I just wanted some opinions on level winds for heavier lines. I use my 2 currado 201's for most everything (I think they are great!) I usually fill one with #10 and one with #12, but no more. When targeting big steelhead natives or fall chinook where I will strap on #15 or #17 line what reel do you guys prefer. Keep in mind I like a reel that comes in left hand retrieve. This reel will be for drift fishing, so castability is important. I know ambassadeur makes a good size like the 6500 but my 5501C3 casts like crap unless your throwing heavy weights(so I naturally don't like it in low flow chinook season). Any thoughts I would appretiate! Thanks.

I've had many different type of levelwinds, but I always go back to Ambassadeurs. I have everything from old 5001's up to the 7000's. I've had no problem with casting them with light to no weight. There is one key......ADJUSTMENT. If you do your spool adjustment you'll cast virtually backlash free. I rarely ever have problems with my ABU's. But I will say, I prefer older Ambassadeurs over the newer ones. So if any of you want to get rid of your left hand older ABU's, let me know......



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you haven't lived til you've rowed a cataraft. Friends don't let friends run Outcasts.

I use calcutta 251's strapped on to a 1025, standard for O.P. winters. I load it with standard 15 or Gammy 17, which is a thin diameter line. I've landed some pretty big ones with this combo.

I, however, question even changing reels. My partner uses Curados exclusively, during summer, winter and spring. He puts 15 maxima UG on and it works just fine that way. I'm pretty sure there isn't much more than a 100 yards of line on the spool, but in my experience that's all you need in the river.