[ouch]

I'm looking into getting a good all around level wind reel that can be used for salmon fishing locally, mainly vedder, but something that will be ok on fraiser as well.
I wouldnt mind spending a bit more money for quality and durability but if I can get that without forking out the cheddar, that would be even better!
Can I get some recommendations from some people?
I've been thinking of one of the tuned Abu reels from Mike's rod repair or a Calcutta.

 

[noxcape]

go with the calcutta i ahve had mine for liek 6 years and its finally time to get it fixed

 

[318]

I use an Abu 6500 c4 which I find is a great reel. Durable, affordable and damn nice looking reel too!

 

[fisherforever]

Abu Record RCN60, top of the line reel, everything is done to this reel. I'm on my second year using it and highly recommend it.

 

[Steve-O]

Depends on how much you wanna spend but from everything I hear the Diawa Luna 300 would be the creme de la creme and is cheaper(and better) than the calcutta 400 TE, and if you want a decent reel that is cheaper I think the abu 6500 c4 is a good all round reel. I have a calcutta 400 and an abu 6500 c4 and both are good reels, but from what i hear the abus need a bit more maintenance.

 

[Noble]

The Calcutta is a Great Reel, have had a Calcutta for 6 years. Depending on your use, just a bit of maintenance is required (small amount of reel grease will do).
Although do not attempt to do any major repairs on this reel as you will have a bag of parts to mail into Shimano.
Shimano's service is excellent and has fast and reliable service.

The Abu is a good reel, easy to repair. Has removable casting weights to improve your casting distance.
If you want to spend the $$$$$ go for the Calcutta
Good Fishing

 

[rpt]

I use a Quantum Cabo on the Fraser and in the vedder when i'm going to a spot where there might be springs or chum about. I use a Calcutta 201 (left hand) for coho and steel. I switch because i find that the smaller spool of the Calcutta fits my hand better when free spooling through a drift and i like the release lever to be under my thumb as well. I like the quantum for the bigger fish as the drag is a little more robust and the spool is bigger.

Downside to the Calcutta is that the line guide does not move side to side on the smaller reels so there is a bit of line wear.

i recommend that you take your rod to the tackle store and mount some reels on it to get a feel for balance and ease of use - try to imagine using the reel for 8 hours to make several hundred casts.

As for maintenance, i have used many different reels over that last (too many years) , i find that any reel that gets used in the Fraser requires maintenance beyond just some grease. That fine Fraser silt gets into everything and grinds away at drag washers, bearings etc. If you rinse the reel after use it can delay the problems but in the end you should count on having an internal cleaning done at least every two years if you spend much time in the Fraser.

 

[ouch]

Thanks picked up a Abu Record

 

[fisherforever]

You'll be very happy with the Record, just remember to adjust the spool tension when changing weights or lures.