Got 2 of these for Christmas. Anyone used them yet and have any comments? Also, getting ready to spool them up for the first time. Will mainly be used for Cobia, Tarpon, sharks and the occasional offshore trip. Was planning on just spooling them all the way up with 65lb braid but they hold 470 yards though so may put a little mono backing since I don’t see it possible to spool out that much line. Always love to hear suggestions on how you would rig them.
That’s a dang nice reel. I use the 950 offshore bottom fishing and love mine. I’ve had it going on four years now. Mine has 40lb mono with 150 yards 65lb powerpro on top. Works just fine. Whips any fish, but hold on!!!
No reason to have 400+ yards of braid, it’s a waste of money.
Redfish Baron Extraordinaire
I have a 6500 on a jigging rod and have cranked up a few AJs with it. So far I like it a lot. The drag is exceptional. I also have a 4500 on a heavier inshore rod. I am not as impressed as the reel is on the heavy side in that size and the reeling effort is also high from a combination of gearing and internal friction. However, like the 6500 the drag is awesome.
That is a big reel capable of 35# of drag. I would using 30-40# mono as a backing and put a topshot of either the 150 or the 300 yard spool of 65 or even 80 braid on top.
Iain Pelto
Sea Hunt Triton 160 w/ 90 ETEC “JB3”
Native Manta Ray 14