Need help deciding on new reel...
 

Sorry for the long, drawn out email but I'm really confused and could use some help.

Here's the deal... I have a few PENN Slammers, that I really like.
360 w/ 12# mono
460 w/ 17#
560 w/ 20#

I typically use the 360 on a 7' RainShadow I built, the 460 on a 9' St. Croix in the surf and the 560 on a Lami in the rocks (Breechways, ...) and these setups are fine.

The "problem" comes when I am in the yak. The 9' rods are too long for me to cast sitting and the 7' is too short to get around the bow. So, I have been using a not-so-good 8' PENN with the 560 on it, so I can use the 20# when trolling a TnW. Now I want to pick up a better 8' rod so I will have 2 I can really use when paddling. The rod will probably be one of the new Ticas but the reel is what is in question.

Do I put the 560, w/ 20# on the Tica and the 460 on the old PENN? But, then is 17# mono going to cut it for TnW, especially if I end up around rocks? Can I spool the 460 with braid and get a good capacity of stronger line? Or, should I get another 560 and put braid on that? And, if I am going to get another reel, should I get the Live-Liner 5600L, instead of another 560, and use that on the Lami when I'm slingin' eels and not in the yak??? Then I can put the 560 on the 9' St. Croix.

Thanks for any thoughts folks and Tight Lines,
Rob

Rob - check out the allstar backbounce. 8', rated 2 - 8 ounces. the slammer 560 should work fine on it. i have heard good things about the slammer handling braid, too. you could also look into the Nautils. let me know if you want info on where to get that blank.

The setup I use is for upper Naragansett Bay is an 8 foot Lami XS81MS which can toss down to 1/2 oz. I mounted an Ahab 8A on it. The drag is sweet.

Being in a yak i'd recommend something with a shorter butt like one of the St. Croix Tidemaster rods but it is more money than the Tica's. A Slammer 360 would be a nice fit or Nautil 6500 is a good idea since it might take a dunking. I use 14# Fireline.

:)

have one made to your specifications
 

mike cc can do it for ya.