Hey guys. i have a Penn Spinfisher 5500ss on order- but i may Hualt the order.. cause After seeing that Penn 704z or 706z in action by Tattoo in Fish_Eye's Presentation last night i'm thinking i may buy one..

I know i probably brought this topic up 100 times but once more just so i get it correct... ;)
i haven't asked a question in a while, so here goes...

*Surf Reels<spinning>:
Penn Spinfisher 704z/706z ?
Penn Spinfisher 5500ss/6500ss (or bigger?) ?

*Surf Baitcast:
Penn 320 GTi baitcast ?
Abu Garcia Ambassidor 6500 ?

*Rod:
9' 10' or 11' Penn Spinfisher Big-Game....Surf Rod ?
Or something else....?

not asking for a lot- just what would fit me best for my surf fishing applications ?

I want to be able to reach the fish & get over the breaking waves....i have a cheap rod/reel right now that i'm lucky if i get 60' out there, so i know one of these must be an improvemet....

Just wondering so i don't make a mistake that will end up costing me a couple of Hundred bucks.... :(

ANY suggestions appreciated...

thanks,
Mike

P.S. I WANT ALOT OF DISTANCE, BUT DON'T WANT TO PICK OUT A BIRD NEST FROM HELL WHEN THE FISH ARE BREAKING RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME..... SO ANY SUGGESTIONS WOULD BE HELPFULL....

Can't wait till i save up for that Van Staal or Stella.... ;)

Here's what I would do Plum

Go with the 704Z on a 10'. Its an affordable dependable reel that'll last you many years if you take care of it ......and on a 10' rod you'll get the distance you need.

If you think your ready to try bait casters the 320 GTI not a surf reel (not whats its intented for) Put the 6500 on a 9' surf rod (that can handel 1-3oz) and you'll have your self a nice set up. 20# throwing 2oz would be safe to start and will reduce backlashes.


What ever you do, don't make it harder then it needs to be.

Doing a search can help to.

Originally posted by Goose
Go with the 704Z on a 10'. Its an affordable dependable reel that'll last you many years if you take care of it ......and on a 10' rod you'll get the distance you need.



Thank you very much goose, simple answer like i was hoping :)

I think i will stick with spinning untill i get a bit more experience...
704z on a 10' "Penn Spinfisher Big Game,,,,Surf" is what it is then...

My local "sports authority" only has this rod in 9' and 11' what one would i be better off with? (9 or 11' ?) ????
should i find a different 10' rod, But i think this is the only real surf rod they have in this size range,,
most are like 13'-15' (crazy). :smash:

It is a pretty pricey rod($ 144.99) so it must be a good one..

Thanks for your help and thanks in advance for any other replies...


-Mike

Originally posted by Striper SniperX
It is a pretty pricey rod($ 144.99) so it must be a good one..


...For that kind of money, go see mikecc for a nice custom job....;)

I'm with bloo on this one. Why spend almost 150 for whats on the shelf just to get something when mikecc or Saltheart or probably any other number of builders on the site can fix you up with a custom built for you and the kind of fishing you have in mind for not much more???

Before he got into building Saltheart counseled me to buy what I was going to end up with first and save the money of buying two or three rods that didn't meet my needs..

It is a pretty pricey rod($ 144.99) so it must be a good one.. For that money at Sports Authority it should filett the fish after swims out and hooks it for you... $150 smackers for a SA off the shelf rod is nuts. Your money would be much betrter spent on a custom that weighs much less, is built and aligned properly, and is "fitted" to you. How tall are you and rough weight? How much more do you think you'll grow on both :p ... You can have a custom made to fit you now and maybe leave a little extra so you grow into it.

But don't buy an off the shelf SA rod for a buck & a half when you can get a custom.

I might even sell one of my spare conventional rods but it might be a beffier stick than what you want.

Get a 6500 - best bang for the buck 6500TCST - Not available at SA - $80-something smackers, big handle, levelwind, and all the bearings you need.

