On Oct 27, 8:05*pm, wrote:
On Wed, 27 Oct 2010 19:53:38 -0400, D. LaCourse wrote:
On 2010-10-27 18:53:02 -0400, said:

I take it from the above that you've not done much, if any, flats/bonefishing?
If so, why the Abel?
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I have several Abels and they impress me in a number of ways -
workmanship, drag, ruggedness (I fall alot d;o) *), but not price. *
When I buy a new outfit (steelhead, salmon, etc), I usually look at the
available Abels. *Don't always buy them, but they are my usual first
look. *I was unaware of the Madoff connection. *I will take a look at
your suggestion. * I've heard good things about the Tibor/Billy Pate. *
Thanks.

I bought my Abel Super 8 in 1999, before Bernie Madoff was a household
name. It's been an excellent reel. The drag became uneven after much
use, the foot was bent because I dropped it (and had to repair it with
a visegrip), and I lost the lock nut years ago. Sent it back recently.
$20 later it's like new. I feel like I'm ahead with Bernie and his
sons.

There are lots of good reels, and the really good ones are expensive.
Just make sure that you have an excellent drag and plenty of backing.
And you should have a backup rig.