Reel suggestion

[Sluggoslinger]

have you tried to repair the penn? That is one great thing about them, you can get any part you need for them. If you're not up to it, try taking it to a tackel shop and they should be able to make it almost like new for not too much money. If that doesn't work, send it back to penn with a letter. If it isn't too old, they might replace it. I have the same reel and its been great to me. I also have a 5500ss, but this year I bought an Abu Garcia 6500 spinning and another bait caster off ebay, I'll let you know how it works out. BTW how do you like the st croix, I was considering changing all my spinning rods out for st croix 7'6" and 8'...

[Steve K]

I have an 8' tidemaster and a 6500 but I find it too be much to heavy for that rod. I would go with the shimano spheros 6000. Great real under $125 that takes a beating.

[kippy]

I would recommend the shimano spheros Jim. Quality reel at a reasonable price.

[RIJIMMY]

I'll look into the Shimano, thanks
I love the St Croix, its the only non -custom rod i own. Its perfect for most of teh fish I catch....small to med size bass

[hooked]

Nautil Pro 6500 (the yellow one) may be worth a look.

[basswipe]

What Kippy said.Spheros is a fine reel.

[shadow]

I think the penn 6500 and the nautil are too big for an 8'rod try the spheros,people who own them really do like them,I plan on tring one out on a 7and a half foot star rod for the schoolies.I have a stradic 4000 now and after 3 years and a rebuild the anti rev. still gives way.

[Pete_G]

The only problem with repairing Penns these days is the cost of parts. Before that the fact that they break down a lot wasn't such an issue...

[Bill L]

Jimmy, curious on how your penns "crapped out"? Are they just gummed up or something worse? Did you break them down and clean them regularly? If the other reel besides the 6500 was a Power Graph, well thats just plain crap anyways.

For the "wading and getting wet" type fishing, the cleaning needs to be done on a regular basis, and I find the Penns to be simple to work on, and I can get parts at a local shop. I can bring my 704's or my Slammer 560 back from the brink of death with a good cleaning, and try to stay on top of it so its more maintenance than re-habbing.

I am doubtful that the Spheros will be much different in these conditions, but I have no direct experience. I almost got one this season for my 8' rod, but ended up with the 4500ssg which I like so far (but probably wont get wet much). Personally I would go with the 460 slammer in your case and plan to clean it often.