Uptiding Kit

[Pross]

OK, I know the what to buy threads always generate a big debate and everyone has their favourites but here goes. I'm looking to get a CHEAP outfit for uptiding to make the most of my trip out on Lady Helen. Now, I know I'm going to get the "you get what you pay for" response but please bare in mind that I'm only going to go out on a boat a couple of times a year at most. I have been looking around and have found a cheap uptide rod which will cast up to 8oz (Red Wolf - not bought yet), I'm aware it may fall apart after one trip but I really can't justify the cost of a good quality rod. My main problem is the reel, I feel I can justify a bit more here as I'm hoping I can use the reel for beach fishing when I finally get a beach rod rung for a multiplier but I have a few questions here.

1. I've been thinking about something like a second hand slosh 20, abu 6500 or penn 525 - would these be suitable for uptiding?
2. Are there any cheaper alternatives which, though not as high quality, would be OK for the limited amount of sea fishing I do (probably lucky to sea fish more than about 10 or 15 times a year)? e.g. the Okuma reels (what size???).
3. Would I be better of with or without level wind? Level wind presumably would be better for the uptiding but the reel is likely to get more use on the beach. Does level wind have a big affect on casting?

Just to reiterate, though I'd love to buy a brand new 525 Mag and Zipplex rod or similar I really am on a minimal budget here as I (i.e. the wife) have much higher priorities that want my money!

I have seen a brand new Abu 6500 CT mag on ebay at a sensible price although still a couple of days to go but I'm not sure if that would be suitable.

Thanks in anticipation of the useful advice I know you'll all give.

[Drew]

Hi Pross,

Go for it, it's not the ideal reel for uptiding, but if as you say "only a few times a year" then buy it.

The ideal reels would be either an Abu 7000/7500 or one of the Shimano Charter Specials.

I prefer "Level Wind" myself, yes it does make a difference when casting but only to a dedicated beachcaster where every yard counts. To the "Normal" fisherman it makes no difference.

Cheers

Drew

[Charter Skipper]

Abu 7000 size is ideal, i`d avoid the "seven" version tho as it is what it is an econony reel,with bushes not bearings.

You can pick up some reasonable price uptiders from the mags,Penn do some good stuff the Red Wolf is ok ,basicly an cheaper range from ABU.

I`d definatly go with a level wind,just make it so much easier,and less to thing about when you get a fish on...

[Pross]

Thanks for the advice guys, was just about to bid for a 7000 but it's the seven version also saw a slosh 20 and 30 but I don't think they have level wind. I've got a few months so I'll leep my eyes open for a good second hand 7000 (anyone looking to sell one?)

[roger]

hiya poss. all my boat fishing is uptiding,i now use the new chrome abu rocket 6500 [had bass up 2 9 pnd on it no probs] cost £70-£80. no rust and u can have level cage 4 boat or plain 4 shore [takes a minute 2 change ] excellent casting . i find one reel does two jobs, hope this helps

[Fishing Forum Admin]

Well must admit Ive now settle for the ABU BG 7000HSN as its the right size and up to the job . Im a massive penn fan but the 525 is upto the job but your not casting 150 yrds plus so the ABU BG 7000HSN seems to fit the bill

As for level wind well as said above your not casting 150yrds plus so the level wind is a good thing to go with when thinking of up tiding

Although Ive only got backing into uptiding again in the last year , all I will say is if it was not for advice from forum members I would have wasted a lot of money

Go with the best you can afford mate - Abu uptiders and thier reels seem to be the best going at the moment for bristol channel uptiding

[Pross]

Well I've finally ordered my outfit from Veals and gone for an ABU Premium 4 - 8oz rod which was reduced to £20 in their bargain bucket (would have loved a Suveran but on a really tight budget) and an Okuma 300L reel for £29.95. Again, I'd have liked to go for an ABU 7000 but costs wouldn't allow it and couldn't get a good deal on Ebay. If I get into the uptiding I will eventually upgrade the reel at some stage (unless I find the Okuma does a good job, I've read good reviews on them so time will tell) but at present it will only be for one trip and then I'll be using the kit for fishing rock marks. Roll on June and loads of fish in the Bristol Channel!

[keana]

I use the Okuma 300L for uptiding. I bought it mail order with a Penn Firetip (10 oz casting)uptider for £50 the lot. It gets uptide ok but the fish have eluded me so far. Brought a 9lb cod in against the Bristol Channel current on it and it still casts. Make sure you clean it in fresh water after each use and dry it well otherwise you might be going out to buy yourself something else in a short space of time. I`ve got a SL30SH that I use from the beach and I wouldnt hesitate to use it uptide if necessary even though it hasnt got a level wind. Its just that I prefer a level wind on the boat because not having to lay your line manually is just something less to think about.