PENN 525 MAG

[capecodder]

I bought a 525mag for my first conventional reel. Casts great, short learning curve. I would highly recommend it. I only use bait fishing as I prefer spinning for lures/eels although that may change....

[Diamond Tackle]

Probably one of the finest casting reels ever made.
I only own 2 of them, but plan on getting a few more. I have brutally abused threm both ,and they never failed me.
The reel is way too hot for braids IMO, but can be very tame with mono ,start with the mags full on. The tourna mag (the one with the knob) is especially fast, but when casting mono is very easy to master. When I first got this reel, it immediately backlashed and was a bear, now I have the mag completely turned out(off) and effortlessly cast 150 yds with 17 or even 20 lb mono.Im sure with the right rod it can do close to 200 yds .I know these #s sound high & it took me a while to go from 120 yds to 150 but once the mags are off, its like being in overdrive.The only limit is your confidence level.
This reel can also take a brief dunking . Some dont believe me on this but I have done it repeatedly without ever a problem. However I do disassemble and clean at the end of the day.
The HT100 drag handles Tuna up to 50 lbs (done this several times)
Although not really recommended it can even be used as a cod reel dropping a 14+ oz jig down to 290 ft,no problem. How many other reels can do this?

[Offshore]

Thanks for all the advice.

[rhodyflyguy]

i fished quite a few times without a screw in either side, i forgot both oke: and it just kept on chugging.