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

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

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