LX 6.0:1 is probably what you want. They will handle everything the bay has to offer. Trolling for rockfish, drifting or casting for cobia, red and black drum, flounder etc...SX 5.3 is their small reel that would also be good for all light tackle situations such as tog. Keep in mind that no Avet reels have level wind. I have 4 LX 6.0:1 and use them year around without any service issues. Hope this helps.

 

SX light tackle?
I caught this and several other big fish,, if I was targeting big cobia I would go to a mxl because of line compacity

7

 

I have 4 of the avet sx mc cast reels. use them for everything from live baiting flounder to jigging blackfin tina. great reels no matter which one you get, but the mc cast is great for casting to reds and cobia as well.

Love all of my avets!

Capt. Jordan
Top Fin Sport Fishing

 

The SX is what you want. I have dunked mine while surf fishing and it still works great. Solid little beast of a reel.

 

A fellow kayaker I know has an Avet SX 5.3 MC for sale at $140 if you're interested.

 

Avet reels are very simple, very strong, made with very high quality materials (I like the blue ones!) with superior drag systems. I caught a 48" red drum while flounder fishing (I thought it was a cobia at first) with a MXL 6/0. The fish was not even close to a match for the reel. I highly recommend any Avet-period! For Chesapeake bay fishing you don't need anything more than a SX or MXL with 60# or maybe 80# braid line-lighter if you like. Be sure to use a mono leader though. If you plan to do any medium offshore fishing (deep dropping, casting to yellowfin and white marlin) go with a LX, it will be way over kill for all but the biggest stuff in the bay and you can pull planers with it too, but it will work.
Princess Anne Distributers had 6 black LX's on consignment (the charter didn't like them for white marlin fishing) I think the price was a little high but it was a starting point.
Wash any reel you get after each use with soap and hit them with salt-away to keep them looking and acting new.
Good luck out there!

 

Thanks for all the replies. I definately like the small more compact, lightweight setups. I checked out the sx up at greentops, it just seemed small but I don't know. I currently use a calcutta 400 on a st. Croix musky rod that I use for almost everything. Should I step up to something bigger, or is the sx on a different level than the 400 calcutta?

 

Totally different reels. I have both and love them for different reasons. It all depends on what you plan to target and how you want to target them. If you plan to target stripers under the lightline casting shads bodies and bucktails than i would use the calcutta. Heck, i use my little revo inshore and calcutta 250 for most my bay fishing and there has yet to be a fish i failed to land due to reel size.

 

X2....I have a Record 60HC spooled with 65# braid paired with a musky rod as well and it will handle anything in the bay as well. I too also have a Revo Inshore that I use for most everything when I am on the water.

 

My SX reels are my favorite. They are my preferred reels for everything from togs and flounder to big stripers and reds. I also have 2 mx reels that are one size larger. They have a faster retrieve, but I don't typically use them for rod-in-hand fishing so don't have as personal of a connection with them. They are fine trolling and live bait reels.

I can't say enough about my SX reels with the magnet cast control - very versatile. They are small and comfortable in the hand, yet they have great line capacity, plenty of power and are extremely durable. They are much tougher than their small size suggests, and they are reasonably priced for the quality (not cheap, but good value). They do have slightly slow retrieve, but that makes them powerful and ideal for a tussle. They cast great too! The Avet SX is a fine tool for a serious fisherman who wants to fight big fish rather than big gear!

 

I am not sure which one I have but it is a hoss of a reel. Its like having a power winch( I've been out with a few of those too..LOL) mounted to your rod! Gregs Bait shack has them i stock. I will probably buy another one.

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Mine is the SX with the magic cast! Very nice reel!

 

Thanks for all the input......sounds like the sx is the one for me.

 

Well, I took everyone's advice and got the sx with the mc option. J & H tackle online has the sx matched up on a Shimano Trevala rod for $229.99. The guy let me pay the difference from the standard sx and upgraded te reel for $40 extra to get the mc cast control with the combo price. It came in yesterday, sweet set up!just need to spool it up. 50 power pro I suppose? Thanks again for all the input, that's what makes this site great.

 

Congrats on the choice. I always try to support the local tackle shop though. It keeps the money local and helps the local guy. I also like to touch and feel before i buy.

 

I have had great luck with Avet. I have a couple I use in the bay and a all my offshore reels are avet. Never had any trouble. I have been buying from Charkbait. Free spooling, shipping and no tax.
The reels are designed for braid with a mono top shot. This is why the reels appear smaller than Penn and Shimano, The Avets all pull more drag then the competition.
Good Fishing
Uncle Bob

 

i have the MXL MC 5.8 and i love it. it has great power and smoothness when reeling in a pig, and it casts great without a backlash which is great for sight casting.