320 GTI is a way wrong reel. Not dual purpose...

for that $ you should buy tatoos rod in the classifieds.

I think that Tattoo's rod is SOLD, but you should have snapped it up...

As for off-the shelf rods, it has been recommended before by others to get a Daiwa Sealine X. I don't have any experience with one, but I did fondle one in a tackle shop this fall, and it looked like a good rod for the money

I would highly recommend the 704Z - a real work horse.

Yep, I agree on the Sealine X, too. I just bought my dad one for Xmas; for like $55, it was a very nice rod.
You should definately go down and talk to Mike; I'm sure he'll have like 5-6 suggestions for under $150, plus he'll give you advice on what reel to pair with what rod.
Later,.
Rick

Dude,
For the record, I bought a Penn 11' Slammer from a kid I used to work with like 8 years ago for like $30; he was upgrading to a Seeker. I just forked over the cash and never asked why he was getting rid of it.
I saw him 2 years ago paddling a canoe through Barnstable harbor as my younger brother was fishing next to me with the same rod.
He coudn't stop laughing because I hadn't thrown that rod away yet!
Don't buy the Penn rod (reels are great though).
Later,
Rick

Hey guys, thanks for all the great replies.

I narrowed down to the 704z and the 6500 abu (may stick with spinning so i don't have to pick out a backlash with one wrong cast,,,we'll see tho)

Bad News... If i had $150. CASH i would most definetly save up more for a custom rod- but i am getting this for my B-day as a Gift Certificate to S.A. Should i make it to somewhere else?

I agree $150. is crazy for a O.T.S (off the shelf) Rod, but i wasn't award a custom rod was only a BIT more....hmmm



'originaly posted by John R'
"How tall are you and rough weight? How much more do you think you'll grow on both"

I'm about 5'7" (give or take an inch, haven't been to DR in a while) and only like.... 115# <Not Fat :) >

I think i may grow a bit more, my grandfathers on each side were 5'11" & 6'1" so maybe.... i'm already taller then my dad :D


i know you custom builders don't like to discuss this, but maybe i can get CASH instead--if so... HOW MUCH MORE will it cost me to get a 9' or 10' surf outfit matched up to that Penn 704z ?
Please PM with if ya don't want it public :)

How much for the custom rod 4-sale john? what line/lure wt. ? Feet?

Please keep suggestions coming, i'm about set on the reel but still need some suggestions on a rod to match it..


thanks alot
Mike

BTW; All i need is a basic custom rod, no need for special designs and stuff (that would be nice tho)... Just give me an estimate on a Basic most easy for you to make rod...


-Mike

But......i was browsing the site and found this,,i really like that. How much would that cost me (my parents) to add on? :D ??


-mike

You can e-mail Saltheart and talk to him about prices or if he can take a charge card. Same thing with Mike T - he can take a charge card...

E-mail them and talk to them...

Originally posted by JohnR
E-mail them and talk to them... So... John... Whatcha' tryin' to say??? :smash:

as ive said 30 thousand times before get the abu c3 6500, or 7000, i have both. if your going for schoolies, like wicked small schoolies, you could use the 5500, my dad just got one of those. but i think you should definitly get the 6500.

Originally posted by MtnBrz1
So... John... Whatcha' tryin' to say??? :smash:

think hes sayin "shad up already" <<Kidding>> :)


If anyone has an estimate they could give me,, Or a rod that would match this.

First i'm going to buy this reel <around 70 bucks> , then discuss a custom rod w/ my parents....i just need to know an appx. estimate so my parents aren't to surprised when they see the bill :D


If Salt,Mike,cape or anyother custom builders sees this, please PM or E-mail me at: StriperSearch@aol.com or StriperSniperXLT@aol.com..


Is salt/mike/cape located in nearby RI?

Thanks alot

-Mike

Originally posted by Christian
as ive said 30 thousand times before get the abu c3 6500, or 7000, i have both. if your going for schoolies, like wicked small schoolies, you could use the 5500, my dad just got one of those. but i think you should definitly get the 6500.

