Alright, let’s jaw about them fishin’ reels, the kind they call “sixgill”. Now, I ain’t no fancy expert or nothin’, just an old woman who’s spent more time by the water than most folks spend in their beds. I’ve seen my share of reels, good and bad, so listen up.
First off, I hear tell some of these sixgill reels are made right here in Texas. That’s good, I reckon. Supportin’ local folks and all. But bein’ made here don’t make somethin’ good all by itself, ya know? You gotta look at the guts of the thing.
What makes a reel good, you ask? Well, them fancy folks talk about “bearings” and “seals” and “gear trains”. Sounds like a bunch of hogwash to me, but I guess it matters. The more the better, they say. And somethin’ about keepin’ the water out, which makes sense, I guess. Nobody wants a reel that rusts up quicker than a tin can in the rain.
Now, some folks say Daiwa makes the best reels in the whole wide world. And they got them high-end ones that cost a pretty penny. Shimano and Penn, too. These are names I’ve heard whispered ’round the fishin’ hole, like they’re some kinda royalty. But sixgill? I ain’t heard much, ‘cept they’re kinda new on the scene.
- Price is a big deal, ain’t it? Nobody wants to spend their hard-earned cash on somethin’ that ain’t worth a darn. I heard tell some folks say these sixgill reels ain’t worth the full price, but if you can get ’em on sale, they might be alright. Buy one get one free? Now that sounds like a deal even this old woman can get behind.
- Then there’s the weight. Nobody wants a reel that’s heavier than a sack of potatoes. I heard some of these sixgill reels, the Crius they call it, are real light cuz they got that “carbon” stuff in ’em. Sounds fancy, but if it makes the reel lighter, I’m all for it. And they got them cork handles, which is nice, I reckon. Easier on the hands, specially when you’re wrestlin’ with a big ol’ fish.
But I also heard some stories, mind you. One fella said his sixgill reel was noisy as a flock of geese. Another one said his rod, not the reel mind you, was heavy and broke clean in two. That don’t sound too good, does it? Makes you wonder if they’re built to last or just built to sell.
So, what’s the bottom line? Well, it’s hard to say for sure. Seems like these sixgill reels are kinda hit or miss. Some folks like ’em, some folks don’t. If you’re on a tight budget and you can find ’em on sale, they might be worth a gamble. But if you got the money to spend, maybe you’re better off stickin’ with one of them tried-and-true brands. The ones that have been around longer than I have, which is sayin’ somethin’.
And another thing, what kinda fishin’ are you doin’? That matters too, ya know? If you’re just fishin’ for little panfish, any old reel will do. But if you’re goin’ after somethin’ big and mean, you need a reel that can handle it. A reel that’s tough and strong, like an old boot.
I’ve heard someone compare sixgill to Ardent reels. Now I don’t know much about Ardent, but if they’re similar, that might give you an idea of what to expect. It’s always a good idea to do your homework, you know. Read some reviews, ask around, see what other folks are sayin’. Don’t just go buyin’ the first shiny thing you see.
And one last piece of advice from this old woman: take care of your gear. A good reel, even a cheap one, will last a long time if you treat it right. Clean it after you use it, oil it up now and then, and don’t go throwin’ it around like it’s a piece of trash. And remember, the best reel in the world ain’t gonna catch you no fish if you don’t know how to fish. So get out there, wet a line, and have some fun. That’s what it’s all about, ain’t it?
In conclusion, sixgill reels seem to be a newer option in the fishing world. They might be worth considering if you find them on sale and are looking for a lighter reel due to materials like carbon. However, some users have reported issues with noise and durability, so it’s a good idea to weigh the pros and cons before making a purchase. There are definitely other well-established brands out there if you’re willing to spend a bit more. Always remember to consider your budget and the type of fishing you’ll be doing when choosing a reel. And most importantly, a well-maintained reel will serve you better in the long run, no matter the brand.
Tags:[sixgill fishing reels, fishing reels, fishing gear, daiwa, shimano, penn, ardent, crius reel, texas fishing, budget fishing, reel reviews, carbon frame reels, cork handle reels]