What Type Of Surf Reel Are You Folks Using.

[OffTheHook13]

For me, It's a Penn 704Z.

I've tried many different brands and styles over the years, but I keep going back to the 704Z.

[ped579]

I use only two Okuma and Penn.  My go to rig is the Penn 560 Slammer with 30# PP on a Tica 10' Dolphin Surf.  The Okuma's all have 30# PP as well.

The conventional reel is a Penn 525Mag with 40# PP on a Tica 11' MH rod.

I have used Okuma's because they are the most reasonable in price, as these are the ones I let people use when I take them out.  They seem to be holding up pretty good for as much use as they get.

Paul

[adesai73]

daiwa emcast 4500plus on 10' okuma solaris - have yet to use this one, itching to get out and give it a go!

abu C706LX on a 8' tica tc2

[OffTheHook13]

I just started getting Tica rods in.

Nice....

I'll have to try em out.

[ped579]

With the Ticas I have found the sweet spot in the casting load is closer to the mid range of their scale.  With the 10' rod 3oz seem to cast fantasticly well.  the rod loads up nicely.  Any higher and it is seems the rule of diminishing returns comes into play.

Good rods though I enjoy the weight or should I say the lack of.

Paul

[Capt. Mike]

Shimano Bait Runner 4500 and 6500

Mike

[EdL]

Up until about a month ago,all my reels have been Penns, and all have been spinning. The reason being they have proven to be reliable,and able to take the abuse of the beach, and if and when there are problems, I can fix 'em myself - I don't have to send 'em away and wait for their return. I typically use the 4500, or 5500 for plugging (dependant on lure weight) and either the 6500 or 7500 when throwing meat.
A month ago I bought the "Avet SX" (conventional)- so far all I have done is take it to the local football field and experimented with different mags for casting. For the guys that don't know, this little reel is a beast !!! It absolutely throws a mile - It consistently throws 8oz. of lead in excess of 100 yards with NO backlashes now that I have the mags figured out. It is a solid, well machined piece of equipment. I cant wait to put it to the test against some decent sized bass and blues. I plan on putting this reel through it's paces - will keep you updated on it's performance.

[OffTheHook13]

Hey Pul, which Okuma are you using?

And do you like it?

Ed

[mboy]

Up until about a month ago,all my reels have been Penns, and all have been spinning. The reason being they have proven to be reliable,and able to take the abuse of the beach, and if and when there are problems, I can fix 'em myself - I don't have to send 'em away and wait for their return. I typically use the 4500, or 5500 for plugging (dependant on lure weight) and either the 6500 or 7500 when throwing meat.
A month ago I bought the "Avet SX" (conventional)- so far all I have done is take it to the local football field and experimented with different mags for casting. For the guys that don't know, this little reel is a beast !!! It absolutely throws a mile - It consistently throws 8oz. of lead in excess of 100 yards with NO backlashes now that I have the mags figured out. It is a solid, well machined piece of equipment. I cant wait to put it to the test against some decent sized bass and blues. I plan on putting this reel through it's paces - will keep you updated on it's performance.

Interested to hear about your mag trials.

I have a new Avet Sx I bought over winter, used 1 trip for tog fishing and absolutely LOVE IT.

I did not get a chance to cast with it yet, but will soon.

What mags did you use and how did you go about it?

[Luna Sea 5]

Penn 950ss

[EdL]

MBOY - Probably the easiest way for you to see how to mag the SX is to just "Google " it - thats how I got the details - But when you do, and IF you do decide to mag your SX, don't buy mags - I bought plenty and will gladly send you some. I ended up, so far that is, with just one mag, 3/8" X 1/16". I started with 4 mags, could only cast 45 yards, went to 3 and got 65 yards, then 2 for 80 yards. I now have just the one, and feel comfy with it - casts in excess of 100 yds with 8 ounces of lead with NO baclash. - I may or may not have to go to different size (diameter) mags when I give it the real test on the beach.   (Ed)

[ped579]

Hi Ed,

The Okuma's that I use are the Avenger series the AV50's.  Good all around reels and they take a beating every year.

Plus I forgot to mention I also have a couple of Diawa's as well in the arsenal. The 5000 and the 4500, which BTW use to be my go to reels till I switched to the Okuma's and now to the Penn's.

As far as the Penn 525 Mag that to is a reel that casts a mile.  I have no trouble making 100 yard casts but I have to say it can get away from you is you are not on top of it.  I can throw a 3oz lead 100 yards with 40# PP and a 3' mono shock leader with no hooks just the sinker itself.  This reel is coupled with a Tics 11' Extra heavy Graphite fast action rod.

Again, I find that the Tica's sweet spot lies in its lower ratings.

Happy Catching

Paul

[mboy]

MBOY - Probably the easiest way for you to see how to mag the SX is to just "Google " it - thats how I got the details - But when you do, and IF you do decide to mag your SX, don't buy mags - I bought plenty and will gladly send you some. I ended up, so far that is, with just one mag, 3/8" X 1/16". I started with 4 mags, could only cast 45 yards, went to 3 and got 65 yards, then 2 for 80 yards. I now have just the one, and feel comfy with it - casts in excess of 100 yds with 8 ounces of lead with NO baclash. - I may or may not have to go to different size (diameter) mags when I give it the real test on the beach.   (Ed)

Thanks, I am def. familiar with magging. I was interested in eharing your experience with it.

I will def take you up on that earth magnet offer.  Thanks.

[ryanh908]

shimano 6500 baitrunner 25#test
w/ St Croix 10' Triumph

[catfish hunter]

for surf I use the following
stella 4000
stella 6000
vs 250
shimano thunus 12000

[eagleyankfan]

for surf I use the following
stella 4000
stella 6000
vs 250
shimano thunus 12000

THAT is ALOT'O'CASH invested.  I'm amature surf fisher(mostly sod w/ with plugs thrown in). 
8' lami, 3500 shimano bait runner
8' Tica  Stratic 4000
9' (shimano rod I don't know how to spell) and stratic 5000.

[ped579]

That is what is nice about this sport you can rise to the level you can afford and still catch the same type, amount as well as size or even better, its due to the luck factor.

I have been fishing for a long time and only recently can afford the mid range equipment.  And to be honest with you I see no difference in the catchability.  I love it when a kid goes out to the inlet or bay front and out catches a seasoned fisherman by using his Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, or Kermit rod and reel.

You get the best you can comfortably afford and go out and have fun, period.

Happy Catching

Paul

[PeggyLee]

Penn 450.Penn 550,Penn 650 (chunks and bait) A little heavy, but real work horses.
Clean em up with fresh water after each use.

[OffTheHook13]

I get a kick outta the guys on the beach struttin around with their 800.00 VS reels and custom rods.

Total status thing.

I use a Penn 704z that I have for 15 years.

The thing has been through wars.

And has never once failed me.

It's an awesome reel.

Don't get me wrong, those other reels are pretty.

[catfish hunter]

I get a kick outta the guys on the beach struttin around with their 800.00 VS reels and custom rods.

Total status thing.

I use a Penn 704z that I have for 15 years.

The thing has been through wars.

And has never once failed me.

It's an awesome reel.

Don't get me wrong, those other reels are pretty.

kind of like a guy fishing w/ a 4 dollars teaser in bluefish waters ,I dont fish w/ good gear as a statis symbol I fish it because I want the best for something I love to do