Looking at putting together one or two new combos. I have it kind of narrowed down, but wanted to get the opinions of you guys that seem to know a lot more.
Reels: Shimano Spheros, Quantum Boca, or Penn Battle all in the 4 or 5 range. Penn is slightly cheaper but the 4000 model drops down to only 12#s of drag and the 5000 is up at 20#s. Both the Shimano and Quantum boast +20#'s of drag on all their sizes in those models.
Rods: St. Croix Mojo Inshore or Tidemaster, Star Seagis, Element 21 Wild Green Carrot Stix. All rods will be either 7’ or 7’6" at either MH or H power. I just dont think a M power rod has quite enough backbone for some of those reds.
What would you buy for a good all around inshore setup? Or whats your experience with any of these?
If you want serious drag skip Penn and look at Okuma. BTW these were Reflexions series Medium power rods My $.02 only, YMMV
For what it’s worth I put these in the yak with an Okuma Trio 20. The biggest red was pulling 20 lbs of drag so I had to go for the sleigh ride. The cat and bonnethead never stood a chance against the Trio drag and were whipped pretty quickly.
quote:I tried Quantam one season,,,,,,,,,,,,worse reels I ever tried,, didnt make it through one year of use. Lots of corrosion issues, I rinse after every trip too.
Just curious which model Quantum? I’ve been using several Quantum Cabos for 2 years now and think they are one of the best reels I’ve ever used. Smoothest drag, strong, zero corrosion issues so far. I love the Cabos!
I have 2 of them on St. Croix rods and 2 on Stars. I like the St. Croixs a little better, but I build those myself. Nothing wrong with the Stars, one of my favorite brands. I think I have 7 of them, from light inshore to heavy offshore.
the new star seagis rod is a really nice stick. i looked at one yesterday at Haddrell’s; great features for the price. the battle 3000 is all you will need for any inshore fishing. the ht100 drag is what makes the battles so nice for the money. i just had Charleston Angler order me a 6000 for a jigging set up.
I agree with Cracker Larry, I have a Quantum Cabo and a Boca both are excellent reels IMO, the only con is that they are a little heavy. I have them paired up with Shimano Teramar rods.
I would defiantly go with the Penn Battle 4000s. They are a great value for $100. If you get them through Haddrells Point you can get a two year Warranty if you hold on to your receipt. Also if you are planning on using braided line, then Penn Battle is a must. They are designed for braided line. For Rods I would go with St. Croix. Like an 8-17 Lb 7
I have not used the Penn, but I do have a spheros and a boca, both in the 30 or 3000 size. I have been really happy with both. Only issue with the Quantum is that it is a bit heavy, and some of the finish has worn off, but still functionally smooth I would think the 4000 and 5000 sizes would be getting a bit to big and heavy for most inshore fishing, the 3000 has never lost a fish for me! For the money on a Rod, I have been REALLY happy with the Shimano Terramar 7’4 inshore rod, which I think prices out around $110
Don’t think you can go wrong with a shimano stradic 2500 or 3000 on a 7’ st.croix md or md heavy. I got 2 shimano stradic CI4’s and they are the cats A$$.
just my say. I have over 20 rods ranging from Gander Mountain guide series, Star rods, st croix, ■■■■■■■ and a couple of custom built ones. Reels ranging from Shimano stradics, shimano spheros, shimano saragosa, Penn Conquer, Penn Fierce, Quantum Cabo and Quantum Boca, Okuma Cedros. The most EXPENSIVE rods were the first to break ■■■■■■■ broke at the tip fishing, Gander mountains have haul in big REDS over 35-40", the Star rods are awesome and of course my Custom built rods are bullet proof. Now to the Reels the Okuma Cedros SUCKS BIG TIME, the Quantum Boca Blows(corrosion issues,the gears made horrible noise and the Bail broke) The $200 Cabos makes grinding noises when turning the cranks. When you open the bail to cast, the bail likes to snap close thus yanking your lure right back at you. The Penn fierce are ok and the Penn Conquer are pretty good. The Shimano have been my main choice. The Stradics are AWESOME. I have a 2500, 3000, 4000, 5000 and 8000. Saragosa 8000 and Spheros 6000. The 6000 Spheros haul in an 8 foot bull shark from the broad river and have never had ANY ISSUES with none of my stradics. I clean my gear after every use and Lube with oil once a month. A 3000 stradic can handle anything match with 7 foot Medium or Medium-light action rod.
I have a Battle and a Spheros. The Spheros will be too heavy the Mojo Inshore, which I also have. The Battle 3000 on the Mojo would be a great setup. I have a Stradic on my Mojo. Love it.
check out the star seagis 7’ 6-14 with a battle 2000 1# sufix 832 braid. Killer setup. We have them both at Haddrells MtP come see me. Just ask for Justin at MtP. Great Combo for a good price and comes with a good warranty deal.
Really appreciate all the info…love reading about everyone elses setups and their experience with them…I think I got my heart set on a Penn Battle most likely a 3 or 4 paired with a star seagris 7 or 7’6" M rod…if not the seagris then a st. croix tidemaster or mojo
