I have a line on two 6" that are mint... never used.

Anyone own one? How are the drags?

I have had one for years. They are pretty and fun to use, but they a klunky and they need frequent maintainence to keep corrosion away from the spool . The drags are decent, but nothing to brag about.

Sky-Guy,

I can't help you with the Peetz. If you're thinking about new mooching reels you should also check out Islander Reels.

http://www.islander.com/salmon_moocher.htm

I have two of these and they are awesome. The drag is smooth, but I don't think that the drag is so important with a mooching / center pin reel. It's about the fisherman applying the pressure and a good long rod. I matched my reels with GLoomis SAR1265C and a "BC" handle. The BC (British Columbia) handle places the mooching reel much lower on the rod.

The reels are a bit spendy, but you'll instantly see the quality - and appreciate them for a long time. Whatever you get, you'll sure have more fun than a conventional reel.

Just dug this up, thanks for the info Waino, but I'll pass unless I can find a great deal on one. I know Islanders are great reels but I think they charge too much for what you get.

I started collecting reels and like to fish with some of them. Lately I have been focusing on all sorts of Mooching reels and want to pick up a peetz or two to play around with.

R-

agree w post on palm and rod more important than drag. Having said that the Peetz is a hoot and looks great also. My dad liked the wood, he used to say "all that glitters is not gold". we both caught Kings to hi-thirties on the Peetz. .I also fish w Islander MR2 and find the drag and level of quality very hi, the drag is also quite easy to adjust via knurled machined knob. It is a heavy reel tho and as mentioned expensive. Perhaps a compromise although no longer in production would be the Hardy Longstone. It is super light but the drag is no peer of Islander and is more difficult to adjust via smaller machined nut. I fish those also but for different reason Finally, Shimano and Diawa both build inexpensive and I am told very reliable moochers.

JDavis:

I agree with you 100% on the Hardy Longstone. It's an awesome old reel with class and history. It was the favorite of my old editor friend and past publisher of British Columbia Sport Fishing - Rikk Taylor.

You may have given me the incentive to go look for one.

I have the Islander MR2, and yes, it’s a fine reel, but it lacks the elegance and style of the old Longstone.

Saw this Longstone on ebay today.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=11143&item=7106479994&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

Dave:

That seems pretty reasonable, even if it comes from the UK via slow-boat. Glad to have stirred memories. That is principal reason I fish with them. I got them at Berry's Bait and Tackle in BC, they may still have some new..at one time they had some used also..

http://www.berrysbait.com/001.htm