Opinions on Best Rods and Reels

[Matt]

Ive been looking into purchasing a new saltwater conventional rod and reel to be used for on party boats. I already have an older penn reel that was given to me by my uncle but I want to upgrade now. I see alot of fisherman use penn senators they seem like one of the more popular reels out there today. What else do other members use and whats a good rod to purchase along with this?

[SuperAdmin]

Penns are excellent reels. The 113 senator is a great reel many people I know have had great success of off it.
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/content/Item/11/01/25/i110125sq02.jpg

[Chris]

penn is the best kind of reel by far

[JayW]

I love the quality of my penn and the strong durabilty with beautiful design of it. They are very heavy duty and can withstand a good beating. The first time I took my Penn 6500 out I got a couple of scratches on it and got very upset.

[JayW]

Heres a pic of my Saltwater Surf Fishing Set Up
-10ft Okuma Solaris Rod
-Penn 6500 reel
http://photos.maanglers.com/albums/userpics/10007/normal_scifklsjkfl%7E0.jpg

[dana_c]

I use a Penn GT-320 for deep sea fishing, spooled with 300 yards of 65 lb Power-Pro. Rod is a 6 1/2 foot 20-50 class.

The Penn is reasonably priced, about $100, has levelwind, and is faster than the Senator on the retrieve.

[Toad]

For ground fishing I use a Newells 540, 5/1 ratio, spooled with 40lb braided dacron. on a 7' Penn Slammer rod. Does everything I want it too.

Becareful with spooling up with some of the new high tech thin braids. Some of the party boats won't let you use them because of the threat of cut hands. If they do let yu use them I guarantee if you get fouled up with others your line will be the 1st to be cut.

[fisher16]

Within the last three weeks I've added a couple of new spinning reels to my ever growing arsenal. A penn captiva baitrunner, and a penn slammer 460.
Hopefully they give me years and years of service as did the previous ones. One last thing Nice rod Bpapi is that a Tica? Looks like one by the photo.

http://photos.maanglers.com/albums/userpics/10004/normal_DSC00022.JPG

[sunchaser]

I've found the Daiwa 400H to be one of the best reels out there for all around party boat fishing. I've had one for over 25 years and have not had a problem withit. I fish cod 20-25 times a year and ithinks these reels hold up much better than the Penn 113H. Spinning reels are not pratical for deep sea fishing.

[buckmanjr]

Ugly sticks are nice for bass and trout.

[fisher16]

Heres a really good deal that was posted on the CTF website.<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width="100%" rowSpan=2>Penn - Senator 113H 4/0 Reel - High Speed Special Combo with 6'6" Boat Rod...Reg. $139.98..Save $40!!<!-- XMAS2005 --></TD><TD align=right colSpan=2>http://a1672.g.akamai.net/7/1672/116/20060401/www.ritzcamera.com/graphics/ritzcamera/buttons/addtocart_blue.gif (javascript:addToCart(document.OrderItemAddForm);)</TD></TR><TR><TD align=right>$99.99</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> http://www.boatersworld.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&catalogId=10051&langId=-1&productId=13142852&bct=t251412

I've seen this combo for sale for $200.00

[dana_c]

BassPro's 'Offshore Anglers' division has some inexpensive rods on sale - their 'Sea Lion' series. 20-30 bucks for a heavy stick is cheap enough for a rod you'll only use a few times a year. Spend the $$ on a good reel (Penn) and good line. Also their wide gape circle hooks are on sale. love 'em.