Need conventional reel recommendation

[Galsmiley]

Hi everyone!

I've been fishing regularly for the past year, and have developed a passion for bottom fishing. Right now I have a spinning reel (Daiwa EmcastPlus) which I love, but I'm ready to make the switch to conventional. 

I've done some research, and confess to being a bit overwhelmed. Can I get some recommendations?

What I'd like:
• Main use: boat fishing: mostly inshore and offshore for ling, black sea bass, cod, pollock, etc...
• Braid capacity up to 400feet
• Lightweight
• Aluminum
• Large knob on the crank
• $200 or less
• High-speed retrieve and auto-guide things not important (My pop tells me to get used to using my thumb, that it'll be second nature in no time)
• Also, any recommendations for a lightweight, medium-action graphite rod would be welcome too.

Thanks!

Denise

[bassnblues]

Penn GT310 or 320 are nice, rugged and reasonably priced.

Shimano Tekota if you want to step up.

[Duffman]

You dead set on an aluminum frame?  If not...

Love the Newells, light, easy maintenance.  Knob isnt the biggest but you can upgrade to a six shooter handle for 20 bux. 

[Uncle Luna]

Check out the diawa saltist 20 or the 30 which I love, large knob high retrieval  ratio

[Bucktail]

Torium

[PeggyLee]

Been thinking about an answer for you. Its hard to suggest a reel and rod  to some one.Many variables come into play;best to go see what is out there and available. Stay with the top tackle manufactuers.Good Luck in your purchase.   

[Ms Fish]

Been thinking about an answer for you. Its hard to suggest a reel and rod  to some one.Many variables come into play;best to go see what is out there and available. Stay with the top tackle manufactures.Good Luck in your purchase.   

Agreed.... there are so many nice reels out there and everyone has a favorite.... the Shimano's are beautiful reels... out of my personal price range    I use ambassador's and shakespears... they are older versions from fishing with my dad, but as long as you keep up with them they last a life time, as mine have. Anything Penn I also think is great.... but again like he said, you gotta feel um out for yourself and make sure you get one perfect for the pole you want to use it on... maybe even more than one pole would be ideal! Tight lines!!! Good luck!! 

[Reel Time]

Torium

 


 good medium entry level reel that has a lot of umpff to it.

[Galsmiley]

Thanks for the recommendations everyone! I was out on an inshore bottom trip over the weekend, and a fellow angler was very nice let me use their Saltist, which I liked very much.

Saw a few Penn GTs and Shimano ($$) as well.

[paul-e]

Toriums under $200 ??

[NJ Guy]

Splurge Penn 975 you will NEVER regret it 

[Bucktail]

Toriums under $200 ??

MSRPs for Torium 20 and 30 $189.99 and $199.99 respectively.

I was out on an inshore bottom trip over the weekend, and a fellow angler was very nice let me use their Saltist, which I liked very much.

The Saltist is a nice reel as well.

[paul-e]

Thanks. Haven't been shoping for a while.