I love the Shimano Spheros - 6000/8000 size is ideal for many uses. It is my main go to reel. I like them so much I have every size but the 5000 (same body as the 6000/8000 w/ shallower spool). Some size I have two of.
Every one I meet I tell them about the Spheros series! Some one get Shimano to sell this reel w/ an extra spool! Of course if you own two of the same size you just bring the whole reel along.
The Stradics are buttery SMOOTH for sure, but I find the slower ratio to be better for working lures slower. Now the Spheros has a feature that locks the rotor in place so you will never snap off a lure from the handle coming around if it is in the wrong postion/location (inertia makes it swing around - big problem w/ the older Penn SS series).
Now the Baitrunners are super reels as well! I have two 4500s (A & B). Got rid of the 3500 since I liked the 4500 better (not much heavier anyway). The back lever is great for letting out some line.
I used mine for plugging for a couple of yrs before I got my Spheros. I don't fish bait at all, but the option of using it that way is ALWAYS there. The drag is waterproof which is a big plus for surf fishing. Graphite frame is very robust and I haven't broken one yet. If you lose the anti-reverse on the older A series - I have a trick for you: snap/flick the lever over as hard as you can w/ your finger a couple of times - sometimes it gets the AR working again! Otherwise you pull it apart at home to deal w/ it. I like the older handle style on the A series (barrel like) verses the B (flat rubba paddle). The 4500A handle fits on the 8000 Spheros.
I have a bunch of the older Penns - they were the premier reels in their day and I have a big soft spot for them. My greenie Penn 716 caught lots of fish and I still have it - saving it for my daughter when she is older. I still fish the 704s and the Slammer 260 is perminent mounted on my 7' bay rod. Easy & fast to get replacement parts for almost every Penn ever made.
Buy a quality product - regardless of make: rinse it off w/ a little freshwater and may be sponge it down w/ a little soapy water at the end of the season and you should be able to pass it down to future generations.
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