Fishing Reel Dilemma

[Bowrider3]

Diawa Saltist, shimano torium or avet sx/mx are all great reels. ( I own all of them). Star drags are generally much easier to cast and work plenty well for local stuff. If you want to learn to cast (ie acquire an intelligent thumb) I would go with the torium or Saltist. Saltist is a bit more durable and has a bit better drag system but both are excellent reels for the money. Diawa sealines are also a great value and similar to the Saltist. If you are just going to drop straight down, the avet is terrific. It just takes a bit more practice to cast them because of the heavier spool. Level drags also will not cast as well as star drags all things being equal. If you are going to use it for drifting or trolling for halibut, you may also want to consider the shimano tekota, which is a level wind reel which works great.

[StinkyMatt]

Daiwa Sealine 20.





All the reels mentioned are very nice.

For the money , get a size 20 sealine. Very, very durable, small enough to work all day and big enough for e everything in a kayak found in southern cal(except sharks)

[alanw]

Buy Made in USA if at all possible.

[caddisx]

Thanks for all the suggestions. As far as irons, I still plan on using my spin reels. This community might not completely agree but I still plan on being a spin fishing guy most of the time. I just want to try something new and thought this might be the best way in. I realize it is a bit of a cheat if I plan on just dropping 60% + of the time but I like the idea of being able to let the fish take some line before I set the hook. Plus it will give me the opportunity to practice a bit and maybe in a year I can upgrade or expand. That will cause more un with the wife I am sure. As far as San Marcos. I started fishing there when I was 5. (42 now). When I was in HS I would drive to the lake and just take the boat out without ever seeing the grand parents. Needless to say, yes I have taken some HOGS from there. Love that lake.