Big cat reels and rods

I'm looking to buy a new / used reel for the big cats ( above 50Lbs.) and i was woundering what other reels are there then the ABU ? Price range up to $100 +/- 30 bucks
I have been poking around flea bay but i hate to buy from there there is just toooooo many people that have more then one account bidding on there own items and the prices for the reels are a little high to me..
As for the rod I was looking at somthing like this, Is this from BPS.
Model # 38-156-928-00 Is this too much rod and should i go Glass or carbon?
My other question would be ? Are the 2 piece rods O.K. to use ? All my rods are one piece ..What do you use your self..I would like to keep the rod at about the same money as the reel.
Thanks for your time.
Darrell

Here's one I bought from Basspro about 4 years ago. However, it has failed to catch anything over 30lbs, but I believe that's the fault of the operator.;)

[URL]http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_90935____SearchResults[/URL]

[QUOTE=Tyme2fish;416030]Here's one I bought from Basspro about 4 years ago. However, it has failed to catch anything over 30lbs, but I believe that's the fault of the operator.;)

[URL]http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_90935____SearchResults[/URL][/QUOTE]


Yah i have that bad thing they call operator maulfunction ALOT Cant U tell by the way I spell ;>) I went to a pawn shop and scored a ABU 6000 4 $30 and he has a 6500 for the same money here is the 6000 pic
[URL]http://s219.photobucket.com/albums/cc179/wlrs102/?action=view&current=Picture040.jpg[/URL]

The way I fish and my with luck ! 2 poles is more then I need trust me..
Thanks for the reply. Now how about a good rod.

The CatMaxx rod/reels at BPS are good outfits. I know several people that have them. I personally use the ABU's and UglyStiks. Shimano and Pfleuger (sp?) both make good reels as well. Just stick with the large capacity reels (similar to ABU 6500 & 7000) and you will have a good reel for the big cats.

If you want to support some local guys, go to these three web sites and check out custom made catfish rods that are very reasonably priced.

Tangling with Catfish, Duracats, and Hooked on Catfish. They either build their own rods or have links to those that are locally made (IN, KY, and TN). All of their rods are designed for big cats.

[QUOTE=Fisherjoe;416110]The CatMaxx rod/reels at BPS are good outfits. I know several people that have them. I personally use the ABU's and UglyStiks. Shimano and Pfleuger (sp?) both make good reels as well. Just stick with the large capacity reels (similar to ABU 6500 & 7000) and you will have a good reel for the big cats.

If you want to support some local guys, go to these three web sites and check out custom made catfish rods that are very reasonably priced.

Tangling with Catfish, Duracats, and Hooked on Catfish. They either build their own rods or have links to those that are locally made (IN, KY, and TN). All of their rods are designed for big cats.[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the info :>) I found the tangkin with catfish pole But could not find any of the others Can you PM me with the link? I would like to do my part and suport these folks.

It has been 20 years since the last time i was on the ohio river. I allways like fishing there you just never knoiw what you will catch.
I'm glad to see alot of people dont keep there big cats. We allways let anything over 6/8 pounds go. I like the tast of the younger ones more then those big cats..

I checked the Duracats and Hooked on catfish sites and they have removed the links to the other rod makers. I believe those two and tanglin with catfish all sorta endorse each other so the other rods may have been dropped. Heard nothing but good things about Jeremy's rods though so you probably won't go wrong if you get them.

One of the rods that was dropped was called Blackhorse Custom Rods or Blackhorse Custom Catfish rods, I don't remember which.

Thanks.
I did get 2 reels today the one i posted a link to earlier and a ABU 6500 syncro I'm not too crazy about the drag setup but I only have 80 bucks in both reels .. I cleaned and regreased both of them and they seem to have minium ware.
Now for the line ,Can I use braided line with these reels and if so what kind? I have been using fire line for years on all my other rods would it be a good line to use or should i go with somthing else?
What poundage line to use...
Just tring to get some ideas.

They should handle braid just fine. You will need to put some type of backing on first to stop the braid from slipping on the spool. Some put a couple layers of monofilament on and then splice the braid to fill the spool. I'm lazy...I put a wrap or two of electrical tape on the spool and the braid will dig into it and not slip. 65# Power Pro braid has always worked for me, but I'm sure about any of the other brands will work as well. I use 50# mono for my leaders. Some of the serious catters will use 100# braid for the main line and leader. I like the mono for a little extra shock absorbtion, but that is just my personal preference.

[QUOTE=Fisherjoe;416150]They should handle braid just fine. You will need to put some type of backing on first to stop the braid from slipping on the spool. Some put a couple layers of monofilament on and then splice the braid to fill the spool. I'm lazy...I put a wrap or two of electrical tape on the spool and the braid will dig into it and not slip. 65# Power Pro braid has always worked for me, but I'm sure about any of the other brands will work as well. I use 50# mono for my leaders. Some of the serious catters will use 100# braid for the main line and leader. I like the mono for a little extra shock absorbtion, but that is just my personal preference.[/QUOTE]


You have to do the same with the fire line.
Thanks for the info.