I just got back from academy returning my concept a for the 2nd time but this time I got my money back. I do not want any more 13 reels just because I have not had anything good with them. Im willing to spend about $250 for a new reel. I was feeling some of the shimanos and they feel good but I don't know anything about shimano. What reel do you guys recommend I get? I fish Port o connor all the time so preferably a reel that can stand up to the salt.

I have a Shimano Chronarch CI4+. It's great reel, but needs to have the spool removed and cleaned with fresh water after each salt water outing. I learned that the hard way. My spool has several corrosion places on the edges where salt ate it. Also, the side plate with the drag will not come off without pounding on it a few days after the salt water dries inside.
My other reel, an Abu Orra , works just as good, and doesn't need so much TLC after a salt water day. My $.02.

Island Jim

I'm a big fan of shimano. The Shimano Curado is a legendary great reel. I have two and love them. However, the Shimano Caenan doesn't get much love and IMO is the best reel out there for under $100. You can buy 3 of them for the $250 you want to spend. Mine will cast further than any reel I own. I've used Caenans on Reds in Chocolate Bayou many times. Mine has 3 seasons on them and still going strong. As much as I love the curado I'm just as big a fan of the caenan for less than half the price.

My reel guy cautioned me on 13 Fishing.

I'm running the Lew's Tournament Pro G and couldn't be happier

I like my Abu 6000 and H2O's, altho I have different ones to boot. I maxed out the upgrades installed in my 6000..Love that reel

Ended up getting a lews tournament pro g

I have two Concept 13 reels I fish with for inshore Reds, Trout, and Flounder. Have had nothinig but good experiences so far. Excellent performance. Very light.

I also like Lews. I think you get what you pay for with reels.

I have 3 Concept 13 reels that have seen heavy use for about 6 months now All have been great but they are not made for salt water.

I have a Curado 100HGA that I love. I bought a Concept 13 at the Houston Fishing show. It casts good, but I like the Curado better. I also have two Diawa Aird Coastal baitcasters that I use for wadefishing because they are easier to clean.

Not as impressed with Shimanos reels as I was in the prior year models. JMHO.

This reel is outstanding, though. Okuma has done a remarkable job of LISTENING to their product testers and making vast improvements. It is showing in their reels. Particularly the ones made to withstand the harsh salt environments.


The Komodo 273V is a beast of a reel and will do the job very well.

Other reels that are fantastic for the money are Lews Reels. The speed spools cast really well. People are really jumping on the Lews bandwagon, and for good reason. Great gear for the cash.

Stay away from reels that have magnesium parts. It doesn't mix well at all with saltwater.

I have a Komodo, and I love mine. Didn't cast as well as some reels, but better than others. Not a design flaw, it's just that my reel was packed with too much grease in the bearings. But I swap all mine out anyway for sealed ceramics from Bocabearings, so it's a non-issue. Now it spins too good, and I had to re-train my thumb.