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2007 Fishing Gear Buyer's Guide: Spinning Gear
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Abu Garcia Cardinal 800 $130 · 800-237-5539 · abugarcia.com

The biggest news is that Abu Garcia has finally updated its drag washers to a carbon-matrix material with outstanding performance. Five 800-series models also have sealed stainless ball bearings for corrosion resistance and updated gearing for smoother, stronger operation. A midrange C804 model holds 210 yards of 10-pound-test and weighs 10.2 ounces. Each reelユs main shaft is also specially coated to reduce friction.
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How To Choose Spinning Gear:


Trout/Panfish/Crappies: So-called ultralight spinning reels weighing about 5 to 8 ounces match best to lighter lures and monofilament lines testing from 1 to 6 pounds. Ultralight spinning rods are generally 5 to 6 feet long, labeled on the rod butt for lure weights between one-thirty-second and one-eighth ounce.

Bass/Walleyes/Pike: Medium-weight spinning reels fall in the 9- to 12-ounce class and work well with lines testing from 8 to 12 pounds. Line capacity isn't an issue in freshwater, as bass don't run very far. Shop carefully for a midweight saltwater reel, though to be sure it will hold 200 yards of your chosen line. Matching rods from 6 to 7.5 feet long will usually be labeled for lures in the one-quarter- to three-quarter-ounce range.

Salmon/Catfish/Stripers: Bigger, powerful fish require heavy-duty spinning gear, meaning reels weighing 13 ounces or more with larger spools able to handle lines from 14- to 20-pound test. Rods of 7 feet and longer will be rated for lure weights of 1 to 5 ounces.

-- John Merwin

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