30,000 ? wow ;)

I belive you said that to StarsnStripers. i never really asked about that reel until now, but thanks for your reply as well...

I like how the Abu Looks/Feels but i have a feeling i will be picking backlashes out all the time,, when i see fish i cast like crazy (not smart, fast cast=backlash) i think i will start off with the 704z (or 706z) not sure, I am not targeting schoolies, this year i am going after the big guys- night time w/ eels- pluggs ETC.. Hope to at least get a 20# this year :)


but this place has helped me with choices so much, maybe i will get that long lost 50 lb striper :)



I read a review on a website that said the 704 & 706 are both ideal for surf but the 706z holds 300 yrds. of 20# mono. and even has built in drains in the reel..

The 706 is 30 bucks more, i have about 100 to spend on a reel ((i wanna buy some tackle as well)) would i be better off with the Penn 704z or the 706z ?? Any comments appreciated


-Mike

i dont use spinning, ever. so cant help ya there. i havent got my 20# pounder yet but have seen some huge fish follow my plugs in. one i saw was probally around the 35-40 region, it tooka trun at my plug and its tail looked like a canoe paddle. my biggest so far is 33", i dont know how much it weighed but it was wicked fat and threw-up tons of herring, i have some pics ill try to find. yes tons.:D
i cant wait till spring, i love blitzs. other than the 33" i caught dozens of 25-30" last year. what your biggest so far?

Originally posted by Christian
. what your biggest so far?

Hey, My biggest was a 14lb 14oz (you could say 15 lb) caught on a chrome/metalic pink Rat'L trap at the Quonset point Air Show,, i was surprised there was still fish around with the hundreds of boats cruising to watch the Air-Show,,,was definetly a lucky & well placed cast! :) i didn't measure it...My dad's friend has the picture- i will ask him for it and find a way to scan it for yas....

My second biggest was about a 6# striper (big difference, huh?)

I do like the Abu's and will probably switch to that in a while; but the spinning gear is what i think i will stick with.....i like the distance on baitcasters, but the backlash kills it :(


still wondering about...
Penn 704z or 706z ? 9' or 10' rod?

I put a few rods in the classifieds, check them out.

-Mike

Both the penns (704 and 706) are big heavy reels. They are great reels but Are you sure you want a reel that weighs a pound and a half? If you do go with such a big reel , you really need a long rod to match up so i would get a 10 footer to match one of those monster reels.
You will have your share of backlashes with a conventional until you get good with practice and then you will get almost none. You will be better off to learn to use a conventional now. They are simply better to fish with and are lighter.

If you must go spinner , I suggest you get the 5500SS.


As far as rods go , I think a good rod for you at this stage would be a custom rod on an 8 foot Pac Bay , Sabre , Batson (all the same (967) Its 8 feet and will throw 1 to 3 OZ . I think it would be an excellent rod for someone 5'7and 115 pounds.. It will match up well with the abu6500 conventional or a Penn 5500ss. It will also be a good rod to use on a boat (I believe I remember you boat fish with your family? ) . Its a very versatile rod which is what i think you need for your first rod.
Someday when you grow bigger , you can go for a longer rod. being a younger person and rather small , I think you would hate fishing with a 10 foot rod and a pound and a half reel.

I'll Pm you some rod prices. i guess i'll give you a good deal on a 967 to help you get started. I'll also quote you the price of a Rainshadow 1088 built spinner or conventional but that will be my normal price.

SALT, check your Email

I think we have a deal on that rod we discussed :)

Will have to wait till my Birthday (Feb. 13th) for my B-day money,,,i'm going to try and buy this on my own!
can't wait to start planning it..

i would like a striper on it (like on your add here at S-B) if that's possible, even if it's a little extra money....

check your mail and get back to me on that, please

it is a heavy reel,huh...?

okay so Abu 6500 or Spinfisher?
match this rod best?

when i buy this rod, that will be ALL my b-day money, so i will have to wait a while until i get another reel.. but it will be b4 april anyways!


salt, could you please e-mail or post pictures of easy designs you can do with that rod if possible?


thanks,

-Mike

I'm up late here trying to get stuff finished. I'm heading to the Rodcrafters seminar tomorrow which lasts all weekend . I won't be able to get back to you until monday or tuesday. I offered an 8 foot rod at the cost of the parts . If I see a good nine foot blank there at a bargain , I'll grab it for you.

