Shimano

[PurEvl]

This reel was my primary reel used for casting poppers to YFT and BFT on the June 13-15 Big E trip.

This was my first real test of the saragosa rated drag and durablity.

I used the reel at over 25lb's of drag at times and drag was very smooth. The internals also seem very strong as I cranked blackfin in as fast as I could.

During battle with 100lb tuna the reel was a monster. No problems!

After 52 hour trip of YFT and plentiful blackfin it still spun smooth and drag never fault once.

This reel is a very good buy for the money as it provides smooth drag and good cranking power. It also has nice finish that did not chip easily when banged around during hot bites.

[JerseyBrian]

Rich you didn't change the drag washers or anything right?

[PurEvl]

Originally Posted by JerseyBrian

Rich you didn't change the drag washers or anything right?

I used right out of box Brian.

[Gozz]

Originally Posted by PurEvl

I used right out of box Brian.

What pound braid did you use on your saragosa.
I'm thinking of putting 50pnd when I get one.

[Bellyups]

Gozz, I recommend 65lb. Some will recommend 80lb.

Scott

[PurEvl]

Originally Posted by Gozz

What pound braid did you use on your saragosa.
I'm thinking of putting 50pnd when I get one.

I use PE6/60LB line.

[Gozz]

Not sure how you guys do it but down here we fish 1/3 of the braking strain of your fishing line.
These new Saragosa reels run 44pound of drag,so if your running 1/3 of 60pnd braid that means 20 to 25pnds of drag would be all you need.
So these reels are running at half of what there rated at.
You can't ask for more them that.
Purevl sound's like you where fishing the same way.

[PurEvl]

Originally Posted by Gozz

Not sure how you guys do it but down here we fish 1/3 of the braking strain of your fishing line.
These new Saragosa reels run 44pound of drag,so if your running 1/3 of 60pnd braid that means 20 to 25pnds of drag would be all you need.
So these reels are running at half of what there rated at.
You can't ask for more them that.
Purevl sound's like you where fishing the same way.

Gozz,

You hit it dead on. I fish 1/3 the lines breaking strength most of the time and can push it a little more if need. I am currently using YGK Dyneema Jigman which has higher rated breaking strength. IE 60lb/PE6 break at close to 90lb. Very thin line but very strong also. The reel can handled less than 30lb easily and very smoothly. I am sure this reel can do what it is rated for.

[Gozz]

I'll be buying a seragosa 18000 soon coupled to a T-curve 400 jig stick.
But we do have a heap of other species we chase hrer including mako sharks,king fish which would be perfectly suited to this reel and rod.
I was also thinking of the new spheros FB 18000.
Any thought on this reel.

[PurEvl]

Originally Posted by Gozz

I'll be buying a seragosa 18000 soon coupled to a T-curve 400 jig stick.
But we do have a heap of other species we chase hrer including mako sharks,king fish which would be perfectly suited to this reel and rod.
I was also thinking of the new spheros FB 18000.
Any thought on this reel.

For the money the saragosa is a better buy IMO. You already seen how it performs out the box plus it looks great. I have not seen any reviews on the new spheros yet. Saragosa took the crowd.