KastKing Mela II

Around this area during this time of year, everyone is itching to get outdoors or just out of the house. We’ve been teased with some warmer temps as of late and had days that you can’t help but want to wet a line and do some freshwater fishing. The reel I’m showcasing today is one that you ought to take a look at when getting ready to hit the local freshwater scene.

NEW for 2017! The KastKing Mela II Spinning Reel is light, smooth, powerful, and comes with a FREE spare spool! Mela spinning reels are a great addition to your fishing tackle and could be used whether you’re freshwater or saltwater fishing. Compare a Mela spinning reel by KastKing with a free spare graphite spool to a similar size fishing reel from other brands that cost more. KastKing proudly manufactures quality fishing reels, fishing rods, fishing line, and fishing tackle management products. KastKing Keeps Fishing Fun!

Key Features:
• 10 + 1 ball bearings and instant stop roller bearing and stainless steel main shaft

• precision ultra-mesh brass gears with powerful gear ratios

• triple disc carbon fiber drag washers

• Corrosion resistant components

• Right / Left interchangeable CNC aluminum handle

KastKing Mela II 2000

Weight – 7.09oz/201g
Max Drag – 20lb/9kg
Gear Ratio – 5.2:1
Line Cap – .185mm/250m, .235mm/150m, .285mm/100m
Mono Cap – 5lb/270yds, 8lb/160yds, 12lb/110yds

KastKing Mela II 3000

Weight – 8.32oz/236g
Max Drag – 24lb/11kg
Gear Ratio – 5.2:1
Line Cap – .235mm/180m, .285mm/130m, .335mm/100m
Mono Cap – 8lb/200yds, 12lb/130yds, 16lb/110yds

KastKing Mela II 4000

Weight – 8.68oz/246g
Max Drag – 26lb/12kg
Gear Ratio – 5.2:1
Line Cap – .285mm/120m, .335mm/100m, .375mm/80m
Mono Cap – 12lb/130yds, 16lb/120yds, 20lb/90yds

KastKing Rover

The KastKing Rover is a conventional round baitcaster reel that offers all of the necessary tools for trophy hunters to go after the big ones and are available at under $75. Whether you are after giant catfish, carp, walleye or trolling offshore fishing for large saltwater species, or wreck fishing for bottom feeders, the KastKing Rover is the perfect weapon to conquer the beasts of the deep.

A KastKing Rover is the perfect round baitcasting reel for trolling, bottom fishing, and other techniques used in freshwater and saltwater offshore fishing. Rover’s large line capacities easily handles the lengths of braided or monofilament line needed for those applications and targeting species.

Reinforced hard anodized aluminum side plates and spool
Precision machined brass gears
All alloy flawless level wind
Industry-first stainless steel worm gear
Stainless steel shaft and other components for superior corrosion protection .
Carbon fiber drag system. KastKing Rover (formerly RXA) now offers up to 20 LB / 9 KG of smooth drag.
Fatigue reducing oversized nonslip EVA grips
Line out clicker alarm
Premium shielded stainless steel deep race ball bearings (4 + 1 BBs)

This is the perfect conventional reel for trolling, bottom fishing, and other techniques used in freshwater and saltwater. Anglers who want an affordable, dependable levelwind round baitcasting reel to add to their trolling reel fishing tackle will appreciate the low price and high quality of a KastKing Rover.

The KastKing Rover reels are built with functionality, quality, and are built to last. KastKing Rover Series deliver fantastic design, power, and performance at an affordable price of about $70.

KastKing Rover 70R

Ball Bearings – 4+1
Weight (g) – 539
Weight (oz) – 19.0
Gear Ratio – 4.2:1
Line Cap – mm/m – .4/400, .5/250
Line Cap – lb/yds – 16/430, 25/260
Drag (k) – 7.0
Drag (lb) – 15.5

KastKing Rover 80R

Ball Bearings – 4+1
Weight (g) – 618
Weight (lb) – 21.8
Gear Ratio – 3.2:1
Line Cap – mm/m – .4/600, .5/400
Line Cap – lb/yds – 16/650, 25/440
Drag (k) – 9.0
Drag (lb) – 20.0

KastKing Rover 90R

Ball Bearings – 4+1
Weight (g) – 626
Weight (lb) – 22.1
Gear Ratio – 3.2:1
Line Cap – mm/m – .4/700, .5/500
Line Cap – lb/yds – 16/750, 25/540
Drag (k) – 9.0
Drag (lb) – 20.0

Daiwa Opus

The Daiwa Opus Saltwater Spinning Reel is perfect for boat, jetty, pier, or use in the surf. A heavy action reel for freshwater, but can also handle the harsh elements and rigors of saltwater, Opus can do just about everything.

