Creek Reel Advice

[Johnny K]

I have a small Quantum spinning reel for wading creeks (~ 100yds/6lb) which I spool with 14 lb braided (4 lb diameter). Something is wrong with it where is hard to reel in with any type of lure(load) on it. I have completely broken it down , cleaned and lubricated everything. It spins fine with no line out.

Any thoughts. Could the brided line have dug into the line roller?


If all else fails............

Any recommendations on a repair service?

A new reel (of like type) recommendations? Cabela's has some nice ones, but reel prices are absolutely ridiculous these days. I gave about $130 for the Quantum, and I thought that was bad.

Thanks

[apb]

Any backing under the braid? Can sometimes slip on the spool under pressure.

Andrew

[GeoFisher]

Any backing under the braid? Can sometimes slip on the spool under pressure.

Andrew

Yea, definitely use some backing.

I like using a Stradic 1000 for Creek Fishing........FUN Reel. I have it matched on a 6' 3" bronzeback..........MM GOOD.

Later,

Geo

[AJM]

Some of the new shimano reels, i use a stradic 1000 also, have waterproof rubber gaskets that keeps water and other small debris out of your drag system and your lube port. Pretty good idea for your creek setup.

I have had this trouble in the past with cheaper quantum reels. I think with the water and other stuff that gets in them mixed with the load of certain baits and the load of certain creek monsters... they just cant hold up over time.

The shimanos however are a different story. I suggest looking at a 1000 saros or stradic. SAme price range as the quantum you mentioned.

[chasmo]

My guess would be the roller bearing on the bail, or the fact that it isn't a shimano!! Go for the Stradic 1000, you won't be sorry, and if your feeling like spending a little more, go for the Sustain ($229). I have a Sustain 1000 that has outlasted a Stradic and a symetre combined and has seen saltwater action too. You can't go wrong with a Shimano!! Sometimes on eBay you can find a new Sustain 1000 pretty cheap-where I got mine for $135!!!

[Johnny K]

Thanks for the advice. I'm beginning to think roller bearing also. I assume the roller spins around this bearing thus reducing the "drag" I'm feeling as I wind in the lure?

I normaly only use Shimano spinning reels and I had a Shimano Symetry previous but my braided line (power pro 14 lb) kept hanging up on the bail arm rather than seating properly on the roller. I think that type of line has some waxy substance on it that wouldn't allow it to slide over the bail arm properly on initail take up. I could even see a geen residue on the bail arm. When I set the hook it would flip the bail open. Frustrating as you could imagine.

[MagikSmallie]

I too would reccomend the Stradic 1000, and also might suggest dumping the braided line, for creek uses anyway, I would go with a light 6-8 lb. flourocarbon line. But your problem is either the cheap nature of quantum or the 14lb braid.

[psprowler]

Perhaps the quantum has a plastic bushing within that swells when it gets wet, which leads to the reel binding up. The older higher end shimanos were notorious for this. Just google "shimano spinning reel binding" when you have a couple weeks worth of time to kill. Shimano has supposedly fixed the problem - can't speak for quantum. I wouldn't go out and drop a big wad of cash on a spinning reel that you are taking to the creek day in and day out. They get wet, you get dirt and grime in them, and just abuse them in general. I'm rolling with a $19.99 Shakespear tempest right now, still waiting for it to die after 2 years so I can bring out one of the 2 new ones in the box I have as backups.

[Johnny K]

Thanks again for the input. It will be hard for me to give up my braided. It doesn't twist or kink as bad as mono and I can yank lures out of trees and under rocks with out breaking off. And it lasts for 2-3 years.


I have two ther Shimano reels with braided and have had no problem. Just the Symetre reel gave me an issue

Never used flurocarbon.

[AJM]

Fluoro is good for applications and thats why I don't like it much in the Creek because I am constantly changing what and the ways Im fishing, however it would be good for most all applications, except topwater. Also I do think Flouro has a little too much memory on spinning reels and a small size spool like that may not be ideal for that line. If you are use to braid, stick with it, its very practical and like you mentioned, appeals to your needs. I would get a Saros or a Stradic, because they both come with spare spools among other reasons. Have one spooled with your favorite braid and the other with some 4-6# mono in a preferred brand.

[smljaw]

I don't use spinning reels a whole lot. This said, I drop more money into baitcasting rods/reels. As for spinning reels though, I really like the Shimano Spirex. They run about $60. They're long casting and long lasting.