Last thing is that if you can only cast an 8 foot rod 60 feet , you need to practice. Its not the rod!. I figure almost anyone should be able to get 50 yards from an 8 footer casting 2 OZ. Some guys can do 80 yards or better so get out there and practice! :)

Originally posted by Saltheart
I offered an 8 foot rod at the cost of the parts . If I see a good nine foot blank there at a bargain , I'll grab it for you.


*Thank you very much,, Even if the final cost is more (but please not MUCH MUCH more :))
But if it's not possible for a 9' i will still take the 8' for it probably cast just as nicely. but if you find a 9' there and it's not too much trouble- please grab it,,,cause i am definitly getting a rod built from you... then when i start shellfishing i'll upgrade to one of them 10' allstars you make :D


Last thing is that if you can only cast an 8 foot rod 60 feet , you need to practice. Its not the rod!. I figure almost anyone should be able to get 50 yards from an 8 footer casting 2 OZ. Some guys can do 80 yards or better so get out there and practice! :)

*60 FEET was a rough estimate, probably more toward 100'
It is a stout rod with not as much whip as you would expect in a 8' rod.... plus my reel isn't the greatest/ line hasn't been changed since october :eek5:

i could definetly cast a rod with more whip all the way out there...and when i get the penn or abu i'll be able to place a bank sinker on them annoying Jet-Skiiers heads :D <kidding>

i look foward to you getting back to me, so we can discuss design/color etc. i plan to have everything (money wise) in less then a month... so please keep in touch.

thanks alot

-Mike

100lb class boat rod email me a price anyone thanks!!!!

Hey Mike...

Not to further confuse you...but if you do go with a spinning reel for a hundred bucks or so, you may want to at least check out the Shimano BaitRunner series.
They came out with the "B" model last year, which now includes infinite anti-reverse as well as the dual drag system.

I used my simple, noisy, "coffee grinder", "bail slamming" Z's for many years. They are certainly workhorses and do have their place (on my wall).
Besides being heavy, IMHO, they are just not 21st century technology.

Duel drags...not just for "bait running"...

Dave

Thank you dave, and you all..for your help

I know i changed my mine about 10 times in here, and i may change it 10 more :D

John R, Salt, Christian and a number of others say go w/ the Abu Amassidor 6500/7000 for Surf fishing-----Hmmm I'm down to Spinfisher or Abu.

I like the baitrunners (i check one out at the 'EBA' show tuesday) It's a big reel, little heavy. but looks nice-

is this reel a good casting reel with plugs as well? can it be used to toss plugs, with an eel here or there ?

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Saltheart, would i be able to Eel fish (small eels) from the surf ONCE IN A WHILE with that rod, or is it mostly a plugging rod? btw- i didn't even ask you yet: what is the line capacity on there?
Also, is it possible i can fish using my current spinning reel, till i save up for the Abu (or 5500SS) MEANING, if i do choose the Abu, will it be okay to fish using a spinning reel just a few times or will it hurt the rod ? If anyone else has an answer to this it would be appreciated

salt- i know you wont be back till monday- so i look foward to your reply :)
----------------------------------------------------------------



any tips or even other choices are very helpful-


I "already" have a rod that Saltheart will probably be making me,,so now i am just down to a REEL choice.

please keep 'em coming... :D
Thanks alot guys

Mike

Originally posted by mrmacey
100lb class boat rod email me a price anyone thanks!!!!

wow, your really taking this tuna thing seriously! good luck, must be a hell of a fight :) you catch any last season?
Blue/Yellow .....Albies?



