Q: I'm normally a conventional reel type of guy but lately finding myself hurting too much at the end of the day. Arthritis is creeping in me bones. I want to buy a 9 foot surf rod ( spinning, M/Hvy ) but need help with a reel. I'm checking out the Tica reels but heard too many complaints about the bail closing prematurely during a hard cast. I need some help here, which reels are good with huge line capacity. Model #'s would be a plus. I normally wouldn't ask this but I'm more conventional rather than spinning so I may not be up to par and this is why I ask. Thanks guys. ~Chimp Dancer ~By the way, I'm not looking for the high priced stuff. My daughter's school is milking away that fun so please, moderately priced but decent. ~I want to thank every one for answering and giving me some insight on the larger spinning reels out on the market.~chimp.
A: Nice answer Shop! (Thumbs up) Penn Spin-fishers are good/great reels and hold-up well under extreme conditions. I managed a major tackle store in the early-mid 90's and (to be honest) I was very proud to sell "certain" Penn equipment. The problem with the "New" Penn outfits? About 98' they began trying to compete with Shimano/Daiwa, (they needed reels that had instant anti-reverse, ETC). They started "farming out" misc parts of their new line of reels to China. Thats when Penn started to go down-hill. HOWEVER, (in my opinion), if you stay with the "old style" Penn (Metal body Spinfisher) reels you should be alright. (Shop, don't you think an 850 is a bit much? An 850 is a VERY heavy reel generally used for offshore fish! Using a braided-line and downsizing the reel will greatly affect the WEIGHT of the outfit! In my opinion, try a 650 SSM and some braided line if you go the Penn route.......) CD, your in Fla aren't you? If I were you I'd look at the Daiwa Black Gold series too. Neither the Penn SSM OR the Black Golds have all the newest "bells & whistles", (instant anti-reverse, 14 ball bearings, ETC) and they've changed very little in 40 years; they just last FOREVER. BG's are built like tanks and can be easily fixed at your local reel shop. I have one from the late 80's that still works perfectly and it's caught tons of fish! I'd rig up with a BG15 or BG20 (depending upon what type of line you intend to use; Braid or Mono). Black Golds are $79.99 at Bass Pro Shops. You should go and read the reviews regarding them. A Penn 650 SSM is $119. The reason I'm partial to the BG's (over the Penn) is because of "wobble". A Penn Spinfisher "wobbles" like a top when you retrieve it. Whereas, the BG's are "smoother" on the retrieve. Either way- Penn SSM or Daiwa Black Gold would be 2 good inexpensive reel choices that will last a LONG time. Hope this helps ya bro?