[merch]

I need to replace my conventional casting reel. I’ve tried a few in the past starting with the Ambassador 7000 which worked OK but the drag was utterly useless as far as bass are concerned. I also had issues with the free spool switch. Don’t think I’ll be buying another one of those. It just felt and looked cheap. I’ve been using an old squidder now for the past 2 years and it works. I like it better than the ambassador as far as the drag goes. I still have issues casting sometimes, backlash and whatnot because I can’t adjust the freespool tight enough for certain plugs and rigs. I’m looking for a solution that doesn’t involve me getting another engineering degree in reel customization and tuning in order to use it. A lot of these new reels are labeled as “tournament” reels but I want a fishing reel. I’m not a casting expert and I want something that works out of the box and isn’t too fast (or can at least be adjusted). I don’t want to have to get into replacing magnets or using special oils in the bearings, etc. Spinning reels work out of the box, shouldn’t conventionals? I’m looking into the Penn MAG series but there seems to have been a lot of versions out there over the years and not sure which may be ideal. Maybe I’ll just get a new squidder but I’d like some advice about options if anyone can offer it. Some advice on lines to use would help as well. Some of the new braids like to bury themselves in the spool. Any info would be great.

Thanks,
Tom