-mike

Mike you do know that the Abu 6500 is a conventional, and not a spinner right?

Yes, Bill i know :D

like i said, i changed my mind about 10 times on the type of reel i want <spinning or baitcast>

everyone says go with the Abu Garcia 6500 (conventional)
But some say go with the Spinfishers'

I want maximum distance i can get, but don't want backlashes

you guys think if i practice all early spring, down at my local pond, casting/ untangeling i could get the hang of it before big fishing starts?

I know how to use one (used a baitcast in freshwater) but it wasn't round and had the thumb press,, the abu's i seen you have to push in the button on the side..

i'll figure it out.

Spinfisher or Abu for Max Distance? :D


thanks guys,
Mike

Mike,

FYI...The Shimano BTR "B" series is offered in three different sizes/weights.
3500B, 4500B and 6500B.
Offhand I can't remember the exact weights of each, but being graphite bodies, they're lighter than similarly sized metal bodied reels and certainly lighter than the big Z's.

Dave

if you lived closer i could teach you in five seconds. seriously, its that easy. all you need to know are the basics, find someone near you to show you how. once you get a feel for it you do it without thinking. i taught my friend this year, and in about a week he went out and bought an abu. he got backlashes but thats what happens. i basically never get backlashes, never. once in a while ill be stupid and just try heaving something tiny and ill get one, but im NASTY at getting backlashes out and have em out in like 3 seconds. the first day i got my adu i was casting farther than i ever though i could, and i looked good doing it next to the guy holding the spinning reel upside down. :smash: if i ever take a trip to rhode island ill teach you, its WICKED easy. dont just limit practice casting to water, you might look like a fool doing it on a football field but you can learn quick that way. start out with heaveir things than usual with less drag, say a 4oz bank sinker to practice with. anyways youll look so much cooler with your abu than the guys with spinners. except the guys with van stalls, theyre cool too.

yeah but are they made for just baiting or can you get away with tossing a plug out there or will that 'hurt' the reel? are they good casters?

i'd like a reel that will take care of 3 things

1- Plugs/soft plastics
2- cut baits/ live hearing/ small eels (ONCE IN A GREAT WHILE)
3- Just be able to last me a while, and cast over the breaking surf, and far :D

please keep 'em coming, i amost made my choice... ;)


thanks,
Mike

Originally posted by Christian
anyways youll look so much cooler with your abu than the guys with spinners. except the guys with van stalls, theyre cool too.

LOL.... they are cool-- and lucky... maybe when i am older- have a REAL job and i get a bonus i'll grab one of them Van Staals i like the Shimano Stella also (checked one out at the EBA show) S-M-O-O-T-Hest thing i ever felt... i like the look of the STELLA better then the VS but the VS looks like it can take more of a salt bath & surf beaten :D


I think i'll give the ABU a shot :confused:

What model is the best for me? under $100.?

I want 20 # line



thanks,

Mike

i cast everything w/ my abu. here we go : plugs mostly, everything from poppers to swimmers, Lots and lots of plastics, i also do alot of chunk clamming, chunks in general. eels, bunker, herring, everything.
i have two rods for my 6500, a heavy but short 7ft fenwick that handles 1-4oz, origionally a musky rod that cost me $120 a few years ago, came with liftime guarantee and i have already replaced it once. and my 7 ft schoolie rod that cost 20 dollars and is one of my favorites after i fixed it up is a copperhead rod
3/4- 1 3/4. i have no problem casting the 7ftrs. sure i could probally get better distance and have longer leaders with a longer rod but i dont have the money and i am 100% satisfied with what i have now.
go with an abu 6500. youll be happy. a 6500 goes for $65 today, right?

$65. for the cheap/basic 6500 probably.

I have $100. that i can slap towards a reel, so i'll get the best one w/ what i got- probably the most expensive (but under 100) Abu.

