Hey there, i just picked up a new combo, penn battle 5000 loaded w power pro 40 and a 8' mojo surf. I know penn ss's and love them and the older st croix ben dor rods, best i think and i have never used braid.

What do you think about the combo, seemed balanced, the battles a good reel, any problems with them yet? I think the mojo will be just as good as the older st croix and they told me it will handle the braid better.

Any tips on the braid, should i use a mono leader and can i use typical knots??

Thanks for the input!

you always use a mono shock leader. so it is as follows:

Braid, swivel, mono shock leader (50#) and lure.

Ok, that sounds good.
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The batlle for the money is a good reel jive caught big fish on it the drag is super smooth. The only problem I've had with mine is the drag isn't waterproof and water gets under the spool and causes corrosion. Just stay on top of keeping under the spool clean and greased and you'll be fine...
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remove bail trip

remove bail trip

Just bought a 6000 and Mike at CC tackle did that for me.

There are knots suited for braid that will not slip under tension such as the Double Palomar knot.
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not sure about the battle, but the mojo is a great stick for the $$.

The Penn Battle is a good reel for the price but don't dunk it.

Bought one last year and used it in the surf a good part of the season. Found I needed to service it if I was in some good surf and got it submerged.

I forgot to service it between outings at the end of the season and it started to bind up on me. Immediately stopped fishing with it until I could service it again. The next time I used the reel and hooked into a decent fish one of the main gear's teeth broke off. Probably stress cracked the gear when it bound up.

Penn said the reel was still under warrantee and replaced ALL the gears.

I'm usually a right tool for the job kind of guy but don't has the $$$ to get a truely sealed surf ready reel.

I also have a Shimano Spheros 8000 and think its a much better reel for about $20 more in the comparable size.

Just my experence and opinon. You should be happy with the Battle for anything but hardcore surfcasting abuse.

i picked up the real and line for 65 so its not the money, i do real repairs but dont know anyone with the battle....or at least one that has come in for service, and the mojo is a trade for my time fixing the reels... not a bad deal i think. always like the st croix, but have been in school the past couple years and have not kept up with the new rod and reel models, time for catch up!!!