The HSX-20? It's not the same 20X size as a Pflueger. It will take ~250-300 yards of 2 lb test to fill the spool.

The Pflueger President 20X is a smaller reel, with ~150-200 yard capacity for 2 lb test.


Tom

Bulldog,

I don't know much about Okuma reels. I've never messed with them. I saw the Helios and another one listed on some sites as some of the best ultralight reels, so I thought I would inquire, maybe get some input from people with some experience with them.

Well, it is the internet, ya know?! Just because it's on the 'net doesn't make it true. That's why I'm inquiring of y'all, to get some input from peeps I know and trust.

I trust you guys. This forum is what I consider home. That's why I come here for enlightenment and guidance. And because you are good dudes.

The intent is to use 2-4 lb line to catch panfish. It'll go on a 6' St Croix Panfish rod. I don't have a problem spending money on a good reel, but philosophically I'm not sure panfish require a $200 reel, either. Or maybe they do now, I dunno. I've got both mono and PLine that can go on it.

Bulldog mentioned the Fuego. I have seen a report or two ref it having flex in the stem coming down from the reel seat. As I recall I saw it mentioned on Tackle Advisors (he seemed to be a proponent of the Tatula) and in a post somewhere. (Here: https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishi ... lt-flexes/) Not that a freakin' bluegill is gonna twist the reel off the dang rod or something.

I watched a video of a guy using a President and the line was coming off in coils. I don't necessarily want to buy into that problem, either. I've heard that larger spools tend to help prevent that.

I would prefer to have an on/off anti-reverse switch on it, but I suppose they have gone out of favor now.

I would prefer to buy and do it right the first time. If that costs more, within reason, then so be it.

Life was sooo much easier back in the day. Fifty years ago I woulda just gone and bought a Mitchell 308 or some such and called it good. Back when I was a teenager one Sunday I actually **ran** through a Kress store in order to buy a Mitchell 300 that was on sale. Back then, a Mitchell 300 was sorta the standard, and it was my first 'quality' spinning reel. Before that, I was using a little cheap Zebco open face spinning reel, although I managed to catch a 3 and 5 lb red on it one day.

Bulldog, what Shimano did you upgrade to from the Tica?

Would any of the Nasci-Sahara-Sedona triad be worth considering?

Del Gue, I am a huge fan of the Sahara 500FI, the "hagane" gear can't be beat. I bought two of them, I loved the first one so much. I've seen them on the bay for as cheap as $60. IMHO, the best hands down for under a hundred bucks.

I've fished so many reels into the ground, Mitchell 300 on Spanish mackerel, Penn 4400SS on king mackerel.
I'm really impressed with the way my little Tica Cetus held up to 23" seatrout, and literally dozens of 17-22" seatrout at Arroyo - and not what I bought it for - bought it for nursery seatrout pier-fishing with the girls - but it works so well. .
But this is the spot where the $200 reel belongs, to get the over-designed spindle and gears, long-spool stroke with great line management for long casts, etc.

Speaking of 23" seatrout, yesterday a 23" and 24-1/2", but on my baitcasters and 12-lb fluoro - look at the water where we caught redfish

Thanks - most new reels with roller bearing are full-time anti-reverse.
You get used to it - baitcasters began using roller bearing full-time anti-reverse 25 years ago.
You have to think before you wind in all the way, and if you need to let out working line on your spinning reel, it's easy enough to halfway open the bail to let a wrap out.

The next thing you'll see is auto bail closure disappear - all top-line salt reels are there. I use all my bails manually and it improves Everything about casting and fishing spinning reels.
Your hand is close to the bail to feather line in the cast, no loose line, and you're fishing a whole lot sooner - almost as quick as a baitcaster.
Manual bail use is imperative fishing braid to prevent loose-line wind knots and fine abrasive braid getting wound beneath your spool. .

Any Shimano model updated since 2018 is a variation on their '18 Stella - generally the same design with less-expensive materials and manufacturing. Different mixes of metals (aluminum, magnesium) v. composite in the frame, rotor and spool; drive parts wear-treated aluminum alloy in place of stainless and titanium. I know Tom's in the queue for a new Vanford 500 UL. I'd say Do Not Pass Go.
You may also find close-out deals on the mid-grade Shimano models updated 2015-17, and good sales (40+% off in Japan) on the Daiwa competing models getting shadowed by the new Shimanos. Though you're in a tough market now, because most of the good reels are selling out of stock.

From everything you've posted, the Tica Cetus is the reel you want, are looking for, and meeting your expectations.
Either the diminutive 500, or the still very UL 800 size.
You can get it on Amazon direct from Tica America, and Tom linked the 800 above.
I think you should pony up and buy it.

Very nice. Looks like you're jumping in with both feet. Can't wait to hear the fishing reports and reviews.

BTW, I have a 6' 6" Diawa Presso rod. It's my favorite UL rod. I've heard that the six foot version is softer than the other lengths. Will be interested in hearing your reports.

Fish,
I was constrained by availability ref the presso. Only one I saw in stock was the 6 footer. I've read elsewhere that some of them are a tad whippy. If I was aware that specifically applied to the 6 footer I would have desisted.

Now I gotta find me some available and willing fish. I hope they're not practicing distancing, too...

Be aware, there are several flavors:

The SE500 has: ■ 6 Precision ball bearings.
■ Mini bearing inside the line roller

The SS500 has: ■ 6 Rust resistant, shielded ball bearings + 1 roller bearing
■ Mini bearing inside the line roller

The SB500 has: ■ 6 Rust resistant, shielded ball bearings
■ Mini bearing inside the line roller

https://www.ticaamerica.com/fishing-tac ... tus-reels/

Good grab. Like I mentioned earlier the Tica stand out features at this price are the ball bearing line roller and the drag. The Cetus SS reels with the instant anti-reverse roller bearing are worth tracking down. Del Gue's reel has an on/ off lever for the anti-reverse. [Note added: I looked at the Cetus schematics. All Cetus models have an anti-reverse roller bearing and ball bearing line roller. The Cetus SS and GV both come in the 800 size, which is an ounce lighter, but with a 50% larger spool. Tom]

Don't get too worked up with ball bearing counts. Often extra bearings in high bearing counts reels are tucked into the handle. The reel schematic reveals all. Rust resistant bearings are a new marketing feature. If the reel has been abused to the point the bearings will rust, the wire springs will be rusted out long before. Reels need at least some maintenance.

If you like Black Friday sales, Ande line ran specials the last couple of holidays. An 1/8 lb spool of #2 test tournament line will refill these little spools a dozen times. Or half fill the spool with #4-6 line and put 100 yards of #2 on top. Change that top shot early and often.


Tom