LOL Mike, just for your info I was using 14 lb fireline and the drag was very loose. I even tightened it all up before using it. But I am alot happier with the yellow 6500 that I replaced it with thanks to Mike.
Milo, to answer your question I think it is more of a personal preference. When I am going to plug for 6-10 hrs it's usually from the beach so I go with a 9' rod and the 6500 reel. There is enough capacity to load it with plenty of braid for the beach anyway, not so sure about using the 6500 in the ditch, especially if I hook the occasional beast. Although one night I did pull in a nice 25 pounder on the 6500 on my 1088 sabre rod using a redshad color 9" sluggo
while fishing in fairly close to shore.
The 7500 is not too bad for the ditch since it will hold 300 yards of whiplash, but it can be rather tiring after that long of a time plugging, but I jig with 4-5 oz jigs too remember. I like the 7500 alot and always bring it with me wherever I fish.
You can always get a 6500 down the road sometime and then you'll have the matching set.
Where are you using it?
Have you used it yet? maybe u could exchange it you think it's too heavy.
I think the 7500 matches up well with a 10' stick
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