Dropshot reel recommendation

[WatterBoy]

I have a new Abu Garcia Vendetta rod that I want to use for dropshotting this year. Any recommendations for a spinning reel to pair it with? Something in the $100 or under range if possible. (Rod is the VTS66-5.)

Thanks for all opinions!

[LilJakeC]

If you have a BPS near you, I would recommend the Team Daiwa Pro spinning reel. I want to say that BPS is discontinuing this reel because it isn't listed on their webiste and my local BPS has them at a cheap price. If there isn't any Team Daiwa Pro spinning reels then get the Daiwa Exceler. It is the same exact reel besides not having an air bail.

[BigBassin144]

Pflueger Supreme is a great reel for $100 bucks.

BB

[WatterBoy]

Originally Posted by LilJakeC

If you have a BPS near you, I would recommend the Team Daiwa Pro spinning reel. I want to say that BPS is discontinuing this reel because it isn't listed on their webiste and my local BPS has them at a cheap price. If there isn't any Team Daiwa Pro spinning reels then get the Daiwa Exceler. It is the same exact reel besides not having an air bail.

Nearest BPS to me are the two in Iowa, but there is a Cabela's just a couple miles from me. I also have a $30 off coupon for my next $100 Cabela's purchase, so I'm planning to venture out there and buy a reel. Was going to do that today until I found out they are closed on Easter. Guess I'll have to head out there after work tomorrow instead.

Thanks for the reply!

[WatterBoy]

Originally Posted by BigBassin144

Pflueger Supreme is a great reel for $100 bucks.

BB

Thanks, BB. I'll have to check those out at Cabela's. I bought a Shimano Symetre for $100 a couple years ago and I really like it, so I'll have to compare the two.

[MIbasser]

Originally Posted by WatterBoy

Thanks, BB. I'll have to check those out at Cabela's. I bought a Shimano Symetre for $100 a couple years ago and I really like it, so I'll have to compare the two.

I have 4 of the Symetre's. Really like them. On two I'm using 10 lb Invex and another has 8 lb Invex. For the price I think they are really nice reels.

[rrw4258]

If you can use the coupon, try a Pflueger Supreme XT. It would be like $120 or so with your coupon... plus it would match the vendetta pretty good.

My ultimate suggestion is my dropshot reel, the Pflueger Patriarch spinning reel, it is ultra light weight and balances perfectly with the new feather light spinning rods that are on the market.

Ryan

[WatterBoy]

If I spend $200, then I get $50 off my purchase. Maybe I just have to shoot higher than spending $100. Plus, all their senkos are 25% off for Cabela's Visa Club members, which I just happen to be, so I should probably pick up more of those while I'm there also.

[BigBassin144]

For $200, the Pflueger Patriarch is a nice reel. the 9525 comes in at a mere 5.6oz. It was in my top three reels when I was looking into a new DS reels.

BB

[rrw4258]

Originally Posted by WatterBoy

If I spend $200, then I get $50 off my purchase. Maybe I just have to shoot higher than spending $100. Plus, all their senkos are 25% off for Cabela's Visa Club members, which I just happen to be, so I should probably pick up more of those while I'm there also.

WOW, if you can get a Patriarch for $150, I would jump all over that deal! I own the 9535 size as I prefer a bigger sized spinning reel, it seems to help with line twist. The 9535 still only weighs 7 ounces...

Ryan

[Bender]

I don't know in that price range, but I wanted to say that I agree with Ryan. I've tried smaller reels before and they just don't work as well as 2500 or 3000s. Line twist, better drag, and stronger gears make them better I think.

[WatterBoy]

Thanks for the input, guys. I will have to see what they have in stock in the store. I can only get the discount on stuff that I buy in the store.

[Sherm]

Originally Posted by MIbasser

I have 4 of the Symetre's. Really like them. On two I'm using 10 lb Invex and another has 8 lb Invex. For the price I think they are really nice reels.

Another vote for the Symetre's I bought 2 on Ebay new in the box for 75.00 with free shipping. They are awesome reels.

[WatterBoy]

Originally Posted by rrw4258

WOW, if you can get a Patriarch for $150, I would jump all over that deal! I own the 9535 size as I prefer a bigger sized spinning reel, it seems to help with line twist. The 9535 still only weighs 7 ounces...

Ryan

But it all boils down to this -- is a Patriarch for $150 really worth $80 more than a Symetre for $70? I could buy a lot of lures for that $80 difference. I guess that's for me to decide.

[cassidyta]

I am one of the guys who prefers a smaller reel when I drop shot. In most of my lakes, I am fishing 4 lbs test and the smaller reel works great for that. I use a Sedona 1000 as my main DS reel and have had no issues with it at all.

[WatterBoy]

I went with the Symetre for $70.

[Bassboss]

Originally Posted by WatterBoy

I went with the Symetre for $70.

Sounds like a good deal WB, hope you it! What size did ya go with?

[WatterBoy]

I got a 3000.

[Bassboss]

Originally Posted by WatterBoy

I got a 3000.

WOW! That's pretty huge IMO. lol I always thought the smaller reels were better for drop shottin. Why such a large reel? Any reasoning behind it that I'm missing out on? lol

[WatterBoy]

What size would you have suggested?

And what does the multiple use of "lol" in such short message mean?

[islandbass]

WB,

You're fine on the size. It is "huge" in terms of line capacity for basic drop shotting, and if I am not mistaken, it is different from its smaller 2500 sister by spool size.

The one plus with the larger capacity spool is if you're going to be fishing really deep.

In other words, it's definitely not necessary as BB mentioned but at the 3000 size it won't matter much. However, if you went with a 4000, that is too big, not to mention heavy.

If you target salmon or steelhead, the reel will serve you well.

[Bassboss]

Originally Posted by WatterBoy

What size would you have suggested?

And what does the multiple use of "lol" in such short message mean?

I probably would have gone with a 2500 because of weight and line capacity like IB said. But I'm really on no grounds to suggest anything....

lol was there as sort of a punctuation/mood indicator. If it was in real life and I was sayin that I probably would has said it with a slight chuckle.

[JHolmes]

Good choice in the Symetre. I probably would have gone with the 2500 too. Love the reel.

[rrw4258]

Good call on the Symetre in the 3000 size... what many people do not know is that the 3000 actually weighs less than the 2500. Not much but is does weight less, with more line capacity.

http://www.basspro.com/Shimano-Symet...02360/-1525704

Ryan

[WatterBoy]

Originally Posted by Bassboss

I probably would have gone with a 2500 because of weight and line capacity like IB said. But I'm really on no grounds to suggest anything....

lol was there as sort of a punctuation/mood indicator. If it was in real life and I was sayin that I probably would has said it with a slight chuckle.

The 3000 actually weighs less (9.9 oz) than the 2500 (10.1 oz). I doubt that little bit of difference matters, but I'd rather have the added line capacity in case I ever want it.