Looking to upgrade my bottom rods and reels for next year. I currently use Shamino 12000 bait runners on Star rods. Needless to say its a long haul up and they are a bit hard to deal with. I tried using my trolling rods with the 30’s on them but they are too stiff and large. I bottom fish the ledge and inshore of that. Usually use 60 pound braid. Any recommendations on a good setup I know the bait casters are not really the way to go but I am pretty green in rod and reel selection in this area.
Bob, spinning or conventional? What’s your target budget per combo?
Have no clue but I think conventional with a high gear ratio Like 4 feet per crank lol. If I could go under 300 per combo that would be awesome.
I use Shimano Spheros 14000FB 80 # braid on Trevalla 5’8" XXH rod for all bottom out to 180’, my heavy rod is any two speed 50 with 150# braid on a short bent butt. This has been proven time and time again as a great grouper rod as well as a planer rod for wahoo.
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NMFS = No More Fishing Season
“Back home we got a taxidermy man. He gonna have a heart attack when he see what I brung him”
In order of cheapest to highest:
$80 Star Rods Aerial EX7040 (5yr warranty) or
$150 Trevala XXH (lifetime warranty)
and
$250 Penn 113HN baja special senator w/ 300yds 80lb braid
$250 Avet JX6.0 w/ 150yds 80lb braid
$260 Avet LX6.0 w/ 200yds 80lb braid
$310 Avet HX4.2 w/ 300yds 80lb braid
OR
$150 Trevalla XXH spinner
$120 Quantum Boca80 PTs w/ 300yds 80lb braid (lifetime warranty on the bail… have seen this reel on closeout for 79.99 on the web since they replaced it with the PTsD models)
The reason for specific lengths of line on the avets that are lower than full spools is to keep the spool level lower and produce higher drag (around 30lbs). The reels do not produce enough drag for larger grouper if the spools are full. The raptor model Avets in the LX and HX are different and will produce over 40 and 50lbs of drag and are two speeds, but they are well over your budget. The rods aren’t the best, but are good for the money. Have caught many fish with all the above. The trevala is lighter and won’t give as much lifting power, but it is more fun to use all day long standing at the gunnel.
There are many ways to get the above much cheaper than the MSRP guesstimates I posted. Just shop. Good luck.
www.scmarine.org
www.joinrfa.com
Luke 8:22-25
This is great thanks guys!
for Rods…http://www.pjwholesalerods.com/
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NMFS = No More Fishing Season
“Back home we got a taxidermy man. He gonna have a heart attack when he see what I brung him”
I am really liking the Avet LX6.0. 47 inch retrieve!
I was at a place in Key largo called Mother Ocean, a nautical consignment shop that ha a pair of Shimano Torium 20s on Evolution GT 80-200 lb jigging rods for $150 a piece. Itms be a good deal for someone looking for two matching rods. I’m leaving KL tomorrow an could transport to Charleston if anyone is interested.
Rods- http://www.predatorrod.com/evolution-rods.html
The evolution rods have a tendency for the clear coat to peal a bit on the wraps but I’ve never had it become a problem in the evolution rods I’ve owned.
They’re used but I would have no qualms about buying them myself if I needed rods.
Mother Ocean Marine Consignment
Mile Marker 98.9
Key Largo, FL 33037
(954) 600-7731
In cases anyone wants to call and chat about those rods. I almost bought them myself but have no need.