I purchased a Quantum Teton 6´6" trout rod for $20 at Fred hall show. What kind of reel should I purchase for light action (trout, crappie) in lakes in Southern California?

I am starting to feel that there aren't that many differences between the quality manufacturers. I have found that some of the 'house brand' reels offer good quality at a lower price. If you are looking for a spinning reel, I like having a reel with a spare spool to allow for quick line changes. In a baitcaster things get more complicated as the different anti-backlash systems operate differently and what works for me might not be the best for you. If you are talking a fly reel, I feel they are mostly overpriced. I mean really, $250 for a spool to hold line? Tom

Pesguy, you're right a lot are over priced. I'm trying to focus around $50 for that Quantum 6'6" rod. Do you think series 300 or 500 would do? I trout fish w/ 4# Flourocarbon and use Powerbaits, nightcrawlers, some lures. This summer will be my Eastern Sierra 'training' so do you think a 1000 is too big?
Thanks Colaiza1965

Quantum products rock!

Before you purchase, take a look at the Acadia Sports reels. They are available online only but are an exceptional value and include a spare spool. (aluminum not composite) The ES-50 is a nice match on a 6'-6'6" rod but I would't use more that a 6# test line on it due to capacity. www.acadiasports.com will get you there. Tom

I wouldn't buy a reel online! I need to see and feel it with my own hands to know how it will feel while im fishing. Get a nice Quantum Kinetic PT reel. They are quality reels for the fisherman on a budget. It is what I use and I love it. I assume you are talking about a spinning reel correct?

The picture is not the best (sorry) but this is the main Quantum reel I use. The Quantum Kinetic PT. I would recommend you get a similiar reel. After all, a Quantum rod deserves a Quantum reel right?!

Hail Captain Quantum,
thanks for the advise and I'll look into it.  I have to touch gear too before I buy them. But I will research pesguy's suggestion b/c I am on a budget. Thank ya'll
Colaiza1965

Captain Quantum, the Kinetic PT seems a bit expensive and I also noted that all Quantum Reels are a bit on the heavy side unless you spend some $$$ but I'll keep looking,
Colaiza1965

I got mine for like 70 bucks. If you really want a great reel that will last you for years to come, you may have to exceed your budget a little. If you buy a cheap one and it breaks, you will just have to buy another one. It may be cheaper in the long run if you spend a little more money now.

Try going to Quantumfishing.com. They have good pictures and descriptions of many reels and it shows the prices. They have cheaper reels than the Kinetic PTi as well.

I know buying online can be iffy, but I have been very happy with my Acadia reel, and I am not the only member that has had this experience. The PT is a nice reel but MSRP is double that of the Acadia! For that kind of money I would buy a Shimano Symetry.

Pesguy, I just saw the Acadias and they look very nice. If I don't find a deal at the Fred Hall show tmrw I willprobably try one of these. I like the description, extra spool, size choice and # of BB's. Thanks for the tip!
Colaiza1965

Man, no love for Quantum reels on here! Oh well. I like em'! And why does everybody like Shimano so much? That's all my fishing buddy can talk about! I know they are a good brand, but come on...

I have had my share of Quantum which is a from the Zebco company which bad in the day also seem to be cheap not only in price but in quality, Zebco is part of Brunswick Corp which is bowling related and that to comes across as a cheap brand where most house balls were Brunswick they have stepped up the game and have got better. For that last few I have had they just don't stand up. My new reel at the time failed with a only a few hours of use and the blank came out of the butt within a few days of use. I do have a bait caster which seem to hold up to the test of time but most of my reels and rods are Shimano and they take a beating and hold up to the years with of abuse I had put them through. I now take care of my gear and they look good and last and with money being tight for a lot of us due to the economy sometimes cheap is the not the way to go and we need something that will last. Thats my two cents on the love. They are getting better but they are in a tough mix an really need to wow us to buy them.

The brand is good enough for KVD!

I prefer Diawa as Zebco Remains Cheap in my Mind I Wonder if Zebco even Makes anything with Diamond Threadwrap ! Also if I remember Correctly we used to call Reels Open Faced and Closed Face Now it seems that All Open Face Reels are called Spinning Reels ! Thanx CM

Saying a Quantum is a Zebco is like calling a Cadillac a Chevrolet. Don't start on Brunswick- they started out in bowling but have become a holding company that owns among other brands Mercury Marine and Sea Ray boats!(they also sell entry level boats under different brands that are just better than junk) They also own South Bend Tackle. Tom

Posted By Assistchief52 on 12 Mar 2011 12:09 AM
I have had my share of Quantum which is a from the Zebco company which bad in the day also seem to be cheap not only in price but in quality, Zebco is part of Brunswick Corp which is bowling related and that to comes across as a cheap brand where most house balls were Brunswick they have stepped up the game and have got better. For that last few I have had they just don't stand up. My new reel at the time failed with a only a few hours of use and the blank came out of the butt within a few days of use. I do have a bait caster which seem to hold up to the test of time but most of my reels and rods are Shimano and they take a beating and hold up to the years with of abuse I had put them through. I now take care of my gear and they look good and last and with money being tight for a lot of us due to the economy sometimes cheap is the not the way to go and we need something that will last. Thats my two cents on the love. They are getting better but they are in a tough mix an really need to wow us to buy them.

That is not a valid argument.

Hey Captain Quantum, thanks again for your suggestions. I went back to the Fred Hall show with my daughter. I went looking for a reel for this weekend´s Irvine Lake Sport Chalet Tournament. I looked at a few brands, including Quantum and I must say they have some nice reels.Now I agree with you that you have to pay a bit more to get quality that will last you. So I decided to get a reel there and not on the internet (sorry Pesguy!). After a lot of walking (my girl is a 7-year old trooper!) I went to Turner´s outdoors and got an Okuma (of all brands!) Epixor (500)that was on sale for $20! 10 bearings! Smooth although not as light as the Shimano Symetre500FJ, it still feels great. Anyway this one is getting the Marlon Meade special: Quantum teton Trout rod, Okuma 500, 2# Flourocarbon, 6´leader, and an atomic teaser 1/32 oz. One part of this set up that is crucial, I can´t mention, sorry. I´ll let you know how it turns out.

Im not exactly sure what an "atomic teaser" is, and what secrets are you hiding colaiza1965? Im glad you got to see some good Quantum reels. I really like their products. Despite what some of the other posters have falsely said about them.

Atomic teasers are from Berkley and they´re just a power worm  attached to  a 1/32 jig tube and they have a scent. But Marlon Meade from Berkley says to rig it up in a certain way. 6ft leader attached to a carolina keeper or swivel and attached with a plastic float that have bb´s in it for sound. cast out when there are waves or a little wind.  2# test flourocarbon and a bunch of bite on garlic. I´m going to try it out this weekend at Irvine lake and of course I´ll use my Quantum Teton 6´6´´ rod.Take care
Diego

Good luck!