A new Reel?

TWBryan · December 31, 2019, 01:42:37 PM

I have not even wore the new off the tatula ct yet,but I'm thinking about a new reel. Well,thing is I received a $100 Amazon gift card from a dear friend and none too sure what I should get with it. I've really enjoyed the Daiwa Tatula ct,so I thought about buying one for an extra rod I have lying about..

Looking at a Daiwa Tatula Ct in 8.1:1 ,A daiwa Fuego ct in 8.1:1, or a Simano slx. As near as I can tell the difference between the tatula and fuego is that the fuego doesn't have bearings in the handle knobs or the tws(Tail wind system??) . The shimano has a plastic worm gear rod that makes me a bit nervous,that and I know little about them. All those reels are relatively affordable,the fuego is cheapest and would leave me money for fancy line or a couple chatterbaits.

Appreciate any advice and thanks for looking.

Jacobguy · December 31, 2019, 02:25:22 PM

Ok, I'm not a experienced angler by a longshot but I do have the Fuego Ct, Tatula CT, and Shimano SLX so I think I can be of a little help here, the main differences between the Fuego and the Tatula is, one, the T-Wing System, and I believe it has one extra corrosion resistant bearing but dont quote me on that. Other than that (correct me if I'm wrong) I believe they're the same reel with. I just got my tatula literally yesterday and I havent fished it yet so I cant tell you their differences on the water but in hand their very similar besides the tatula being a tad bit more smooth. As for the SLX (well my dad owns these but he doesnt fish much so I use them almost everytime out) I have the SLX, and the SLX DC. Very solid reel, I doesnt have as much distance as my fuego but I like the craftsmanship on it better and it feels smaller in hand. I hope this little bit of information helped! Good luck on your decision.

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TWBryan · December 31, 2019, 02:37:49 PM

Jacobguy,thanks for the info I do appreciate it. Let me ask a couple questions,if you don't mind. How much trouble is it to adjust the clutch on the slx ,as compared to the tatula? Secondly,is there any difference in how the slx and tatula layer the line on the spool? Thanks Again,I am still leaning towards a Fuego,since it's the same or similar to the tatula I already own. Also it's cheap,like me. :D

Jacobguy · December 31, 2019, 02:43:51 PM

No problem, first by clutch do you mean drag or spool tension? Either way the drag on both is about the same super easy to adjust. The spool tension knob is significantly easier to adjust on the SLX Imo. Yeah I think the Fuego spools up nicer and more evenly because it has a designated place to put the line when you first spool it, with the SLX it's just a smooth spool so the line starts wherever you place it.

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TWBryan · December 31, 2019, 02:51:48 PM

My bad,I meant brake system,as it's magnetic on the Daiwa's and centrifugal on the Shimano. My concern on the Shimano is that the worm gear is plastic,but if you've noticed no issues then I should not be worried. Thanks!

Jacobguy · December 31, 2019, 03:04:08 PM

Quote from: TWBryan on December 31, 2019, 02:51:48 PM
My bad,I meant brake system,as it's magnetic on the Daiwa's and centrifugal on the Shimano. My concern on the Shimano is that the worm gear is plastic,but if you've noticed no issues then I should not be worried. Thanks!

I dont notice much of a difference but then again I've been fishing them for 6~ months so I'm sure sombody who's been around and used them longer can chime in on that.

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LgMouthGambler · December 31, 2019, 09:11:23 PM

I have owned all 3 (4 if you count the XT version of the SLX). The difference between the Tatula and the Fuego is the T wing line guide system. Otherwise, you wont notice a difference in hand. I personally dont care for the T wing system as much as I have tried to like all the variants. The SLX is going to palm nicer in the hand than the Daiwa CT variants. Now, the regular SLX doesnt have an exterior fine tuning adjustment like the XT version has, so the little extra money can be beneficial. You cant go wrong with any of them for the money, that's for sure. The plastic levelwind shaft is a bit questionable, and I haven't really given my SLX XT a real beating yet, but who knows. Considering that I have so many reels, and got the SLX XT reel and SLX rod combo at $150, I could really care less what happens to the SLX XT. Lol. So far it's a good reel, but my Lews Tournament MB with out cast and perform it all day, and I only paid $80 for it on sale. If you have the Tatula, give the SLX reel a shot and see. Next go around buy something else and compare. You are never gonna know what you like, or what does what for you until you get them in your hands and on the water. That's where you really see what works for you. It takes time, and it takes money. Ask me how I know...lol.

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TWBryan · January 01, 2020, 12:10:45 PM

LgMouthGambler , thanks for chiming in I appreciate the information. Shimano sounds like a good reel. Like you I am a tad concerned about the plastic worm gear,wondering if it will flex if enough debris gets on it. As you have said you have many reels and it wouldn't be a problem if it failed. I don't think I can take that chance though. Maybe next year if I get another gift card I'll buy the shimano. This year I think I'll go for the Fuego,I think the t-wing system is a complication I don't need. I would desperately love to have a fishable lake nearby,unfortunately I have nothing nearby like that.. Thank again!

TWBryan · January 04, 2020, 11:35:52 AM

Ordered Daiwa Fuego this morning from big river of fish. Along with I got a couple of zman chatterbaits.