The features of this reel include:

Infinite Anti-Reverse (Double Stopper)
Smooth, multi-disc drag
Twist Buster line twist reduction
Ball bearing, plus roller bearing
ABS Composite Spool

Model Number	Action FW / SW	Bearings	Gear Ratio	Line Per Handle Turn	Wt. (oz.)	Line Capacity (Lb. Test / Yards)	Drag Max
OP4500	XH / H	1BB, 1RB	4.6:1	39.1″	20.1	MONO: 12/360, 14/290, 17/220	33
OP5000	– / H	1BB, 1RB	4.6:1	39.1″	19.9	MONO: 14/340, 17/250, 20/190	33
OP5500	– / XH	1BB, 1RB	3.4:1	32.4″	24.7	MONO: 20/290, 25/230, 30/190	33
OP6000	– / XH	1BB, 1RB	3.4:1	32.4″	24.5	MONO: 25/260, 30/220, 40/160	33

FW = Freshwater, SW = Saltwater

BB = Stainless Steel Ball Bearing, RB Roller Bearing

Pros

Ambidextrous reel – works for right and left hand
Easy drag set
Smooth retrieval
Very reasonably priced

Cons

There have been cases of the bail arm being tight when first being used
The reels are pretty heavy for casting lures and holding the rod all day long, but if you plan on making a cast and putting the pole in a sandspike, then that is not a problem whatsoever.

Daiwa Opus Saltwater Spinning Reel, Opus Saltwater 5000

KastKing Spartacus

The KastKing Spartacus is quickly becoming the go-to reel for many freshwater anglers who like a good quality casting reel without breaking the budget. The cost of these reels can run from $40 to $90, depending on the model. Check out some of the features the Spartacus model has:

Micro-cast dual centrifugal and magnetic brakes and tournament ready carbon fiber drag with 17.5 LBs of fish stopping power.
Superior shielded 11 + 1 corrosion resistant ball bearings, CNC machined aluminum spool for smooth casting, powerful precision matched brass gears, instant stop anti-reverse for devastating hook sets, and braid line ready ceramic line guide insert.
Versatile 6.3:1 gear ratio
One way clutch system
Left and Right Hand models with CNC Aluminum Handle and EVA Knobs

Not many reels in the $50 range can say they have a carbon fiber drag and 11+1 corrosion resistant ball bearings.

Some specifics about the reel.

Weight(oz/g) 7.2oz/205g
Gear Ratio 6.3:1
Line capacity (lb/yd,mm/M):
- 0.285mm/115m,0.33/90, 0.37/75, 0.4/60
- 10LB/125YD,12/100,15/85,18/65

With a 4.2 out of 5 star rating and price tag of about $50, there isn’t much more you can say about this reel, except to give the KastKing Spartacus a try and see for yourself.

Penn Fathom

My first saltwater casting reel was a Penn reel, it was the Penn Squidder 140L. The Squidder has been and continues to be my favorite! This reel is a no bells and whistles true workhorse that when serviced annually has lasted me for years! I’m still using Squidders that my father used to use. However, Penn discontinued making this reel a few years back which upset many a angler that used them. Many can be found on eBay, but there is no other reel like it. That is when Penn started to make a reel that was comparable yet modern by today’s standards.

Penn Fathom star drag is lightweight, quick on the retrieve, and extremely castable due to its revolutionary Live Spindle design. The revolutionary Live Spindle design makes the Fathom SD one of the longest casting reels on the market. A Full Metal Body and sideplate keep precise gear alignment under heavy loads, and the powerful HT-100™ drag system will stay smooth from start to finish.

