I have two empty rods, one of them thanks to my old Penn Peerless crapping out on me (haven’t tried to fix it yet, may be a simple fix).
I just lob out bait and wait. I like to be able to spool up around 150 yards of 30lb line (or heavier, if braid), and I like lower-speed gear ratios because they are easier for my son to reel in if the fish is heavy. Bait clicker is a plus.
I’m not sure what budget-but-durable options there are out there, anyone have any suggestions on what’s reasonably durable?
They will see potential saltwater action for small (eater-size) bonnets and sharpnose.
I have 10 ambassador 6500 C3’s. 5 are over 20 years old. The only thing I ever had to replace was the worm gear & pawl. I fish them in saltwater also, I just dip them in a bucket of water when I get home. They have a bait clicker also.
War Eagle 115 yamaha 4 stroke
Good point. I have a 5500C3 that I do use. I’ll keep my eyes open for them.
I like the Penn GTI types as well if you can find them used at a good price.
What Blackhawk said, cats don’t make big hard runs, they usually just roll until you get them in the boat. I use 65lb power pro on mine because I have had to horse some big blues out of shallow water in the cypress trees.
'06 Mckee Craft
184 Marathon
DF140 Suzuki