Shimano Exage / Catana

Joined: Mar 25, 2011 Posts: 2 Location: Exeter

Hi All
New to this forum and am looking at getting into spinning for bass, as opposed to boat fishing due to health reasons , sad

anyway's am going to use Shakespeare Salt Bass, and Shakespeare Alpha X bass rods, now for reels, don't want to spend a shedfull on reels and have been told that Shimano Exage and Catana reels are good vfm for getting started on spinning to see how things go and maybe move up if I and my body are happy with it worried

can anyone give any opinions good or otherwise on these reels.... confused

all info / advice gratefully received... Wave

many thanks

Sean.

Regular Joined: Jul 26, 2009 Posts: 343 Location: Surrey

I've got an Exage 4000. It's a compact reel, smooth running and beautiful line lay. Haven't used it a great deal so far but I find it a very good reel. Difficult to improve on I'd say.

Posted: Sun Mar 27, 2011 5:55 pm

Welcome to the site m8 winking

Posted: Sun Mar 27, 2011 6:45 pm

ive got the rear drag exage and its a fine little reel. probably a little small on the salt bass tho, fine if just for spinning but wont be any good with leads and bait

Regular Joined: Dec 14, 2008 Posts: 256 Location: rochdale

Hi and welcome to the forums.
The rods you,ve named are a bit on the heavy side for spinning, more like light shore bait rods and the Exage / Catana reels are not really strong enough for that sort of job.
The general opinion on most sites these days is to go for an 8-10ft rod rated to cast 15-40g for spinning or plugging. These weigh only half as much as the salt bass rod and match perfectly with 3000/4000 size Exage /Catana reels, though personally I,d spend £15 pounds more and get the Seido. Use 15lb mono or 20lb braid for a good balanced outfit that is light enough to use all day.

Posted: Mon Mar 28, 2011 1:10 pm

I'd echo what Strathy says. I'd only really add that for a spinning rod go for a longer one as this tends to give you more "reach" at venues with a lot of close-in obstructions ... the rod length will help keep both gear and fish out of trouble. Also if you step the reel up to a 5000 size it will generally allow you to get a bit more of a heavier line on and will be useful for a bit of light ledgering close in with say a 2 oz lead and a slightly heavier rod - this is another fishing option that might be useful if you have some health problems and can be very productive at times.

Joined: Mar 25, 2011 Posts: 2 Location: Exeter

Thanks all for the advice, any particular rods in mind....not lots of £'ss though.

Regular Joined: Dec 14, 2008 Posts: 256 Location: rochdale

I only use baitcaster combo,s now so not sure what are the best for FS reels now but have a look at the harrissportmail site and also veals.co.uk.
Grauvell Teklons get a lot of good write ups as do the Savagegear Bushwackers. Also worth a look at the Abu and Berkley ranges.
You should find something very good for £45- £60 . I,d avoid cheaper as the actions can be a little floppy.
Try the lads at North Devon Angling in Barnstaple, They are all keen pluggers and lure users.