Shimano Moocher Plus Reels?

Does anyone know anything about these type of casting reels where the reel turns 90 degrees to allow for casting?  Do they work well for salt water apps like tossing 3-4 oz swim baits?  Can they be used on a conventional rod?



Thanks for any info.

Dave

The one you have pictured doesn't turn for casting.  It's strictly a mooching reel.  Almost everyone up in Canada uses this style of reel.  I have one of these Shimanos and use it when I fish up there.  It takes some getting use to as it is 1-to-1 direct drive and it spins backwards (knuckle buster) when the fish is taking drag.  But it sure is a lot of fun.

-Allen

These reels are designed for Mooching and are real popular in Canada and Alaska.
They are similar in design to a Fly Reel and would not be very good for casting of any sort.
Also remember that these are a single action ( knuckle Buster ) reel  and there is no stopping the handle when line is being taken out by the fish. There is however a Drag Adj. Knob to help tire the fish.
These are available at all Fisherman's Warehouse locations and prices are $59.99 for the 2000GT and $69.99 for the 4000GT

The one you have pictured doesn't turn for casting.

So its not for casting (cabelas had it under salt water casting).  I confused it with these:



Anyone know anything about these?

Any recommendations about a reasonably priced conventional reel to for casting 3-4 oz with a 9' rod?

Thanks again,

Dave

Alvey Reels were the original long distance casting reel from Australia. They pivot on their base and the line flows off the side of the spool. These were really popular with shore based Sturgeon fisherman in the Delta. Still a single action so  not very fast at picking up line.
Eric

Dave I used to chase stripers in the surf at Pacifica and started with a Dam Quick 550 and when I saw those reels I was pumped, but when I bought one I was disappointed the large loops coming off the reel cut my distance big time it was OK tossing bait but very cumbersome when working a lure,just didn't have a good balance, the drag and turning mechanism would constantly get sand in it no matter how careful I was. I switched to a baitcaster and after many hours at  the local football field I could constantly get casts of a 120yrds or so. I started with a squider solid reel easy clean up but I like lite stuff and went to a Penn Mag 525 and it was a great reel but when you blew it you got a super birds nest. Finally settled on  a ABU Garcia 6500C3CT Mag I love this reel very durable little salt and sand intrusion,3 cast controls and casts like a Mother but they no longer make it. I have heard the Abu  Rocket and the Blue Yonder are Super reels but I have never cast one. All my experience was with mono and I think everybody uses Braid now so maybe the loop thing is minimized now.

Dave I used to chase stripers in the surf at Pacifica and started with a Dam Quick 550 and when I saw those reels I was pumped, but when I bought one I was disappointed the large loops coming off the reel cut my distance big time it was OK tossing bait but very cumbersome when working a lure,just didn't have a good balance, the drag and turning mechanism would constantly get sand in it no matter how careful I was. I switched to a baitcaster and after many hours at  the local football field I could constantly get casts of a 120yrds or so. I started with a squider solid reel easy clean up but I like lite stuff and went to a Penn Mag 525 and it was a great reel but when you blew it you got a super birds nest. Finally settled on  a ABU Garcia 6500C3CT Mag I love this reel very durable little salt and sand intrusion,3 cast controls and casts like a Mother but they no longer make it. I have heard the Abu  Rocket and the Blue Yonder are Super reels but I have never cast one. All my experience was with mono and I think everybody uses Braid now so maybe the loop thing is minimized now.

you can still get that reel (6500C3CT Mag) and ones like it at www.ffo-tackle.com. expensive tho.

I have cast a used $35 abu C3 5500 with just the centrifugal brakes, the level wind removed, plus a thumb and 30lb braid affixed to a 13 foot rod and done pretty well limiting the birds nests, but I always know my casts are numbered when I'm using a conventional reel from the beach. This is also primarily for perch and not striper and the terminal tackle is probably easier to cast.

You can also get after market mags for abus and find them magged and all set up on ebay stores.

I remember the reels where you turn 90 degrees before casting. They were called Alvey reels. The casting technique supposedly allows for longer casting distances. Haven't seen those in years, however.

Thanks for the info, gentlemen.  Maybe I'm best off sticking with an old squidder or jigmaster?

Dave

alan tani personally told me jigmaster at the ISE.

btw, if you ever get a chance to watch him work, do it.  he's informative and its hilarious when he takes a reel apart and just looks at it like, "what a disaster"