I have been thinking of purchasing a conventional reel for bigger game. I have a spinning reel setup but want another option for some heavier fishing. Something I can use for big reds in the surf, the occasional offshore outing for kings, Spanish, mahi, and for the river targeting big cats. My two choices are narrowed down to the abu Garcia 7000 and the shimano charter special. I am leaning towards the shimano because it has the level winding as well as the lever drag (seems hard to find a reel with both). The abu seems to look more beefy, but the shimano hs much more drag. Any input would be greatly appreciated since I am new to this kind of gear.
I recently purchased some Penn Fathom 25 Levelwinds and am wry impressed with their construction and feel. Haven’t fished them yet but I have high expectations. They’ve got the Levelwinds feature you’re looking for with a star drag, not a lever drag. I hear great things about the Penn Squalls as well.
I looked at the squall as well. Just seems most people are higher on the shimano and the abus. I do love penn reels as my go to spinner is the penn battle.
Shimano TLD-25’s or go with the Squall
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Oyster Baron
NMFS = No More Fishing Season
“Back home we got a taxidermy man. He gonna have a heart attack when he see what I brung him”