I spend most of my $ at the local shop, but today at Decathlon I could not pass up the Penn 975 at 20% off. Last one they had (also a couple of Slammers that tempted me).:drool:

Question is, is this a braid friendly reel? I'm thinking it will make a good reel for eeling and plugging from shore as well as chunking and casting from the boat. Should I spool her with braid or mono? Any thoughts on a rod (or 2 ) to match for the given uses?

I use a 975 with 50# or 65# braid and it works good. Good drag good casting and good Tweener reel between an ABU 6500 and 7000... Usually on an Allstar 1088

Be sure to rinse regularly as they can get a little gunky inside...

I like the 965 a little better, but they're a pretty solid reel. More so for boat apps as I'm sure you'll be using it for mostly. Good with braid or mono. I've got 50lb PP on mine. HT100 drags are nice too.:smokin:

I have 50 lb PP on my 975. Great casting - usually use it out of a boat casting or drifting.

ANY conventional reel with a levelwind can wind on super braids! I put 50 lb PP on a Penn 209 & 309 and it was FINE. It is just the spinning reels that have the issues w/ braids. ;)

Lots of CA boats use the 975 for schoolie tuna. Drags strong as are most Penn drags.

If you are going to be casting alot, buy a few extra pawls. You will need them.

What is a pawl?

Thinking of a 7' boat rod that I can cast, chunk, light troll. Also a 9' beach rod for eels, plugs. Move the reel back and forth...

IMO its a boat reel. I had nothing but trouble casting with it(mysterious mid cast engagement). Maybe I am just hard on my equipment. However I found out later that they are notorious for this. Sorry to be bearer of bad news if your intention was to cast plugs and chunk with it from shore.
Its a terrific boat reel however and it will handle braid nicely, you wont be disappointed there, just be aware of the engagement thing,unless the problem was fixed in the newer production models ?
Start by casting sinkers with it(esp if you are using braid + leader) and see how it goes before you risk a $25 plug.

I agree with Tinman and Rick. IMO the whole line of International baitcasters are pieces of junk and emblematic of the start of Penn's downfall.

Everyone I know who has one, including yours truly, has lost tackle due to the freespool button popping up during a cast.

Yikes, not good feedback on this reel for casting.:yak4:

Is the freespool problem a mechanical one or is it from hitting it in mid cast?