Hi all-

Want a mooching reel for my next downrigger combo. The Shimano 2000GTPA looks like a good entry point. About $100 and they also sell a rod to match.

There is also a 4000 model. The line capacity chart implies heavier line than the 2000. Does this mean it's a stronger reel? Or just a bigger/wider spool?

Other than that, the spec sheet shows them identical.

I'm usually trolling for blackmouth, coho and pinks in Puget Sound.

If anyone has experience with either reel, your thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Mike

I ran a Shimano mooching reel for a season on my dowmrigger rod. (Shimano Convergence Rod). Worked ok, but it's direct 1/1 ratio became a real pain when trying to get a fish in. (For every crank of the handle you only take in about a foot of line maybe.

I went back to using a conventional round reel. The Penn Squall lever drag is a really good salt water reel. It will handle the biggest Kings and the lever drag system is very easy to use. It allows you to instantly adjust the drag throughout the fight.

Use the moocher reel for jigging and mooching!

My 2 cents worth.

I went with the daiwa m20. Been happy with it. Think it has a similar line capacity which is plenty for salmon fishing. Fun reels

You will love the direct drive! I have a 4000 as a back up to a couple of Islanders and a Hardy Longstone. They all have their "advantages" the Diawa and Shimanos are bullet proof reels.

When I looked into it before the only difference was the line capacity, the reels were the same other than that.

If you're using heavy mono then line capacity could make a difference, but if you're using braid even the 2000 will have far more capacity than what's needed for normal fishing.

Have several of the 2000s and the 4000s. Like them both. Once you get used to the single action the holy grail are the Islanders. Simple reels with not much to go wrong with them.

If using for blackmouth I would recommend powerpro and then 30 or 40 feet of mono to for clipping into the downrigger.

Thanks everyone!

Was guessing they were essentially the same. Don't need all that line capacity, so I ordered the 2000 just now.

I appreciate all the responses.

Now to put the rod on the Christmas list.

Mike

I run the Daiwa M-One Plus reels on my boat. They're really easy to use and really fun. Like it was mentioned earlier, if a fish is coming at you, reel! You will definitely realize your forearms aren't as in shape as you thought. But they are a hoot when a fish stops the reel and just rips the pegs from your fingers.

From what I have read, shimano and Daiwa mooching reels are basically the same thing. Some people say the drag is better with shimano, but I haven't noticed any issues with my reels. The drag on my M-One reels are very smooth and hold line really well when trolling (no creaping). I personally think islander reels are a work of art. They're awesome looking. But a mooching reel is a single action wheel that holds line. You don't NEED to spend $600 unless that money's burning a hole in your pocket.

Size wise, I like the larger capacity. Personal preference really. I like the thought of trimming a 100 ft of line every season and knowing I have a few hundred yards to go.

I run the shimano convergence rods. I love the medium heavy class. They work well for downrigging. The one thing I would suggest is, think about the size of your boat. I think for my boat the 10.5ft rods are a little long. I seem to always be dealing with rod tip wrapping. But then again, I think I have a line twist issue and I need to sacrifice some line to freshen it up. Plus the lifetime warranty is piece of mind.

Hope that helps.

Or put some better swivels on

Mooching rods and reels are for mooching.

Downrigger rods and reels are for downriggers.

I have no idea why so many folks can't figure that out. "But it's so fun trolling with a mooching rod."

Please

I'm slowly switching my DR rod fleet over to mooching setups. It's so easy to limit on kings in MA-11 lately, that I feel the need for a bigger challenge

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I had the same issue, went to handlines for kings in MA11.

Boys, boys boys! Please. Everyone knows, in the world of fishing, it's all about sex appeal! That should be your first, second, third, forth and fifth priority when purchasing equipment.

Duh!