OK so - I’ve never lost a yak full o gear yet, and most stuff is tied to something (me or the yak), but just cant get into having my rods tethered to something…so cant really justify $200 reels that may very well end up at the bottom of the creek one day.
I’ve killed low end Shimano’s before, I’ve had both drag and anti-reverse issues, so I wont be going there again. Penn low-end? Okuma? Pfluger?
Any advice helpful - thanks in advance. Tired of reading conflicting on-line reviews.
Try a Penn Sargus. They run in the range of $75-80. Penn is releasing a new $100 reel that looks like an upgraded Sargus with the drag and spool from the $200+ Conquer.
Iain Pelto
Edgewater 185CC “Jumpin’ Bean II”
Native Manta Ray 14
I have a Sargus and reely like it sorry, couldn’t resist). Seriously, I bought a 2000 in the Spring and really do like it so far. It seems smooth and well made. Compared to a Shimano Sedona (around the same price) that I own, I think it is a better reel.
Hairball you are correct, PENN has released a new $100 spinner called the BATTLE. The Battle is available in 7 sizes ranging from an 2000-8000. They have the HT-100 carbon fiber drag like the Conquer and a braid ready spool. We just started shipping them so they will be hitting stores soon. We also just released a new $60 reel called the FIERCE which replaced the Captive (Captiva has been dropped). The Fierce also utilizes the Sargus all metal body an is the only metal body spinner on the market at that price. Carolinablues I would check out any of the reels listed on this thread but yes there are other reel on the market that would work but the quality is not there like it is in the new PENN’s that are launching this year. I’m so confident in the new spinners I would even recommend the new $40 Pursuit spinner. This reel uses alot of the Sargus guts but has a different body. It has a graphite body with a metal sideplate. These reels can be found at saltwater Wal-Mart stores and I believe haddrells has them as well.
AFFILIATED WITH PENN FISHING TACKLE [http://www.pennreels.com/] AND [/http://www.pennreels.com/]
you should not be surprised when low end tackle fails. investing another $50 or $75 will make a difference …
… still using the the Stradic FA & FB’s and Chronarch A’s I bought 10 and more years ago.
P-K, true! Usually the more you pay in a reel the better the quality and features. In Carolinablues situation he is wanting the toughest gear under $80 for yak fishing so if he does end up swimming he doesn’t lose $100+ reels. I’m just saying in the past any PENN spinning reel under $80 was pitiful. Now that PENN is back (THE GIANT HAS AWAKEN)any reel we make is engineered to last and be the best reel on the market at that price. (No more junk from PENN)
AFFILIATED WITH PENN FISHING TACKLE [http://www.pennreels.com/]
I recently got a Daiwa BG150 and have been very impressed. Before that I had most Penn Sarguses, before THAT I had
Shimano Symetres. The Daiwa may not be as smooth as the others but it’s built like a tank. Next reel I get will probably be the BG130.
Somebody told us Wall Street fell but we were so poor we couldn’t tell. Cotton was short and the weeds were tall but Mr. Obama gonna save us all
xHCFKx
Yak fishing is ESPECIALLY TOUGH on gear. Everything always gets wet, so fresh water washdown is critical for longevity. Hitting reels with Penn corrosion inhibitor spray pretty often is a good idea too.
I like both Penn and Okuma reels.
This year I’m fishing the Okuma Trios - hard. They get abused more than the average bear as they are what I put in my clients hands and what I use every chance I get. So far I’m REALLY impressed with these.
I’ve got less than a year on them, so only time will tell, but I do have about 80 trips on them and so far so good.
If you go Penn, go Sargus or better.
Who’s ready for a sleigh ride?
www.kayakfishsc.com
Wilderness Systems Kayak Fishing Pro Staff
Thanks to all - still undecided. I spent my childhood fishing with NOTHING but Penn as dad was a Penn guy, but got burned a couple of times and got cheap a couple of times 
so maybe it’s full circle time and get back to Penn.
That said, I was killing time in Wally World while wife was buying something and wandered over to fishing area (go figure) and handled the Okuma “Salinas” sa-45. I don’t usually buy gear at WW, but I must say I was impressed with the feel of that reel. The bail seemed indestructible and like the drag feel.
As you said TOOBUSY I have noticed my gear requires much more maintenance the past couple of years since I have been fishing pretty much exclusively from the yak…especially since I learned to throw the net from the yak from your video. Thanks for that by the way. It was a game changer for me…its not always pretty but it works. It also brings copious amounts of saltwater into play. That said I ALWAYS freshwater hose EVERYTHING when returning home and have milked some seriously sub-par reels for longer than one might think through average/good maintenance practices.
@Nasty: The “battle” looks very tempting but really don’t want to wait that long. Maybe for a third rod next spring…
Guides get reels/rods for free and therefore thats what they rec.
The Penn guy …is well the Penn guy. Penn went cheap years ago and yes their product today is better but you buy a 40 buck reel, you get to buy another next year.
Rods and reels are like tools.
Buy a cheap one and it will fail. Then you buy a good one but you would be ahead of the game if you bought the good one first.
