Ashlin Fishing

The smallest all metal spinning reel ever, the Daiwa 500C. Paired with a 3wt tied up with spinning guides, it's the ultimate tool for resident trout and panfish. While reels like the Soare XR and Vanford 500 are also very light and smooth, they aren't the tiny war horse (pony?) that is the 500C. Nearly 50 years old and still out there putting in work.

Some Cardinal 4 before and after.

Another very overlooked gem, the Shakespeare Sigma 2200CK 025 ultralight reel. These were made in Japan by Omori, who made spinning reels for Shakespeare into the early 90s. While they were a less costly offering than the competition of the day, they did hold their own in comparison. Once they started moving away from Japan-based OEMs, their quality declined in steps between Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, and now China. Today, Shakespeare is synonymous with Walmart bargain bin specials, but 35+ years ago, they actually made a quality product.

EDIT: as Yoshihiro Takenaka pointed out, Mizuho was the OEM for the Cardinal C; I previously stated Omori which was incorrect. Thank you for your contribution!

The first installment of the Apocalypse Reel series, the Daiwa Mini Mite. What is an apocalypse reel? It's simple, durable, well constructed, and high performing. A combination of traits we seldom see in reels today.

www.ashlin-fishing.com

The similarities between a 2016 Stradic Ci4+ 1000 and a 1987 Daiwa SS Tournament 700. The Ci4+ is no slouch, but will it last through 40 years of the rough and tumble? 🤔

Next stop for this one, Lake Nipigon for some big coaster brook trout. What a sweet reel. Shimano Stella C5000XG-J.

If you're throwing an old knuckle buster, this is the line you want. Mason Tackle is probably the only manufacturer making braided nylon this thin. This is the line you'd use on the various Langley models and tournament reels from the same time period. It also makes a fantastic backing material for the older deep spooled spinning reels.

In my infinite wisdom, reviews weren't enabled on my page for some reason🤦‍♂️. Do me a huge favor please, if I've done work for you, please post a review. Much appreciated! Thanks for your continuing support!

Dear Daiwa,

Please go back to the level wind oscillator. This poor guy needs a new frame. Ballistic LT 3000.

You're taking a week long backpacking trip through trout country. You can only bring one reel. Which one is going bushwhacking? The Cardinal, or the SS Tournament? Renowned for both their performance and toughness.