My rods and reels are about done! I have fished with shimano reels and have always bought combos. I have a little money saved up and would like to venture out and get something a little better. I fish from the wando to the jetties to the near shore. Any recommendations would help!
Either shimano or penn are gonna be your best bet for the saltwater unless you empty your wallet, the penn fierce is a solid reel for the price. I’m a shimano man but that penn is tough for the money.
06 hewes tailfisher 17
I love my new Penn Battle combo. It’s a great set for a good price. I got it for under $100 a few months back on amazon, but the prices have since gone up.
[img=left]http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c282/peanut140/d25b11b9-0c3d-4250-bcd4-7b6695a31921.jpg[/img=left]180 Pioneer Islander
115 Yammie
Go Tigers!
I use a Penn defiance 40lw and ugly stick rated for 50lb…havent lost a battle yet but for line or leader failure
the penn defiance combo at Walmart is bout $110-$120. I did break the penn rod from a boat with a 100lb stingray,but prolly also due to horsing it up when it stuck to the bottom
Some Fish Some Catch
15.5 glassmaster
70hp evinrude vro
I bought two Penn SSV3500 spin fishers at Haddrels this year. I keep one on a 6’ rod and one on a 7’ rod. Great reels. I am extremely tough on my gear, and have found that anything less than the spin fisher series is pretty much worthless after the first year.
Narcosis
Biggest thing is no matter what you buy, in saltwater, proper cleaning and maintenance is key. Even the best stuff won’t last very long if it isn’t cared for.
If you’re only going with one combo for now, get something in the 4000 size range with a 7’ medium heavy rod. Kind of the jack of most trades on the water. I fish 2500 or 3500 reels for trout, reds, flounder and sheeps with 6’6"-7’6" medium rods and 4000 and up for bull reds and nearshore deeper water. For throwing jigs and plastics I like a smooth lightweight reel, for bait chucking I use anything that is durable enough and works. The fish doesn’t care what rod and reel you have but a good setup will help you get the fish to the boat.
2012 Carolina Skiff J14, 25 Merc, Jackplate
I have 2 Penn Battle 4000’s on 7ft. Penn rods that are in their 3rd season. Great reels for the money. I have had zero problems so far. I have caught everything from whiting to 4-5ft sharks to 35" reds with no problems. They are spooled with 20lb Power Pro. Haddrell’s Point had some Battle combos for $129.00 I think.
Jack Taylor
The Penn Conflict 2000 or 3000 on the new Regiment Rod is awesome. I have been fishing it for around a month now and have reeled in many large fish. I have had the Conflict 3000 for about a year and has performed nicely.
experience noun \ik-#712;spir–#601;n(t)s
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the fact or state of having been affected by or gained knowledge through direct observation or participation
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that thing you get just moments after you needed it.
Have a Penn Conflict 3000 as well, perfect for inshore. Have used everything from 2500 to 5000 sized reels inshore with no difference in fish caught. I do stick to Penn and Shimano though.
Shimano stradic ci4,big bear rods. Not cheap but worth it. One question, are your rods broken? If they arent and just have cosmetic issues they are still very usable. The question then becomes, “are they worth fixing”? If it’s a high end blank the answer may be yes. If not just replace the whole rod.
- I’d rather be a free man in my grave than living as a puppet or a slave.
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I have a Penn Conflict & older Battle. Both are great reels. Also use the Ugly stik Tiger 7’ MH rods. The new Penn Battle II will be out in Sept. Big difference is the new series will have sealed bearings.
Just a heads up, Haddrel’s has the Penn Battles at 20% off to liquidate before the new Battles II’s come in.
Not sure what the price is with 20% off at haddrells but i was in atlantic the other day and they were only 75 for the 3000. Had my 3000 for about a year now and havent really had any problems. Bail is a little sticky, but a little greese will fix that. Great deal at $75 IMO.
All fishermen are liers except me and you and I’m not sure about you.
The 5000 was $86 with the 20% off.