Well, I bought my my first St. Croix rod today, I have been wanting one for a while. It was the triumph 9 ft mod-fast action surf rod. It is rated 1/2 - 2 1/2 oz. 8-20 lb test. I want to pair it up with penn 710 spinfisher with 12 lb test. Do you guys think this is a good light surf combo? I want to throw bombers and such, but do you think I could get away with slinging the occasional eel or two?

I'd stuff that Penn with braid of a bigger weight, yet smaller size than your 12.

Try some 14 or 20lb fireline on that 710 reel and you should be in business. I'd assume that if you can throw some weighted 9" sluggos with is - you could probably throw some similarly sized eels with it, but I am not a eel guy (yet!).

i don't think throwing the eel would be the problem.. i think getting the cow that takes the eel might. though i am a fan of light tackle, throwing an eel on 12lb is asking for a break off (eventually). i would say go with some power pro, 25lb line. maybe even 30 if you plan of tossing eels around. the 25 is just as thin if not thinner than 12lb mono. in fact.. i think the 50lb stuff is only 15lb diameter. so 25 should be around 8 or 10. not too mention the stuff casts a mile.

after today.. i can't imagine pulling in anything over 15lbs on a 12lb line.. if you do it on a regular basis.. i salute you.

14# Fireline's actual break strength is about 35 lbs and it has about the same diameter as 10# mono. It's an ideal line for your 710. Those old style Penns can give you problems with other types of braid.

I would bump up to 15# test mono if you want to stick with mono. I prefer mono for tossing eels.

14# Fireline's actual break strength is about 35 lbs and it has about the same diameter as 10# mono. It's an ideal line for your 710. Those old style Penns can give you problems with other types of braid.

I would bump up to 15# test mono if you want to stick with mono. I prefer mono for tossing eels.


I agree with Mike

fireline works with the old roller bearings, other braids can give you trouble with line twist and stuff as they just sort of slide over the bearing

i use 40lb power pro on my 8'6 st croix premier which is the same diameter as 10lb mono