Catfish Tackle

BAIT CASTERS: For heavy duty cattin' & SPINNING: For open water work

Shimano Calcutta

These reels are "over-kill" for most, but i feel you should buy the best tackle you can IF you are as crazy about cattin' as i am? I catfish hard and need tackle that will last..these two reels will be passed onto my two boys.As Dough Stange has said"Price is a factor in selecting rods & reels, but often it's not the most important consideration.the more experience you gain, the more you'll appreciate the exquisite feel of a fine rod and reel combination.Good equipment helps make you a better fisherman and with proper care, a few well-selected purchases can provide a lifetime of enjoyment". I totally agree with his statement! I would'nt trade my two Calcutta 700 reels for anything else.These reels cast very very smooth, have an outstanding drag system, hold good amounts of big line, have a loud clicker and were built for fighting big saltwater fish.

Quantum Iron

Jake and I both agree that the Quantum "Big" Iron series is worth its weight in gold.They are so much better than other baitcasters in Quality and price.These reels(the 400 series) have 3 ball bearings and 1 roller bearing ,6.1:1 gear ratio, continuous anti-reverse, holds great amounts of heavy line, cast very well and have very loud clickers. The models we prefer for flatheads are the 430CX(left) which holds 400yrds. or 20lb. test.The 420CX(right) holds 300yrds. of 20lb.test.These reels are worth a look if your thinking of buying big reels before you look at Abu Garcia 7000c3 reels.The Quantums are about $30 cheaper in price but in OUR opinion are way better in quality than the 7000c3.

Shimano Spinning

For open water work you can get away with spinning gear.In these areas we prefer spinning for there easier use and casting ability with longer rods.The reel in the picture is a Baitrunner Long Cast from the United Kingdom.Over there most popular brands make "baitrunner" style reels for there carp anglers since almost all there fishing over there is done from the bank.This reel did cost a pretty penny, but is an excellent chioce for those that love a big baitrunner reel.It the same reel as the american THUNNUS, but uses the "big pit" style spool.This style is just now getting popular in the states as a long distance casting spool.In Europe its been around for awhile.When it comes to rods, reels and experience in bank fishing we are so far behind them.This reel holds 600yrds. of 12lb. line and 330yrds. of 20lb. test