Hey Christian, i'm in that Driver-Ed now; 5th time going, only about 8 more to go to... pretty hard, they make ya right about 4 pages of stuff you would never need to really know when driving a car, like "how much alcohal is in a pint of 80 proof wiskey?" how long does it take alcohal to affect the body, how long does it take to rid? etc etc etc... i'm not going to drink anyways, i think it smells, and it looks stupid when ya fallin down all over the place...- lol... PEPSI for me :D

your right, they made us watch a video of busted up people and cars, and pictures of fatal crashes... :eek5:

I Legally drive in August... LOOK OUT ALL SAND SLEDS, LET'S SEE WHAT THIS JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE OF MINE CAN DO ON THE BEACH :D...... MAYBE you guys should follow me incase i get stuck :D

Already thinking what kind of rod racks i want on it :D

Please keep them tips coming, you all have answered so many questions so far-- i am pretty much set.... still need to know if it's okay to use a spinning reel for a month or two on a conventional custom rod, till i save up for the abu ??? it won't break, will it?


what's the best 6500 abu out there? i get confused cause there is like 10 different 6500 abu models... would i be better off with an upgrade to a Abu 7000?? what models?

thanks alot
-Mike

registered for Ebay. looked around- ALOT of abu 6500's

there is so many abu 6500's- what model is the BEST for surf fishing, but under $100. ?

C3? CT ? I dunno :confused: too many models to know what to choose.

ALOT of them have Level-Wind. like a few of the 6500 c3 have L/W-- doesn't that restrict maximum casting distance? or is it GOOD to have a Level wind?

the 7000's are more expensive, but incase i go that route: what Abu 7000, AND 6500 models do ya reccomend for surf fishin' plugs,Soft plastics with the occasional eel or herring here or there :D


ALOT of good deals on spinfishers also, here is a NICE looking 6500ss and i think the minimum bid/reserve was already passed!
Grab it, i would....

http://cgi.aol.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2701212975&category=11728

if the link don't work, it's the last one on the page; using "Penn 6500ss" as a Search keyword.......looks awsome

thanks,
Mike

Hey SSX - you've asked a variation of this question 83 times "I have $100. that i can slap towards a reel, so i'll get the best one w/ what i got- probably the most expensive (but under 100) Abu."

I know I've replied 10 times between posts & PMs to this: 6500TCST. It's a C4 with a power handle and a striper logo (well - different logos depending on where it's sold). Less than $90 + $7 for Smoothie Drag washers. NOT FOUND at SPORTS AUTHORITY (fishing authority they're not), KMART, WALMART, SEARS, none of these non-fishing stores. They are only found at select top ABU retailers, meaning tackle shops that both know their chit AND chose to carry this reel and other better ABU reels...

"like i said, i changed my mind about 10 times on the type of reel i want <spinning or baitcast>" 10 times per day you should have said ;) ... This is what I'll reccomend for you. Get a decent spinning outfit first. Get comfortable fishing the bigger stuff first, then add the more complicated conventional after. This way when, not if, you backlash BEYOND repair - you're not done fishing...

im looking for a nice reel under 50.00 any suggestions lol!!! good morning!!!! only kidding with ya!!! sitting here drinkin coffee got work today driving limo yea!!!!:happy:

i got it.

"10 times a day"
Now that i look at it, no not really. i'm not being as picky and difficult as i am reputated for :D

i made a simple list: 704z, 55/6500ss or the Abu.

thanks to you guys....
I narrowed it down to: 55/6500ss or the Abu.

I already made my mind up on the rod, hope saltheart finds a 9' blank for me over there this-weekend :D

John, if i'm having a custom rod built- i don't want to buy a spinner and then switch over to the abu over time..to buy ANOTHER rod..unless of course- the rod can be used for both?? (BUT mostly baitcast?)
i'll keep my shakepeare reel in the truck when surf fishing.. incase i get a backlash from hell during a blitz, i can switch reels with a snap... good idea?
but i think, why should i hold off and buy a spinner? you have to learn sometime.....the spinner isn't going to make me better at untangeling backlashes :) i THINK i will buy the Abu 6500....unless i change my mind again ;) <kidding>

John, you haven't been in the SA on bald hill road lately- have you? ISLES AND ISLES of QUALITY (some non-quality) rods/reels/tackle. a whole showcase of reels. they DO have abu's....not sure if they have that model.

