Thread: Conventional Reel for surf

I have never used a conventional reel before in the surf, thought about trying for the heck of it. I noticed that there are two types of drags, lever and star. Is one type better than the other or what is experts preference? Any brand preferred over another?

Forgot to mention before the question is asked..Budget under $300.00

Generally lever drags offer more precision for your drag setting, but are more expensive.
That being said the Abu Garcia 6500 and 6600 have been 'standard' conventional surf fishing reels for the past 4 decades.
When properly modified they can outcast most spinning tackle.

Lever seem to be used trollong offshore, star drags for bottom bumping.....I would suggest a star drag for the surf.....pier#r suggest a good couple, also the shimano calcutta's 700 are good too

Originally Posted by Pier#r

Generally lever drags offer more precision for your drag setting, but are more expensive.
That being said the Abu Garcia 6500 and 6600 have been 'standard' conventional surf fishing reels for the past 4 decades.
When properly modified they can outcast most spinning tackle.

Pier, I always respect your input, could you briefly explain, ' properly modified'

Basically I'm referring to adding rare earth magnets for better casting control and distance.
A LOT of guys on the East coast and Texas do this but not near as many around here.

As Bill mentioned the Calcutta 700 or even 400 would be good options as well.

Like Pier#r said. I have a "magged" Penn 140 Squidder that I glued rare earth magnets to the inside of the side-plates in order to slow the spool down and more easily prevent birdnests. Works pretty well, once you get the hang of it. If you get rusty, though, you'll make a mess, even with the magnets (I may need more of them). Of course, now they have newer, ready-made magged reels. There are lots of internet resources on how to mag your own reels.

I have a good friend that is solely a cast reel surf fisher. His two suggestions are these- the Penn Squall 12, or an Abu Garcia Ambassaduer 5000(or may be 5500), I personally have an Squall 12, but I use mine for my kayak. That being said, it has great cast control, is light weight, and has great drag. The Amanassadeurs are good to, but he does reel repair/upgrades and replaces the beairings with ceramic bearings and does some other stuff that makes it phenomenal. If you are interested, pm me and I will give you his contact info. He is located in Gulf Breeze and does great work and is one heck of a guy. He currently has a couple of Squall 12s for sale that he personally used in the surf, but has now replaced them with the ambassadeurs he upgraded.

Is anyone familiar with the Ambassadeur BlueYonder 6500BY?

Originally Posted by witler

Is anyone familiar with the Ambassadeur BlueYonder 6500BY?

WOW! Looks awesome. Right in line with what you want, and it's already magged...
Abu Garcia® Ambassadeur® Blue Yonder | Abu Garcia®

Originally Posted by Pier#r

WOW! Looks awesome. Right in line with what you want, and it's already magged...
Abu Garcia® Ambassadeur® Blue Yonder | Abu Garcia®

Pier, Again thanks for your input, any suggestions on a rod to pair this Blue Yonder 6500 with for surf fishing?