Pacemaker Fishing Forum

Well my dad and i went out to try casting our 4.5oz pike lures( http://www.jacksonlures.com/Commerce2/Dawg.htm )  the other day to see if the new st croix premier heavy action rod would hold up. The rod held but the small Diawa Procaster Rojo ( http://www.eburch.biz/daiwa_rojo_baitcasting_reel.htm ) we used didnt... the gears got stripped after the third or fourth cast.

First, where would be a good place to get the reel fixed? or is it not worth it?

Second, how do you know if the baitcaster will be able to handle casting a heavy lure? Do you have any suggestions on good reels for this application? I have heard that the standard round baitcasting reels tend to work better and some people (Mr. Rojas) vouch for the abu garcia c3s and c4s. I found a pretty good deal on craigslist for a Shimano Calcutta 250 reel for a flexible $85. Would this reel hold up to the strain? Is this a good deal?

I am looking to spend no more than $100.

Thanks in advance,

Tyler