Looking at getting my son his first spinning reel for salmon and steelhead so he can join me on the small rivers around us. I haven’t had to buy any gear in like 15 years so I’m pretty out of the loop these days and am struggling with decision fatigue/information overload.
Right now, I’m considering the Daiwa Regal LT in a 3000 size. Sounds like this is a pretty solid reel. Any complaints against it? Any reason to get a Fuego or a Shimano Nasci FD instead? Maybe something even better? My son LOVES fishing so I don’t feel the need to specifically get an entry level reel in case he gives it up in a year. Not really concerned about that and I’d rather buy once cry once and get him something that will last him a long time.
Also, I noticed the Daiwa 3000 has a higher line capacity and the Shimano 4000 (10/280 vs 10/200 for mono). I run a Shimano Symetre 4000 from 15 years ago. Any concerns with a 3000 size? We do have Chinook runs here and it’s not uncommon to hook one when you’re targeting Coho.
The other option is give him my reel and get myself an Ultegra as a replacement.
Anyways, would appreciate any input people have. Just feeling lost with all the new brands (KastKing, Piscifun, etc.) that weren’t around when I was a gearhead and how some brands have apparently changed (is Okuma actually good now and Lamiglas actually bad because that just makes no sense to me…). Thanks for helping this dad out!
Posted by Individual_Basil3954
5 Comments
I bought this reel in the spring to fish smallmouth and largemouth bass with finesse style baits. I love it so much that I bought a second one last month. When I was shopping in the spring, most people recommended the 2500 size unless the 3000 size was on sale. Well, the 3000 size was on sale at the time so that’s what I went with. I’ve had no complaints. The way the drag screams on this reel is awesome.
I have the older version of this in the 2000 size … I love it I have high end reels like ban staals etc and this thing is awesome!(of course im not comparing this 70 dollar reel to a van staal ) but its is great ! I have it on a 6’ lamiglas in on the east coast I have gotten fluke stripes bluefish blackfish all of that on this rod and reel ! I’m getting another for sure ! U won’t b disappointed ! One of the most underrated reels by far
The regal has become my go to. I have a 1000 on an ultralight and a 3000 on a medium heavy. Really solid reels, reliable, the bail flip and drag both have very crisp clicks. It just feels like a higher end reel to me for such a workhorse. I have a Procyon which is definitely much nicer and well worth its price but the regal is my favorite reel that doesn’t break the bank
I bought this bad boy this year.I’ve gotten Large and small mouth,big catfish ,master carp, pikes and one Coho salmon It’s worth the money
Excellent choice. Really no need to upgrade in freshwater. But opinions may vary on size. Pull the trigger.