to go. And, frequent maintenance is a must. Oh yeah, it isn't a levelwind either. To each his own.

Good Luck!

Re: Reel Recommendations
 

Love my saltiest 30 level wind and just got the new 20, black finish. I have it paired up with a keven bogan rod and it is a sweet combo.

Re: Reel Recommendations
 

Avet good choice,i started with them,only issue i had was with the bearings after one season.Im sure they worked that out my now,iI switched to daiwa saltist,and now to the saltiga lineup.Deepwater cod saltiga 30

Re: Reel Recommendations
 

Vintage Penn Senator 3/0 Special made in USA. 3.7 retrieve. Ebay or someone here can fix you up. 4/0 is a little big but will suffice. AK47's of reels.