Due to the loss of two rods & reels during the recent trip to the Keys,
I am in the market for a set of lightweight (8-15 lb class) rods &
reels. My preference on the rods would be to replace them with the same
Crowder rods that were recently lost. Made locally, with a lifetime
guarantee.

As to the reels, the ones that were lost are not missed. Those spinning
reels had some flex in the shaft connecting to the rod and I never
really quite trusted they;d stand up to a big enough fish. When looking
at my local tackle shop, the Quantum and US Reels brands were both made
in a place I'd rather not support with my dollars.

Does anyone recommend a well-made, preferably US manufactured light
tackle reel which stands up well to a salt water environment?

Price is not the ultimate factor, but I'd rather spend a bit more for a
US made product, assuming of course the quality is worthy.

DownTime wrote:
Due to the loss of two rods & reels during the recent trip to the Keys,
I am in the market for a set of lightweight (8-15 lb class) rods &
reels. My preference on the rods would be to replace them with the same
Crowder rods that were recently lost. Made locally, with a lifetime
guarantee.

As to the reels, the ones that were lost are not missed. Those spinning
reels had some flex in the shaft connecting to the rod and I never
really quite trusted they;d stand up to a big enough fish. When looking
at my local tackle shop, the Quantum and US Reels brands were both made
in a place I'd rather not support with my dollars.

Does anyone recommend a well-made, preferably US manufactured light
tackle reel which stands up well to a salt water environment?

Price is not the ultimate factor, but I'd rather spend a bit more for a
US made product, assuming of course the quality is worthy.


My favorite light spinner for salt water is the Penn 4300SS, which is
now out of production. But there are still some available at various
stores. I bought two earlier this year at a discounted price from West
Marine.

These Penns are made in the USA.

I spool mine with 8 pound test. I have extra spools with heavier line,
too. All braided line.

If you wash them after use and keep them lubed, they seemingly will last
forever. Two of my older ones are entering their 14th year.

On Aug 29, 12:15*pm, DownTime wrote:
Due to the loss of two rods & reels during the recent trip to the Keys,
I am in the market for a set of lightweight (8-15 lb class) rods &
reels. My preference on the rods would be to replace them with the same
Crowder rods that were recently lost. Made locally, with a lifetime
guarantee.

As to the reels, the ones that were lost are not missed. Those spinning
reels had some flex in the shaft connecting to the rod and I never
really quite trusted they;d stand up to a big enough fish. When looking
at my local tackle shop, the Quantum and US Reels brands were both made
in a place I'd rather not support with my dollars.

Does anyone recommend a well-made, preferably US manufactured light
tackle reel which stands up well to a salt water environment?

Price is not the ultimate factor, but I'd rather spend a bit more for a
US made product, assuming of course the quality is worthy.

My favorite:

Shimano Symetre 1500

On Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:15:12 -0400, DownTime wrote:


Price is not the ultimate factor, but I'd rather spend a bit more for a
US made product, assuming of course the quality is worthy.

Penn Reels, until recently, would fit that bill, but, alas, most are no
longer made here. Ardent are the only American manufacturer that I know
off, but not owning one, I can't vouch for quality.

http://www.ardentoutdoors.com/company.asp

On Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:15:12 -0400, DownTime
wrote:

Price is not the ultimate factor, but I'd rather spend a bit more for a
US made product, assuming of course the quality is worthy.

Well - as it happens, I am currently in possesion of some Ahab reels
from Fin-Nor (not US, but very high quality), two Ahab 12 and two Ahab
16 spinning reels along with a couple of their Megalite series and two
of their Santiago SA25 conventional reels. I was asked to do a review
for an upcoming product review series for a major magazine.

Email me @ first name (tom) last name (francis) at swsports (dot) org
and I'll let you in on the details.

On Fri, 29 Aug 2008 11:28:15 -0500, wrote:

On Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:15:12 -0400, DownTime wrote:


Price is not the ultimate factor, but I'd rather spend a bit more for a
US made product, assuming of course the quality is worthy.

Penn Reels, until recently, would fit that bill, but, alas, most are no
longer made here. Ardent are the only American manufacturer that I know
off, but not owning one, I can't vouch for quality.

http://www.ardentoutdoors.com/company.asp

Nope - Van Staal is also made in the US. Ardent, Fin-Nor and Van
Staal are all owned by Zebco and I believe the only non-US made
quality reel not made in the US by Zebco is Fin-Nor.