Penn Fathom 12

Mono Cap – YD/LB 360/10 260/12 230/15
Braid Cap – YD/LB 525/15 420/20 320/30
Bearing Count – 6
Max Drag – LB 25lb | 11.3kg
Gear ratio – 6.0:1

Penn Fathom 15

Mono Cap – YD/LB 320/12 280/15 190/20
Braid Cap – YD/LB 500/20 380/30 270/50
Bearing Count – 6
Max Drag – LB 25lb | 11.3kg
Gear Ratio – 6.0:1

Penn Fathom 25N

Mono Cap – YD/LB 320/20 290/25 220/30
Braid Cap – YD/LB 650/30 450/50 370/65
Bearing Count – 6
Max Drag – LB 25lb | 11.3kg
Gear Ratio – 6.0:1

Penn Fathom 30

Mono Cap – YD/LB 440/20 300/30 250/40
Braid Cap – YD/LB 625/50 500/65 440/80
Bearing Count – 6
Max Drag – LB 25lb | 11.3kg
Gear Ratio – 6.0:1

Penn Fathom 40

Mono Cap – YD/LB 350/30 300/40 220/50
Braid Cap – YD/LB 725/50 600/65 525/80
Bearing Count – 6
Max Drag – LB 25lb | 11.3kg
Gear Ratio – 6.0:1

Penn Conflict Spinning Reel

The Penn Conflict Spinning Reels striking cosmetics, durable design, and silky smooth drag are a few of the reasons why so many anglers fish this reel. The Conflict’s full metal body construction allows it to maintain precision gear alignment under severe punishment while its Techno-Balanced™ rotor (reinforced graphite on 1000-4000 sizes) ensures a smooth retrieve. From tuna to trout, the Conflict was designed to perform and engineered to last.

The Conflict shines mostly in rotor and line management including line lay. It remains light even compared to nowadays standards. It has all the features like braid ready spool, full metal body to keep itself relevant in today’s market as well. Another thing I like is the handle which is made from EVA foam knob. Very comfortable to fish even on a colder day.

Now for a breakdown of the sizes and uses for each. The Conflict comes in eight different sizes.

Penn Conflict 1000 Spinning Reels

The smallest of the models can be used for both Freshwater and Saltwater handling largemouth bass and crappie very easily, and even small panfish in saltwater.

Mono Cap – YD/LB 275/2 135/4 105/6
Braid Cap – YD/LB 160/6 130/8 110/10
Bearing Count – 8
Max Drag – LB – 9lb | 4.0kg
Gear Ratio – 5.2:1

Penn Conflict 2000

This reel is ideal for lakes and small ponds, but can also handle striped bass and many 10+lb bluefish with ease. Another good use is for reds and trout fishing inshore saltwater.

Mono Cap YD/LB 240/4 180/6 125/8
Braid Cap YD/LB 210/8 180/10 165/15
Bearing Count – 8
Max Drag – LB- 10lb | 4.5kg
Gear Ratio – 6.2:1

Penn Conflict 2500 Spinning Reels

It’s the 2000, with a little more beef!

Mono Cap YD/LB 255/6 175/8 140/10
Braid Cap YD/LB 240/10 220/15 160/20
Bearing Count – 8
Max Drag LB – 12lb | 5.4kg
Gear Ratio – 6.2:1

Penn Conflict 3000 Spinning Reels

This size is great for inshore saltwater from flounder, trout, redfish, snook and bluefish.

Mono Cap YD/LB 200/8 165/10 120/12
Braid Cap YD/LB 250/15 180/20 130/30
Bearing Count – 8
Max Drag LB – 15lb | 6.8kg
Gear Ratio – 6.2:1

Penn Conflict 4000 Spinning Reels

The graphite rotor in this size makes the reel extremely lightweight and doesn’t compromise strength. This reel is well capable of catching stripers and bluefish in the 30+ inch range with no problems, even in moderate current.

Mono Cap YD/LB 270/8 220/10 165/12
Braid Cap YD/LB 360/15 260/20 185/30
Bearing Count – 8
Max Drag LB – 15lb | 6.8kg
Gear Ratio – 6.2:1

Penn Conflict 5000 Spinning Reels

Mono Cap YD/LB 225/12 200/15 135/20
Braid Cap YD/LB 420/20 300/30 240/40
Bearing Count – 8
Max Drag LB – 25lb | 11.3kg
Gear Ratio – 5.6:1

Penn Conflict 6000 Spinning Reels

Looking to catch grouper or kings from a boat? Maybe even a tarpon? This reel will be able to handle that and put the fish, and you, to the test.

