REEL CHOICES!

[Striper SniperX]

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

[Striper SniperX]

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....

[Goose]

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.

[Striper SniperX]

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).

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

[bloocrab]

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....

[Fishpart]

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..

[JohnR]

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 ... 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...

[Mr. Sandman]

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

[Bill L]

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.

[RickBomba]

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

[RickBomba]

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

[Striper SniperX]

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


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

[Striper SniperX]

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

[Striper SniperX]

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


-mike

[JohnR]

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...

[MountainBreeze]

Originally posted by JohnR
E-mail them and talk to them...

So... John... Whatcha' tryin' to say???

[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.

[Striper SniperX]

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

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


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

[Striper SniperX]

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

[Christian]

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.
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?

[Striper SniperX]

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

[Saltheart]

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.

[Striper SniperX]

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

[Saltheart]

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!

[Striper SniperX]

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

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

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 <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

[mrmacey]

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

[capndave]

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

[Striper SniperX]

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

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...
Thanks alot guys

Mike

[Striper SniperX]

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

[TheSpecialist]

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