Jacobguy · January 04, 2020, 11:41:06 AM

Quote from: TWBryan on January 04, 2020, 11:35:52 AM
Ordered Daiwa Fuego this morning from big river of fish. Along with I got a couple of zman chatterbaits.

Good for you, I'm sure you'll be happy with your choice. I love my fuego.

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Smallie_Stalker · January 04, 2020, 12:01:16 PM

Quote from: Jacobguy on January 04, 2020, 11:41:06 AM
Good for you, I'm sure you'll be happy with your choice. I love my fuego.

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Me too! IMHO best reel under $100 out there.

Daiwas are the only reels where I like the magnetic braking.

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TWBryan · January 04, 2020, 01:02:41 PM

jacobguy, Thank you,I plan to put it on one of my "ancient" short rods.

smallie-stalker, Thank you,I wanted to get away with from the t-guide,but still have a similar system. I'd be out in the yard today practicing casting,but it's been raining all day.

Any opinion on learning to cast with your off-hand?

Smallie_Stalker · January 04, 2020, 06:47:20 PM

Quote from: TWBryan on January 04, 2020, 01:02:41 PM
Any opinion on learning to cast with your off-hand?

My personal opinion is that it is a worthwhile skill as it never hurts to have options. It can even give you an advantage at times.

Many years ago I could cast equally well with either hand. To get the best casting angle I could fish down one side of a dock casting with one hand and then switch hands on the other side of the dock. It could also save you from having to turn the boat around to get the proper angle on an overhang etc.

The other time I found it beneficial was when I injured my dominant arm. If I wanted to fish I only had one option and that was to cast with my off hand. I still had a couple of left over reels with right hand retrieves so I stuck them on a couple of rods and was able to get out and fish despite the injury.

Just some food for thought.

TWBryan · January 05, 2020, 03:56:18 PM

smallie-stalker,you are likely more coordinated than I. My attempts at left hand casting showed poor results at the overhand cast, but I could make forehand and backhand casts that at least headed in the right direction. I suspect with more practice I could improve on that,and at least become passable. From my perspective it makes sense for me ,with all right-hand reels to cast with my left hand,instead of passing the rod from right to left. Too busy today to get out and practice ,hoping to get a chance tomorrow..

TWBryan · January 10, 2020, 06:02:36 PM

Received Fuego late today, and put some cheap,cheap chinese braid on it (good enough for tossed a casting plug on the lawn). Mounted it up on my venerable Cabela's casting rod 5' 6". Thought about a slightly longer rod,but thought the shortest one would be easiest to learn left hand casting on. I can tell the fuego is not quite as smooth as the tatula. If it bothers me I'll take it apart and make it smooth..

LgMouthGambler · January 11, 2020, 05:36:20 AM

Quote from: TWBryan on January 10, 2020, 06:02:36 PM
Received Fuego late today, and put some cheap,cheap chinese braid on it (good enough for tossed a casting plug on the lawn). Mounted it up on my venerable Cabela's casting rod 5' 6". Thought about a slightly longer rod,but thought the shortest one would be easiest to learn left hand casting on. I can tell the fuego is not quite as smooth as the tatula. If it bothers me I'll take it apart and make it smooth..

Everything internally in the same in the 2 reels. You just have to grease the gear set.

TWBryan · January 11, 2020, 08:07:27 AM

LgMouthGambler, Thank you, just take off the right hand side to expose the main gear? I was considering doing that,thought I would test it first. Well shouldn't take too long...

LgMouthGambler · January 11, 2020, 09:04:46 AM

Quote from: TWBryan on January 11, 2020, 08:07:27 AM
LgMouthGambler, Thank you, just take off the right hand side to expose the main gear? I was considering doing that,thought I would test it first. Well shouldn't take too long...

Correct.

apiazza · January 11, 2020, 10:11:16 AM

I found when I broke down my citica for cleaning the thing that needed the most attention and resulted in the most improved feel was good cleaning and lubing of the level wind worm gear.

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TWBryan · January 11, 2020, 10:43:04 AM

Lgmouthgambler, I got it together ,only hang up was the large brass nut,which I had backwards. Any gears on the opposite side?

Apiazza, I'll look at it,did you use grease of oil to lube?

Switched from using the 5' 6" rod to an old Abu-garcia bronco,this worked better. I cast until left hand complained.

apiazza · January 11, 2020, 12:10:18 PM

I personally used oil, but LMG might suggest otherwise. He's the expert in the field. I was concerned grease might attract to much dirt and debris while bank fishing.

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LgMouthGambler · January 11, 2020, 01:45:14 PM

Quote from: TWBryan on January 11, 2020, 10:43:04 AM
Lgmouthgambler, I got it together ,only hang up was the large brass nut,which I had backwards. Any gears on the opposite side?

Apiazza, I'll look at it,did you use grease of oil to lube?

Switched from using the 5' 6" rod to an old Abu-garcia bronco,this worked better. I cast until left hand complained.

There are no gears on the opposite side. Very thin film of grease on the wormshaft, and a dab of oil to mix it together. That's what I do

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TWBryan · January 11, 2020, 02:09:46 PM

Thanks guys,I'll oil and grease it!