S.A. is good, bought my 'Yak and waders over there..speaking of waders; i got hodgman stocking foot neoprenes......will i die in the summer time in these things? thinking of exchanging them for the same priced breathables ($99.99) not the best, but prob not the worse..good idea?? i have Felt Sole wading shoes with GOOD gravel guards, think these things will help me when walking on rocks?

bak on topic, abu 6500
would quaker lane b&t carry this thing.? Ericksons B&t ?... probably not getting it till around late march :(



Thanks for all the help.

-Mike

Originally posted by mrmacey
im looking for a nice reel under 50.00 any suggestions happy:

LOL :).... hey now- i'm not THAT bad am i ? at least i say what i want :D

and 50 bucks? c'mon now! $50 is talking sand grinding salt crunching reels....i'll spend the extra 40 .....:D

i'm not over reacting, or over posting/talking like i used to am i ?

just looking for some help so i don't buy the wrong thing... :)

thanks

Mike - seriously - I've been to the Bald Hill SA and many others. Sure the reels are the same for the most part but the rods are generally crap. I went in there less than 9 months ago and I checked out literally 50 rods, I found only a couple that were splined right and they still had lousy components for the most part. Even the "Good" rods, the ones which advertised Fuji guides and graphite blanks were really pretty bad. SA has some of the reels but not all and not the one I mention to you. It's just not available to them.

There are some good off the rack rods but you can't get them at SA or any of the "Marts". It just doesn't happen and I'm being very sincere when I say that. The Daiwa Sealine's are pretty decent people say, the factory Lami's, St Croixs, & Loomis rods are pretty good too (maybe not ad good as one taylored to you custom). The off the shelf Ugly Sticks (great blanks) are not well built.

Now you can get 965/975 Penns at SA (at higher prices than what CCT has them for) and you can get Calcutta 400 reels at the same price as everyone else (price fixing by Shimano). But you DON'T get the knowledge that a good shop has. You don't go into a SA (or the 'Marts) and ask to upgrade the stock drag's with smoothies - they'll try to sell you some Costa Del Mar's instead. They just don't know and the rare one that does can't help you like a good shop can.

Just being honest with you on this. I've bought rods from these places, then I bought custom, and now I build my own. I'm a decent judge of quality and know a little about what I'm talking about and 95% of SA's rods S U C K . The boat rods, they do a little better on (harder to screw up) but any of the coastal/surf rods are pretty lousy.

I wish you would believe me on this because I'm very sincere about what I'm telling you here...

just looking for some help so i don't buy the wrong thing... This is exactly the advice I'm trying to give you.

Same with getting spinning first and then moving to conventional (you'll often use the spinner - imagine if you get a GF this summer that wants to fish - what'll you do then :D - you like girls, right? JK :laughs: :smash: :p :D :happy:

SSX, Cape Cod Tackle has the reel John recommended on their web site, link on the front page. $84.95, and he will ship. Also, I bet Weeakapaug B&T carries it as well, link on front page. These guys are SPONSORS here, and help keep the lights on so you can get all these answers to your questions. You will be LUCKY if you FIND what you want at Sports Authority, because the salesmen have no clue. You may save a couple of dollars, but those guys do NOT carry bait, fix your broken reels or rods, or go out of their way to help you with what you need.

wow, thanks alot john... think that answered my questions :eek5:

"imagine if you get a GF this summer that wants to fish - what'll you do then - you like girls, right? JK "

Did i NOT say Fish-on was good for other then the fishin' :D OF COURSE! :smash: :D and what's with all this "IF" stuff?? :D :D :D

Matoonoc...thanks, that answered my next question "WHERE" thanks alot!!

