PG reels for popping

[ChrisT]

Hi guys,

I know most popping purists out there would only consider HG reels for popping but what are the main problems I would face using a PG reel like the Stella 20000 or the 6500 Expedition for popping. I know I will be losing some speed that the HG reels provide but if I use the PG for chugging, I wouldnt really need that kind of speed needed for using pencils. And if I am using pencils, cant I just crank faster?

Any comments?

Cheers

[stickbom!]

Hi guys,

I know most popping purists out there would only consider HG reels for popping but what are the main problems I would face using a PG reel like the Stella 20000 or the 6500 Expedition for popping. I know I will be losing some speed that the HG reels provide but if I use the PG for chugging, I wouldnt really need that kind of speed needed for using pencils. And if I am using pencils, cant I just crank faster?

Any comments?

Cheers

Hi Chris, I guess the rod you're going to pair the reel with will decide if you can get away with a "PG" reel. You see, it's a lot harder to keep a proper bend in your rod if its stiff and your reel picks up line slow. I lost a lot of good fish with the Stella 16000PG and Smith WRC-80P/45 (Chin Up Bar Special) in Komodo years ago. I just couldn't keep the line tight enough although my technique was right (watched the re-runs of my Komodo adventure ) Long, forgiving rods like the UFM Ulua, Grand Marshall 84, Saltiga 86, Long Reef 86 are okay for "PG" reels because the rod helps you keep the line tight. If you're thinking of "Power shorties" like the newer Smith sticks, SP78UHL, Gipang 79XH/75XXH etc, you should consider using a faster reel.

[ChrisT]

Thanks Mike. Was hoping I wouldnt need to spend more money on reels and concentrate on rods for the next trip....looks like I'll need to save more now

[MarkR]

They should make the stellas and saltiga spinners with interchangeable gears just like the Tiburon QC reels

[physlo]

They should make the stellas and saltiga spinners with interchangeable gears just like the Tiburon QC reels

Ha..ha..Mark, don't think that will ever happen but who knows??

ChrisT,
I have the same queries as you for quite sometime ....thanks for asking about this issue. Now i got a better view on what to get.

Cheers!
physlo..

[RobChang]

Hi guys,

I know most popping purists out there would only consider HG reels for popping but what are the main problems I would face using a PG reel like the Stella 20000 or the 6500 Expedition for popping. I know I will be losing some speed that the HG reels provide but if I use the PG for chugging, I wouldnt really need that kind of speed needed for using pencils. And if I am using pencils, cant I just crank faster?

Any comments?

Cheers

Hi Chris,
MHO..Guess if you are casting from a stationary boat...makes no difference if you use HG or PG cos you need not reterive as much slack line as a moving boat..
However if you cast from a moving boat..faster reels helps in reteriving your popper...

Chugging...you still need to reterive your slack line after you do the chugging motion....not good if GT hits when your line is slack...no hook up due to slack line...so faster reterive helps.

Would say Ryobi Safari 5000 is a good compromise..not too fast and not too slow...in - between and also fast enough to reterive your pencil poppers..

My take on popping reels... Ryobi Safari 5000...lighter than the rest..a bit faster....not as much drag power..but for me enough to do the job..can't handle superman drag settings..

There again...it's personal choice n preferences.

Hope it's helpful.

BR,
Robsen

[ChrisT]

Robsen,

Wish they made the Safari with a stronger drag and wish the spool could hold more line....but all in all I do like the Safari altho I dont think it can handle GT fishing in Komodo or places which you need to stop the fish almost dead at its tracks.

Mark,

Doubt Daiwa or Shimano will built 2 speed spinning reels as it would mean less number of units sold as compared to now where anglers have to buy both the PG and the HG for different purposes.

[Snapper88]

Hi There!

Would like to know whether the Shimano Twin Power (6000 or 8000) PG reels are suitable for both Jigging & Popping.

Dont want to burn a hole in my pocket to get a Stella 10000 (cant afford it really!!! ) and thought that the Twin Power would suffice. If so, what would be a good combination rod (for Jigging and Popping).

Thanks for the advice in advance.

[Sportfisherman]

It is true that HG version of the latest Stella / Saltiga is better for popping while the PG version is more suitable for jigging but one can get used to by using longer rod , adapted technique of jerking and choise of popper . I have STL10000PG , 5:1 gear ratio and can live with the gear ratio , just must adapt to it when using it ( reel faster at each stroke ) .

As for my favourite reel , I still prefer my old trusty STL16000F due to it's lightness and with newer after market carbon fiber drag washers , the reel's max. drag can be upgraded to sustain 18 kg drag for a reasonable long period unlike that of Safari 5000 which may not last a trip of 5D/4N in Komodo before becoming jerky . May be the after market drag washer will address the problem . :P

The new Stella FA is just a bit too heavy for me , however you guys are bigger built than me may not feel the same . As for Saltiga 6000/6000GT and 6500 , that bail-arm problems still haunt my friends who own them ,
saw one Saltiga 6000GT with bail-arm already not perpendicular with the spool face last weekend , won't last another trip before the owner will have to find replacement plastic components of the bail-arm .

#8000 in Shimano and #4500 size in Daiwa are just not suitable for Komodo , go for the bigger size .

Sportfisherman .

[Fish_Fingers]

Hi Sportfisherman,

I'm a big fan of the old Stella 16000 as well. Any idea where I could get my hands on those aftermarket carbon fiber drag washers you were talking about? I would like to get some.

Actually I thought the stock drag is already 18kg max. At least that's what it says on the box.

Thanks dude!

[Jamal_GT]

hi, the gear ratio different between Stella SW8000 HG & PG is 0.7 that is PG have a gear ratio of1:5(PG) and the HG is 1:5.7 so I took the PG. for me, i prefer lower gear when fighting a fish. well individual have they own perference .

[stickbom!]

Whatever does the job for you will be good. Bystanders can offer 10% advice from arm chair (like me) but you will need to figure the other 90% by actual fishing.