NJ Saltwater Fisherman Forums
The Surf Fisherman Forum => From The Surf => Topic started by: ped579 on January 29, 2008, 02:39:23 PM
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Hi All,
Well this morning I went out to see how the new surf outfit worked. Well I have to tell you I was pleasantly surprised.
First this is the set up I used:
Penn 525 Mag
40# Power Pro
3 oz pyramid sinker
75# Duolock snap swivel
Tica 11' 2 piece Conventional Graphite Rod
lure weight 3 - 9 oz
Just as a preface, I have not used a conventional reel in over 20 years and to tell you the truth I was a little intimidated because of all the hype I heard on how fast this reel was and that it will probably get away from you the first time out.
Well, the first cast I held back a lot and thumbed the spool and wound up casting about 50 yards or so, not bad and no birds nest so that was good.
With each following cast I got a little more aggressive till I found my self throwing that 3 oz sinker close to 100 yards and not having to thumb the spool at all. SWEET !!! I have to say that I had the magnets on full all this time but I am looking forward to having to not rely too heavily on them this will be my goal this summer.
By now my fingers have become numb so I called it quits but not till I came away with the realization that I have an outfit that will make the outer bar with 3 Oz's without heaving my guts out. I am looking forward to putting on a 5oz swimming minnow or any lure for that matter and have the ability to put it out there where the bait is.
If you are looking for something different that will give you the opportunity to get a really long cast with minimal weight this outfit Rocks. I give if 5 thumbs up out of 5 so far. I will have to be watching the tip top as I am told they have been having problems with it. But for now this set up is excellent for the money, which I would have to say was a little over $300. I am not totally sure because it was a birthday gift, but that should be in the ball park.
Happy Catching
Paul
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nice , good luck . I love new toys TT^
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Paul, Good luck with the new set up, it sounds Sweet. How does the graphite feel compared to the glass? Is it that much lighter? Using this to chuck plugs & metal only?
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The rod is super light compared to glass but it is very stiff. I had to get use to that as well. As far as the use of this outfit, yes it will probably be used for plugs and metals but I will not rule out plunking bunker heads with it either.
Paul
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sweet ,,, i'm still leery about casting a conventional reel
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sweet
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Nice report, Paul. Sounds like you picked the right outfit to toss plugs. t^
Heaving out a hundred yards...perhaps your talent can be used by one of the teams coming this Sunday. TT^
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I have the older non-mag GS525 and love it. It's super smooth and after it broke in some it cast a mile. I debating a new GS525 Mag or an Avet SX Mag. So many choices so little money ;D
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I used a lot of Diawa conventional reels for fresh water years ago so I kind of knew what to expect. But I have to say I was still not sure how this big rig was going to handle. When I say I was pleasantly surprised it was an understatement.
The new technology is great. I would not hesitate to recommend this outfit to someone that has used conventional equipment before. If you haven't I would be the first to say this rig would be the best place to start.
This is strictly for the surf as it likes to be let go on long casts but if you are on the fence? I would say go for it.
Paul
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Hi Joe,
100 yards is nothing, there are guys out there that would think that that was just childs play. I am not looking for the extremely long casts all the time as I will be the first one to tell any one that 90% of all my surf catches were within 20 yards of the beach. I just wanted something to add to my arsenal from Fly Rod to Long rod conventional where I could get out to the outer bar if I wanted to.
I now have all these options covered. Bring on Spring Time...
Happy Catching
Paul
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Love those Penn Reels! t^ t^ <'((((><