Surf Fishing...Alvey vs Spinner???

[Yoodles82]

So i'm heading to fraser in a few weeks time and i need a new surf reel. Used to use an alvey when i was younger, then moved to a spinner.

Now i'm thinking of going back to an alvey. :whistle:

So, what are your thoughts? Which way should i go???

Nat

[Leighton]

Alvey, the abuse you can give them is unbelievable.

Find me a spinning reel you can wash sand off in the surf and repair with a paper clip.

A spinning reel for Indian Head would be good but for in the surf chasing Tailor etc Alvey is the only answer

[tomca]

Use the spin reel if you don't plan on dropping it in the sand or let any sand get into it :dry:

Alveys are so simple they are almost foolproof.

[straddiebrad]

i agree the spinner just does not seem right on a surf rod i have always used an alvey on a surf rod there a reel built to last,i would go the alvey and if your thinking of going back to one dont second guess your self your on the money.brad

[Mack_attack]

Threadline for lures

Alvey for bait

[Travis]

Mack_attack wrote:

Threadline for lures

Alvey for bait

DITTO

[shortie]

alvey for nothing. Qlders are the nonly 1's that seem to use em in big numbers.

[Malcolm]

If you would like to put your rod down in the sand and relax about your gear then Alvey they are the goods

[Travis]

shortie wrote:

alvey for nothing. Qlders are the nonly 1's that seem to use em in big numbers.

you cant use spin yet tho so theres no choice :laugh:

[jackman60]

depends spin would be nice due to more reliable drag but alvey is the way to go if your going of the beach

10 or more years use out of an alvey compared to like no more than a year with a spin unlesss you never drop it in sand or water

and you can wash it of in the salt water when you get sand on them

[Davo_Dinkum]

whats a threadline ?

well dad has alvey's and eggbeaters for surf .i got the same.

eggbeater = spinner

i have been called eggbeaters all my life.

maybe it's a old term .

[Davo_Dinkum]

had a look on google .

threadline looks like a spinner or eggbeater.

[natang]

Mate as with everyone else. Only get a Spinner if you are plannign on not dropping it in the sand or in the water. You can drop the Alvey on the beach then wash it in the water and all fine and dandy just rinse off with some fresh water when you get home.

[burger93]

Mate go the alvey all the way cast better and bettas wit the sand and that go the ALVEY!!!

Cheers sean

[chrissy_fisher]

i agrred with previous quote: alvey for bait, spinner for lures....but alveys are still good for lures, and as said by everyone one; are really tough....i'd go the alvey anyday...and big fish on alvey's are lots and lots and lots of fun...some of my most memorable fights have been on alveys...GO ALVEY

[polyphonic]

Alvey's cause you can use the nut on the back to smash ya pipi's open then wash it off in the surf, cast just as good and use your hand for the drag. Had mine for about 7 years without fault.

[Gad]

Alvey for beach/surf fishing has always been my choice,the 650 series matched with a short butt rod

In the 650 reel series you get a 650RBC geared reel that has a retrieve rate of about a metre a turn,gear ratio of 2:1. does the job well for bait and metal throwing for tailor,and good long distance casting

As long as you don't loose it,or treat them like utter cr#p,they should last a lifetime.

One investment worth thinking about

cheers

[waldo]

I'm an absolute alvey nut but agree with the alvey for bait, eggbeaters for lures.

I happily use the alvey for all bait fishing and for 15 to 30 minute sessions throwing metals. Any longer than that and you will find twist will become a problem and you will realy start to feel the weight and your wrist.

[antman781974]

Alvey all the way cant fault them for them for surf fishing.

[Yoodles82]

Well i'm glad i asked the question....and since i don't have too much in the way of lures for surf, i think Alvey is the go.

So now for the next question...

What size? I see there are 6inch, 6.5inch, and 7inch surf models.

Also, graphite or stainless steel backs?

Direct wind, or lever drag?

Any other tips would be a great help...as i'm willing to spend the money if it means i'll have it for a while :-)

Nat

[mick fillet]

Iam an alveyholic. love them cant beat them. Parts dont rattle loose on them when there traveling in the rod holders on th bull bar. Have had spin reels loose there handles and a spool once due to vibration on the rough inland tracks. I have an awsome collection of old and new style alveys all of them are good but one that stands out from the rest is an alvey model called the "rock hopper". Try to stay away from the knuckle busting type alveys there the ones with the fixed handles on the spool rather choose a star drag alvey. Select an alvey that has a spool made of bakelite or resin composite rather than a plastic spool. choose an alvey with stainless rod seat mountings rather than the plastic type.Coose an alvey with the widest spool (not diameter) this will increase your casting distance . Like i metioned erlier the rock hopper it is the ducks nuts and you get what you pay for. Hope this helps ya.

[Keechie]

Can't stand the alveys at all haha, definetly a spinner guy here. mmm 4lb braid on my little twinny at straddy fishing the surf with alveys all around geeze does that brings back good memories haha.

[mick fillet]

Just went up to the shed and loked at some reel serial numbers for ya. stay clear of the 650a models i dont like em so iam not going to recormend them. 650c is a well constructed reel wide spool staino backing and fiixings backelite spool, star drag ,12 point anti reverse counter weighted handle,they have diferant drag washers than the rest there a hard slipery glossy looking washer i supose that why it works so smooth and is about $70 cheaper than the rock hopper model. In my eyes the rock hoper model is a 650c it is just a more refined operating reel.

[Feral]

I might dust of mine for the SOO trip. I'll throw a pilly off the bank at the van park and see how I go. (Its a real 650C, bought 30 years ago!.)

[Yoodles82]

Thanks guys...650c looks like a go'er.

Cheers

nat

[waldo]

Yoodles the size reel will depend on the rod you buy or have. Most 13'6" rods balance nicely with a 650 and 12fters are better with a 600. Have the rod and reel together to see how they feel together when you are buying one or the other then you can't go wrong.

Unlike Mick I love the non drag versions and enjoy the smell of burning flesh in the morning, hooked up to some animal taking line as the sun peeks over the horizon :woohoo: but I have been fishing with them for a long time. I fish with a bcvrr at times but usually find myself locking it up and fishing it as a fixed spool

One of the metal back C drags will probably be the best choice if you are just starting out. Either way you should get plenty of fun with it. Oh and 6kg platypus platinum is perfect for most situations, or 10kg if off the rocks or targeting large greenbacks or jew.

[Gad]

Yoodles82 wrote:

So now for the next question...

What size? I see there are 6inch, 6.5inch, and 7inch surf models.

Also, graphite or stainless steel backs?

Direct wind, or lever drag

Nat

Just be aware that the alvey reel sizes are designed with a general rod length in mind.

eg..550 = suitable for about a 9`-10`6" rod

6oo = 10`6-12`

650 =13`6"

This is just a guideline,also take into account the weight factor of your outfit,as they can become heavy after a long beach/surf session.

Look for a rod with a winch fitting no more than 200mm from the end of the rod as this is an important factor with an alvey for getting distance in your casting

[222yorkie222]

Mate you got to go the Alvey,they are indistructable.I use a 6500BC-V on a 13ft 6 Snyderglas Magsurf and can throw a 10 ball with a large chunk of Boneto Miles

You can drop em in the surf or on the beach just give em a quick dip in the sea and they are good to go,Hose them off when you get home how simple.

good luck fishing Budy