I have the Star Stellar Lite (I think!) with split grip. Runs about $100, slightly lower than the Mojo price. I also have a Penn Fierce combo. The reel is great for the price but a little disappointed that I already had to have a guide replaced on the Fierce rod, has been fine other than that. That Fierce combo was only around $80.
I have a Fierce 3000 combo spooled with 20# braid. Every 10 casts or so I would get wind knots the size of oranges… respooled and had the same problems. I took the reel and put it on my saltwater ugly stick and it works fine. The reel I took off the ugly stick (Penn 550SSG) works great on the Fierce Rod.
As for the Battle. I have a 3000 on a 7’ TFO setup, love it. But… something is wrong with the battle after 10 or so trips out. I am taking it apart tonight to find out… it may just be a loose nut under the spool on the shaft…
I’ve had these issues with Penn Reels in the past. The reels are fine, but they were put together like crap. Once you tighten all of the screws and nuts, everything is OK…
What are the differences between the two shimano symetres, the FJ and RJ? I think one has front drag and the other has back? I honestly don’t know what that means… and what’s more desirable.
And the main differences between the battle and symetre? I’m looking online and its not giving me a whole lot. It looks like more people on this site own battles, why is that?
For the guys that had penn battle trouble, what happened? How’d it break? How was the problem resolved?
Yak, I am going to look at my Battle tonight to see what the problem is - I think its just a loose nut on the shaft that holds the spool.
Battle is a newer reel from Penn that has a good price point, is light and has a smooth drag. I am old school and like Penn products. Plus the reel is good looking…
Yes, the difference is front drag (on the top of the spool) versus rear drag (bottom of the reel). Some of it will be personal prefernece as to how you are most comfortable adjusting the drag, but the more important thing to consider is there is much heavier drag capabilities in the front drag system.
I own almost all shimano spinning reels and have been very happy with mine. Even some of their low end models that i originally bought when i was first getting into inshore fishing and kept to use for guests, i still fish occassionally and still like them. I have nothing bad to say about the other brands, i just personally have never used them. Maybe i’m missing out.
I paired a 7’ St. Croix with a Penn Battle 3000 and love it. That thing can throw a lightweight lure a mile. Smooth and durable. Cant think of a better combination.
Jp, what model st croix?? went to HPT today and it was good. Although I did like the shimano teremar, compared to the star stellar lites it didn’t feel as good in my hand, plus its 10 bucks more. I think I’ve decided on the star stellar lit, with a symetre 2500. I just have to a couple more variables. I can’t decide which power and length I like better. The 6-12lb or the 8-16lb line class? I just don’t know what power is better, the lighter has a more sensitive tip and the bigger one has a little more power behind it I feel. Although the light one probably has some good backbone as well. Also they come in a 7’ or 7’6", what’s better for throwin and workin poppin corks and topwaters, and freelining live baits. For reds and flatties and trout around the bank? Toobusy what’s best for the yak? Thanks for puttin up with me y’all.
Hey y’all, I’m lookin at a new combo. The st croix mojo inshore rod.
Here’s the specs: MIS70MF 7’ M Fast 1 8 - 17 3/8 - 3/4 4.9 1 $ 120. Any other rod recommendations?
I think a penn battle or fierce 2000 or 3000 would be a great combo for that. Or even an okuma avenger in that same size, more drag and a little cheaper. Whatcha think? I’m open to any suggestions reel and rod wise as well.
Another question, right now I have a 2500 reel, I’m debating bewtween a 2000 and 3000 reel, I know its not a huge difference but for trout and slot redfish and occasional drag busteing overslot red is a 2000 enough or should I go 3? Tryin to figure this all out! Thanks
This is the setup I am running and I love it. To save money, I bought a couple ■■■■■■■’s and put 2 of my Battles on them and my wife and I both go for the Mojo Inshore combos. I need to go and get a couple more rods I guess. 2nd year on that combo and couldnt be happier. I even use them on the local lake and recently caught a 20#+ catfish on it with no problem. Plenty of muscle to turn him.
Hunter, The St. Croix I got is a Triumph 7’ casting rod. I liked the mojo but didn’t want the split grip. I couldnt be happier with it. You’re welcome to test it out.
Alright guys I’m going star stellar lite 7’6" with a battle 2000.think ill be very happy with this combo. My reason for this choice is that when I get another setup ill get the shimano teremar and sahara or symetre 3000. Then ill get a st croix mojo inshore 7’6" ML with a battle or sargus 1000 for my finesse trout. Thanks for all the help y’all!
Thanks for all the advice guys! I picked up a 7’ shimano teremar, with a symetre 300 last week. I LOVE IT! I haven’t put it to the test of redfish but its been standing up well to lunker Largemouth frog fishing. I’m gonna grab a mojo inshore 7’6 for trout fishing and light tackle bucketmouth. Thanks guys!
Hunter P. Hames
11’ Tarpon 100
19’ Sea Fox 125 merc
good choice… i have been using 3000 symetres this season and they have held up well…even catch big bonnets on them and that rod combo will do pretty much anything inshore from trout,sheeps and reds
Unfortunately, I’ve replaced my St Croix rod twice. It’s nice to have the option though. I think the shipping is reasonable (around $20), but one June it took 6 weeks to get the rod back.
Many go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after.
