Going to El Salto, bringing my girlfriend. She only uses spin cast reels (bless her heart). Gonna buy her a new, heaviest duty Spin Cast Reel I can. Anyone tried braid on one of these things?

Yes, works very well, use 30 lb. braid to a 25 lb. fluoro leader with a Alberto knot and you should be good. Make sure and wrap the spool with a piece of tape that the braid can dig into on the spool, then spool the braid. This way the braid digs into the tape. I use blue painters tape.

all I use on these,with a swivel and fluoro leader.

This or.... Even 40 pound but rigged like Frank said with at least a 20 lb fluoro leader for some of that harsh terrain. I use a Uni to Uni and I just don't have problems with it. YouTube whatever knot you're going to use and get good at it before hand. Don't be scared to put more leader on then you need to save you some on the water time tieing that knot. Snip it and go. If you're going to be doing any finesse fishing (fluke, Senko, etc), and you probably will, you can use bright yellow or white on a reel or two and it's easy to see when that braid starts hopping around getting a bite.

Good luck and have fun.

Thanks much guys,
What spin/cast reel do you guys use? In my research for a good spin/cast reel (Bass Pro & Cabela's) my take on these reels is that they are typically used for smaller fish due to the line size they recommend. Cost isn't really an object, as the highest one I've seen is about 80 bucks - however, when I read the review on it, several folks said it was a POS. The thing I'd like to avoid obviously, is for her to hook into a few nice fish, possibly a 10+, and have the reel explode.
Second, speaking of line size (diameter), I've only found a couple that accept up to 12 lb. test. Assuming they mean monofilament, the largest braid of that diameter would be 30 lb. test.

Will probably only buy one reel - what's the most durable one, knowing it's libel to get a real workout?

Thanks again guys

At that price point, the Pfluger should be close or for a bit more get her a Revo. Both will get the job done without breaking the bank. If it is calling for 12 lb line, it doesn't sound like an ideal Salto set-up.

For almost 20 yrs guiding, I've always had at least 2 spin casters on quality rods in the rod box for clients. Usually spooled with 30# braid.

By far the best I've found is the Abumatic Series. They have the 2 things that are critical. Metal or ceramic pick up pins and higher gear ratio.

The lesser quality close faced reels have plastic pins. It only takes one good fish for the braid to dig in and cut the plastic pins. At that point they're useless.

The ratio deal is just as important. Trying to keep a bent rod/tight line on a fish with a 2 or 3/1 ratio is frustrating if not impossible. The Abu's go up to 4/1 ratio. It's still slow, but will work and she can at least keep a reasonably tight line on a fish. I use a little slower action rod to offset the slack line syndrome associated with the slower ratio. It helps.

I have a couple that have been used so long that the paint is turning from red to pink. They've been durable and work well.

I've used spinning reels with braid for years fishing salt water. Check out the saltwater section for higher end spinning reels. I've always had great luck with Penn Slammers and Shimano Baitrunners.

Thanks RBO,
Some personal experience was what I was looking for. This being somewhat of a trip of a lifetime - don't want to spend this much money, and find out her gear isn't up to the task. In my own research, the Abu Garcia's stood out of all the rest for just the reasons you've mentioned. Probably going to buy 2 of them, the Abumatic 170 (looks like the best they make) and an Abumatic "S" as a back up, just in case one of them screws up, and we can tie on a couple different baits

Thanks mucho

And thanks to others,
But I'm talkin' SPIN/CAST reels not spinning reels. You know, like the old Zebco 202's & 33's.

You cannot go wrong with an Abu 170 spooled with 30 pound test Power Pro line. I have used the 170 for many years and currently have 3 of them. It will not explode, and it has a good drag, which is the weak spot in most spincast reels. I would get 2 of the 170 and delete the S.

Good luck.

I agree. I used the older 475's until they were discontinued. The 170 took it's place In the lineup.

Get 2 170's and you won't have to replace them for while.

You're going to Salto with those?

Are you sure you don't want to spend a couple of afternoons in the front yard with a casting lesson? Or better yet, have one of your buddies?

Salto bass are full of pisss and vinegar.... I'm not sure those are capable of getting a DD out of a tree.

Edited.... Keep in mind.... You've got a really nice Mexican man in the boat with you who's job is to pick out her backlashes..... Just say in'.

Thanks Jackson,
and yup, goin' to El Salto with those, LOL. I've told her this won't be like crappie fishin', but, this one certainly has a mind of her own, and will not entertain anything else. SO, We're goin' with those. If she gets her butt kicked a couple times, I will have some pretty good baitcasters along with me just in case.

I think I'm married to her twin. I get it.

The Mexico fishing experience is awesome. Y'all will have a blast whether she lands them or not.

Have a ball.