Mono Cap YD/LB 335/15 230/20 210/25
Braid Cap YD/LB 490/30 390/40 335/50
Bearing Count – 8
Max Drag LB – 25lb | 11.3kg
Gear Ratio – 5.6:1

Penn Conflict 8000 Spinning Reels

Surf fishing here we come! This is the perfect (maybe even a little oversized) reel for catching large red drum, striped bass, black drum, and sharks from the surf.

Mono Cap YD/LB 340/20 300/25 230/30
Braid Cap YD/LB 475/50 390/65 345/80
Bearing Count – 8
Max Drag LB – 30lb | 13.6kg
Gear Ratio – 5.3:1

Okuma Ceymar C-30

The Okuma Ceymar Lightweight Spinning Reel- C-30 is turning heads as the price tag on this is under $50 on most models! No one can believe that there can be so much performance with a price tag like that!

These reels have powerful forged aluminum handle arms with premium EVA knobs, a precision elliptical gearing system which includes machine cut brass pinion gears for durability, and seven bearings with quick set anti-reverse bearings that deliver fluid performance and commanding hook sets.

Ceymar Spinning Reels have lightweight handling, a blade body design that is ultra compact, along with a spool and computer balanced rotor that is ported to extreme levels to reduce weight.

Heavy duty, solid aluminum bail wire
Machined aluminum 2-tone anodized spool
Multi-disc, oiled felt drag system
Precision machine cut brass pinion gear
Corrosion resistant graphite body
Narrow blade body design for reduced fatique
One year manufacturer’s warranty

The reel comes in various sizes for all your needs.

Okuma Ceymar Lightweight Spinning Reel

6.0oz, 5.0:1 Gear Ratio and Line Cap of 210yds/2lb test

The smallest Ceymar in the family, the C-10 is perfect for 2- to 6-pound test fishing line. A great choice for fishing trout, crappie, bluegill, sunfish and small perch where larger gear can easily over power fish. Pair it with an ultra-light fishing rod for a great combination. The C-10 is also a great choice for small ice fishing outfits.

Okuma Ceymar C-30

8.2oz, 5.0:1 Gear Ratio and Line Cap of 200yd/6lb test

Okuma Ceymar C-40

10oz, 5.0:1 Gear Ratio and Line Cap of 270yd/8lb test

These intermediate sizes suite the vast majority of anglers that fish for bass, walleye, steelhead, carp, catfish and more. The 30 size is more for finesse applications like drop-shotting bass or jigging walleye with 6- to 8-pound line. The 40 size has larger capacity, for bigger lures and fish like steelhead and catfish with 10- to 12-pound line.

Okuma Ceymar C-55

14.2oz, 4.5:1 Gear Ratio and Line Cap of 240yd/15lb test

The 55-size spinning reel offers a lot of versatility in inshore saltwater environments. Striped bass, snook, redfish, shallow water bottom fish are all in the wheelhouse of this highly capable reel. It will hold roughly 240-yards of 15-pound monofilament line. Many will fish this reel with 20- to 30-pound braided lines.

Okuma Ceymar C-65

17.0oz, 4.8:1 Gear Ratio and Line Cap of 210yd/20lb test

At the 65-size, Ceymar reels come equipped with oversized Ergo Grip for exceptional cranking power. It’s the reel of choice for bigger water applications where a lot of line capacity is necessary. In saltwater, the C-65 will be great for fishing over reefs or casting long distances from piers and jetties. In freshwater, this reel will often be fished for catfish in big rivers and lakes.

Best Fishing Reel Review and Buying Guide

There are so many different fishing reels that hit the market every year, it’s impossible to keep track and be able to compare one reel to the next. No matter what type of fishing you are into, be it saltwater, freshwater, or fly fishing, there is a reel out there that will suit your needs and I’m here to help you find it.

I, myself, am an avid angler and enjoy all the types of fishing noted above. It is a tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation, and I am in the process of passing it down to my kids who seem to enjoy it as much as I do. Our one true passion is surf fishing for big bull Red Drum on a barrier island, but we will not pass up the opportunity to hit up a local pond or jump in the boat and try our luck elsewhere.

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