Go to Haddrells and take a look at what you can get for under a hungie.
big dog
quote:
Originally posted by Nasty Dawg [ Now that PENN is back (THE GIANT HAS AWAKEN)any reel we make is engineered to last and be the best reel on the market at that price. (No more junk from PENN)AFFILIATED WITH PENN FISHING TACKLE [http://www.pennreels.com/]
Dawg … dont take my comment as a Penn slam.
With that said, I have some old metal body Penn SS spinning reels and graphite body GS and GTI revolving reels that will fish today like they came out of the box. Especially a 430SS my dear departed dad gave me about 30 years ago. Probably caught more trout on that thing, than the sum of most posters on this site. Have it displayed on whippy old early Loomis rod in my den …
I will take a hard look at your new lineup when I need a new reel. Good to hear Penn is back …
For the Wando Guy, some guides get a budget for tackle but I don’t believe they would put their name and reputation on the line by saying that a s h itty reel is the best out there. For most brands yes if you go cheap and Penn was in that class a few years ago you will get burned. I can tell you that PENN’s number one goal going forward is to build the best saltwater reel at every price and no short cuts. Yes the Captiva and Silverado were trash and it burnt a lot of people. Like I said in my post above I’m so confident in all of our new gear I would replace parts or reels if anyone has an issue. If you are familiar with the Sargus, our new $40 Pursuit spinner utilizes a lot of the Sargus internal parts so it is tough as nails. I’m only here to help and answer questions!CAROLINABLUE- The Battle is already available and Haddrells has or will have all our new gear.P-K no harm taken, The older PENNS were the best but the good news is that all the new reels going forward will be off the same quality.
AFFILIATED WITH PENN FISHING TACKLE [http://www.pennreels.com/]
Nasty Dawg is correct, and after speaking to him personally several weeks back and getting a good rundown on their gear, I’ll vouch that Penn seems to be turning around and moving in good direction.
I don’t mind pushing product that will make my customers happy…and it seems the new product so far is doing a fine job.
Looking forward to the future product hitting the ground.
I’d take a look at the Pfleuger medalist…it’s a solid reel, but it’s 89.00…not 75.00.
xHCFCx
Fish are too valuable to be caught only once.
$49 at Cabelas right now…!
anyway - I actually have a Pfluger President XT and I’m not so sure how well it’s holding up to the salt? (as mentioned) I rinse every outing. Pfluger website says it’s a saltwater reel. It’s like a year old and I don’t even take it fishing anymore. Loved the reel when I bought it but…?
Is the “Medalist” line more suitable for saltwater?
Penn corrosion inhibitor is your best friend. I think it’s about $12 a bottle and worth every penny.
Who’s ready for a sleigh ride?
www.kayakfishsc.com
Wilderness Systems Kayak Fishing Pro Staff
that penn rod and reel spray is the best…doesn’t ruin the integrity of braid and keeps a good barrier on the outfit.
good call TB
xHCFCx
Fish are too valuable to be caught only once.
I was a Penn loyalist for 100 years but not anymore as I had some bad experiences with them in the last several years. I even told a Penn rep about the issues and asked him what could be done about it? His answer - “a shoulder shrug and walked away.” Don’t take this personally, but it will take more than a guy on the internet coming on a fishing website and proclaiming that Penn is once again the best thing since sliced bread because he says so and because he is affiliated with them.
And - keep in mind, even if Penn is good, it certainly doesnt mean that Shimano sucks. Penn will have do improve a lot to get me to consider not using Shimano.
quote:
Originally posted by HoppyI was a Penn loyalist for 100 years but not anymore as I had some bad experiences with them in the last several years. I even told a Penn rep about the issues and asked him what could be done about it? His answer - “a shoulder shrug and walked away.” Don’t take this personally, but it will take more than a guy on the internet coming on a fishing website and proclaiming that Penn is once again the best thing since sliced bread because he says so and because he is affiliated with them.
And - keep in mind, even if Penn is good, it certainly doesnt mean that Shimano sucks. Penn will have do improve a lot to get me to consider not using Shimano.
Words from my very mouth.
I still have 2 Penn Z710’s which go on the boat all the time. I have had them for years.
I buy 4 reels of the same make and size whenever I restock. If they are **** then they get sold. I use Stradics and Symetries inshore and I do not baby them. Sometimes they get washed and often not.
big dog
Hoppy, I can believe you had a PENN rep (salesman) say that in the past and to tell you the truth there are a few reps out there that are not motivated. I’m not trying to convince anyone on here to buy a PENN, Shimano, Pfluger, Diawa, etc because they all make good reels. All I am doing is giving an update on the new direction of PENN and the product will speak for themselves. I have helped more people on this site then you can imagine and I would help you as well even though you think I am blowing smoke up people a s s. Just keep in mind Im here to help.
CAROLINABLUE, The medalist is being dropped for next year but it is a good reel.
AFFILIATED WITH PENN FISHING TACKLE [http://www.pennreels.com/]
Let me rephrase - I’m sure you are sincere. In a couple of years when Penn has proven their inshore spinning reels are tough and reliable, then I would be willing to give them another look. Time and only time will tell.