Light tackle reel, shimano sustain 5000FG review

After getting into the light tackle aspects of fishing I decided to pick up a mid range reel and what else can I say except for, what a totally awesome reel. For the price there is not much out there that can match it. 

After using it extensively over the last few months this is what I've found about it.

This reel is loaded with all of Shimano's new technology including x-ship, paladin gearing and aero wrap II just to name a few. This stuff was normally resigned for the higher end reels.

The drag system on the reel as absolutely smooth and slight turns on the drag knob  allows to fine tune during the fight. After having a Shimano Spheros where the drag becomes quite sticky after a time this had yet to faulter.

The 5000 model comes with 8+1 bearings and 10kg of drag with is more than enough to tackle most fish. I've loaded mine with 200yd of 20lb Zulu braid, this is more than enough to tackle most big fish without the risk of getting spooled, and with landing many snapper round the 7kg mark it still performs great.

One other part that I really like about this reel is its foam handle. After purchasing it I thought that the foam would become very slippery after a lot of use and was going to change it, great thing I didn't as it's just so nice on the hand while constant spinning and even after a day it was still dry and comfortable to use.

So if your after a very nice mid range light tackle reel to chase snapper and sambos, or for light jigging I cannot recommend this reel enough. Definitely go out and pick one of these up if your your local tackle shop next

Tight lines 

Reece

Early morning tailor session

A great thing about working shift is the ability to fish the weekdays when others are at work.

Today was one of those days when I was able to get out for a nice early morning fish. With the weather reports stating a bit of wind and swell I thought I'd try my luck for some tailor.

A quick drive up to a favorite beach spot showed I would be up for a good morning, very nice chop and swell that would surely hold a few fighting fish. There was a bit of weed around but the gutter was still fishable with it only occasionally clumping up on the line.

With a bait in the water just as the sun was coming up the bites started. A few small tarwhine to begin with, then the fun began. The next hour and a half was full on with good bites nearly every cast with tailor and herring landed.  The average size if the tailor being round the 45cm mark with a nice 48cm being my best.

Most were released with two kept for the table. I find with tailor that they are a nice eating fish but only fresh. Trying to keep these fish in the fridge or freezer for a time they turn to mush. A good thing about that is I've always got a good reason to head out for another fishing session.

Mulies were the bait of choice on a set of 3/0 ganged hooks, 60lb leader was more than enough for these smaller tailor. If I was up further north where the bigger ones are more common I'd be running 5/0 gangs and wire, but these metro ones were easily sorted out on the lighter stuff.

If this morning is what the few months are going to be like then I will be putting in a few decent hours beach fishing. 

Hope to see you out there

Tight lines 

Reece