John, i know what ya mean...that's why i'm saving up for a custom rod; i'm not kidding around. or toying around, i get my Bday money soon...Hope salt has everything by then :D :D aww the pride of a rod built just for me.....can't wait.
(salt: i hope ya just don't re-wrap a $ 15. fishmaster rod and tell me it's a custom- just to shut me up :D , LOL <just kidding> i can't wait to see it....

thanks john/ everyone for helping me make my choices...i owe yas one.

Final Choice:
Abu 6500 on one of Salt's Custom Rods....and if i find a cheap 55/6500ss on Ebay i'll "slap" that on my current rod...all set :)

Okay, Next Question, what line do i use?what hooks?what leaders? what/who/when/why/how???? (JUST-KIDDING) :D

thanks for all your help!


-Mike

hey you!!

..don't be putting a spinner on a conventional rod!!! eye-y-eye-y-eye!!!...

..and if you REALLY like this SPORT, yes - its' a sport :rolleyes: ....don't even begin to think about owning just 1 rod!!!!.....whassamatta fa U ?? Haven't you been listening?? :smash: :laughs: :laughs: :happy: <<no joke!>> :D

[QUOTE]Originally posted by bloocrab
[B]hey you!!

"..don't be putting a spinner on a conventional rod!!! eye-y-eye-y-eye!!!..."
I'm guessing it has something to do w/ the eyes of the rod ???

"whassamatta fa U ??"
can you translate that, i don't speak BlooCrabinese :D


one rod? :smash: i gotta bunch of rods...only 3 sutable for surf tho.....the rest are sweetwater rods :(

Surf:
9' S/B Kwik Stik, 8' Shakespeare alpha custom, and that 7'6" shakespeare Bigwater i never use. but only one is ready to fish w/ reel (alpha)... that will be my extra spinner :D

and the saltheart custom/abu will be my.....ah...main OUTFIT :D :D


seen the abu at C.C.T.com that's the one i'll buy---not for a while tho.


thanks!

Mike

Abu Garcia Ambassadeur TROPHY, 6500TSCT from cape cod tackle...


that's the one.....i hope? :confused:

pic below..

Mike

..don't be putting a spinner on a conventional rod!!! eye-y-eye-y-eye!!!...
Spinning reels are not for use on conventional rods, you'll get all kinds of line twists & fouls and more...

Conventionals can technically go on spinners but there are problems there too.

if you want to buy the reel now but cant afford the custom rod or a good rod, just do what i did. go out to one of those crappy stores where the guys working there dont know what they are talking about, wallmart, mvp a.ka. decathalon sports, and pick up a cheapo heavy freshwater bass rod. i picked through about a million of these things till i found one that was right and still had to take it home and fix it up. it cost me 20 dollars but today its one of my favorites. its my soft plastic rod.

by the way get the c3 6500, i dont think you necessarily need the smoothies but ive been meaning to get them for myself for a while.

have you ever heard of Galyands? theres one on the north shore up here and they have some of the best service. might check them out if they're near you.

christian, I have a bunch of rods in great working condition; i would use one before i went out and bought another one..

It's not that i can't afford 'em.. cause i'm getting all kinds of Birthday money from family, that will pay for the Custom Rod.

then i suppose i can beg my parents for a Abu 6500 :D

and i have my shakespeare alpha custom w/ reel as a second outfit :)

I can't wait to haul in a couple of 50s from the suds with that outfit :) :D (i hope!)


I got it john/bloo... i wont put the spinner on there as a short term substatute---I'll just use my current rod untill then, i'll wait till i get the Abu till i fish the Custom.


I think i am all set ><(((">

thanks for all your valuble help...all..

Mike

Originally posted by Matoonoc
I don't have any experience with one, but I did fondle one in a tackle shop this fall, and it looked like a good rod
Note to self; Stay away from matoonoc while in the tackle shop. :fishslap:
:eek: :hihi: :hs: :laughs: :happy:

HEY, that was uncalled for!!!


:laughs: