Would I get laughed off the water w/Abumatic?

I think upper end spin-cast reels like the zebco omega probably have as good a drag and other parts as any spinning reel in the same price range.  If you feel more comfortable with a spin-caster I say go for it . . . I don't think anybody would laugh and I don't think it would end up reducing your fish count or enjoyment factor.  The omega looks pretty cool, actually.

http://www.tackletour.com/reviewzebcoomega.html

Sorry.....................but yes.

For 50 bucks go get an Okuma.

I would NEVER spend that much money on a spincaster.  For me, spincasters start and end with the zebco 33.

There are just too many enherent problems with spincasters to spend that much money on one.

MolBasser

I must be the only one down with low end gear.  I used, abused and released bass and rockcod for years with an ultralight shakespeare spinning reel and 4-8 pound test line. Quantum snapshot and shimano TX also served me well.  Both in the $25 range.  I'm fairly irrational but even I can't justify spending that much on a spinning reel.  Bass, blugill and trout aren't exactly drag smokers, so long as the bearing in the bail rolls and the drag is reasonably smooth I'm all good.

The abumatic may be overkill for trout but its natural law........if I laugh at you for the gear you use then you will instantly catch something much larger than I.   

Low end gear works.  There is no arguing that point.

But better gear works better.  You get what you pay for.  In fact, better gear works better and makes fishing more fun.

Can you get by with a 15 dollar spinning reel?  Sure.  Will you be as happy as you would be with a $50 reel?  No way.

I have always had the opinion you should buy the best possible gear at the highest end of your budget.  The gear will last longer, work better and generally be more fun to use.

For the early part of my fishing career I used low end gear (I had no choice) but now good gear is available at decent prices.

I guarantee that a $55 Okuma spinning reel (or Shimano) will be WAY more than $30 better than a $25 spinning reel in terms of piece of mind, function and reliability.

Now, of course it is ludicrous to spend 500 dollars on a spinning reel (Shimano Stella), but there is no reason to really shortchange yourself if you can get away with it.

If you have a 125 dollar budget, I urge you to buy 130 dollars worth of gear.  You'll be happier, I guarantee it.

MolBasser

Under most circumstances I'd agree but given the application I'd go with a less expensive model. I've been there and done that with the equipment fads, today's $25 reel is using yesterdays, "high technology," thats all tech from design to manufacturing, to produce a decent product.....thats why "good gear is available at a decent price." Thats not to say I don't own expensive (for me anyway) gear but given that a new angler is gonna tackle trout and panfish I say buy what you need and upgrade once you have a better idea of your ability and how much time you're gonna be using the equipment.  You won't always be happy spending more money just cause you had the money to spend.

Maybe, but if you can afford it now, why waste money to start with gear you will be unhappy with in the near future?

Best to just get the best gear you can afford and be happier longer.

Just my $.02

MolBasser

Maybe, but if you can afford it now, why waste money to start with gear you will be unhappy with in the near future?

I agree for my personal chocie, but every once in a while, I'll be at the FOrebay and someone 'blows up' in a 50 HP Bass boat spouting a rooster tail well above the speed limit and proceeds to catch zip. I'd jsut love to pull in a nice Striper on a Zebco or Abumatic right then.

I like fairly cheap gear, but a lot of it,  . It was the best way to try a lot of gear quickly and learn the fastest.

The better reels have smoother bail closing and drags. For trout you don't have to spend much over 50 or 60 for a combo. Get a less expensive baitcaster combo and then pick up a small abu garcia 4600 for trolling and bait fishing. You'll be happy to have both options.

-Brian G