Author Topic: Offshore Rod & Reel Combo (Read 9113 times)

Bucktail · « **on:** August 28, 2012, 11:19:39 PM »

Fin-Nor Sportfisher Conventional Combo

Fin-Nor Sportfisher ST30 reel matched to a Fin-Nor heavy duty E-glass rod

Reel specs:

Mono capacity: 460/30 (similar to a 4/0 Penn Senator)
Gear ratio: 4.1:1
IPT: 35
Max Drag: ~32 lbs
Drag Specs: 10 washer stack
Drag Material: Carbon Fiber
Anti-reverse: Double dog
Frame: One piece aluminum
Gear materials: Bronze main & SS pinion

Rod Specs:

Material: E-glass
Line rating: 50-80 lb.
Action: Med. Hvy
Guides: Turbo style, aluminum oxide
Gimble: Nylon with rubber cap
Grips: EVA foam

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I have researched these reels and they compare very favorably with the Penn Senator of the same size.

From Tackle Tour:

Sportfisher Conventional: This reel is designed to go head to head with Penn's 113 and 114 conventional reels that are amazingly popular among anglers and aboard party boats because they are so robust, feature proven performance, and are relatively low cost.

The Fin-Nor Sportfisher Conventional is designed with specifications that target their Penn counterparts. With this new reel, Fin-Nor has moved away from their traditional look and feel and given the Sportfisher Conventional a modern design. The reel is made from a strong die-cast aluminum frame with graphite side covers. A solid one-piece stainless steel harness plate is used. To prevent any accidental issues the Sportfisher uses a double pawl and ratchet system for greater security of the anti-reverse. An oversized brass main gear is incorporated into the reel along with a stainless steel pinion. The new Fin-Nor Sportfisher conventional reel comes in size 30 retailing for $119.95 and size 50 for $139.95.

I have also been in contact with a reel repair tech (not from Fin-Nor) who posted a comprehensive breakdown and maintenance tutorial on it's bigger brother, the ST50(below), and asked him if they will do the job. He told me they would. He also added, "The internals are rock solid and they have great drags from the factory...I think it is an awesome reel."

He also advised that he wouldn't fish them with much more than 20 lbs of drag, but I have no plans set them past 18 lbs anyway.

The Sportfisher ST30 reel alone has an MSRP of $119.99. The combo normally sells for $169.99.

Asking $89 for the combo or $99 filled with 40 or 50 lb. Berkley Big Game.

Thanks,
Bob

[youtube=600,390]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmqsE_X7ld8[/youtube]

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