Getting some new reels (Penn or Shimano) - The Hull Truth

Agreene · 03-01-2008, 11:00 AM

For conventional reels I've have a pair of penn special sentors (with the chrome spool) and a couple of 310-330 gti's. The senators are nice but the gti's are just ok.

At any rate, I want to downsize the reels this year and I want to step up in quality. I am bouncing between penn international 965-975's and Shimano tdl 15's and trinidad tn12-tn16.

I want a set for live lining eels or pogies for bass and another for tautog and fluke.

I've only used the Shimano tdl 15 and penn international 965, but that was for a minute or two while trying someone else's setup. They both seemed nice. I'm basically looking for the best reel for the money (not that I mind springing the extra loot for a more expensive model if it's that much better).

Thanks

keith91 · 03-01-2008, 01:19 PM

The TLD line are very nice reels and you can't go wrong with them.

But if you want metal frame reels and some nice reels that are small, but give you a lot for the size, then I would seriously look at the Avet line. For striper, tautog, and fluke fishing, I have 2 Avet MXJs and love them. They make them in a single speed and a 2 speed version. The 2 speed is a lot more money, but the singles are not that much when you compare what you get.

The only thing they don't have is a levelwind. But you don't really need to worry about that too much with these fish...even the big stripers don't take that much line.

If you want a bigger reel, then the JX or LX are nice as well. But with all these reels, they were designed for spectra/braid lines since they are very small but pull nice drags.

Good luck,
Kg

Capt John1 · 03-01-2008, 01:19 PM

I have a small bucket in my shed with old Japanese reels from a few differant manufacturers that broke, and parts were no longer available. I have an old Penn 4/0 that my Dad bought used about 35 years ago, I can get parts anywhere for it. I have four Penn 50's that I bought in the early 80's, still use them all the time, hope to keep using them for many more years, and I know I'll never have a problem getting parts. Buy the Penn, and know you'll be using it for a long time, the Shimano's are nice, but when they discontinue a model number, they stop making parts for it as well, a few years later, no parts, in the bucket it goes.

John

spooled up · 03-01-2008, 02:19 PM

Well if you want the best for eeling and casting, I would look at a few choices. The 965 is a fine reel, but will require a decent amount of maintanance. Trust me, I have one. It's a superior reel when things are running well, but it just breaks down a bunch. You really need to know the insides to own one for a long period of time.

The Avet SX is a great reel in a little package. It is definitely worthy of checking out. A great bait fishing reel with a good clicker. I don't like the reel that much for jigging or casting just because of the way it feels in my hands. You would have to try it to see what I mean. Also, it is a lever drag just like the tld15 that you fished.

The trinidads are very smooth reels. Good casters with an OK drag. Alright, it's a very smooth drag but you won't get much stength out of the box. If you only plan on using 15-20lb line, you will have no problem with these. They are great performers. They just aren't designed to fish heavier braid. I have looked at them several times, but just never pulled the trigger.

Another I think you should look at is the shimano calcutta line. The 400B series will get the job done and then some. If you want the best, then move up to the 400TE series. Buttery smooth, great casting, and it has a clicker for bait fishing. I love this reel for jigging as well.

I own all of the reels I wrote about other than the trinidad and I have to say that the first setup I reach for every time is the calcutta 400. It's just very easy to fish with, comfortable, and a great performer. I do not have the TE version, but from what I have heard it is worth the money...

daddy0 · 03-01-2008, 07:16 PM

It is true what was said of Penn parts availabillty,to date anyway, Its my understanding that they published a list of reels that in the not so distant future parts manufacturing will cease. Parts for the # 9,109,209 are already on the endangered list. EXCELLENT no nonsense bullit proof for inshore and Bay. IMO the neck to neck with the abu garcia/ambasseduer as a starter reel for kids and some of our clumbsy guests, (we all get one on occasion) The calcutta is a supperb reel , I presently own a 320&330 the 330 was a let down . not all smooth and difficult to toss from the boat. I also own an ambasseduer CL7000 Big game, level wind and lever drag bailed me out when the330 bailed .It is rated comperable to the 320 but it hes Brass. Casts well and 1/2 the price of the calcutta . Definitely worth looking into .

Frank007 · 03-02-2008, 11:30 AM

Take a look at the Daiwa Luna 300 at $240. It is similar to the Calcutta 400, which would be a good choice also, and the Penn 965. I prefer the handling of the Daiwa Luna 300 to the Calcutta 400, and it feels just as smooth and noticeably stronger (I have one of each). Match it to a St Croix Muskie rod (I use the 6'6" models rated for 17-40 or 20-50 lb line) and it will be suitable for a wide range of fish (stripers to blues to fluke and tog and many others) and types of fishing (bait, lures, casting, etc.). I fill mine with 30 lb braid.

alantani · 03-02-2008, 04:36 PM

there are rebuild posts on mosts of these reels. use the search engine and type in the reel brand and the word "rebuild," then type in "alantani" for the author and do a search of "all posts." you should find some interesting discussions. good luck on your new reels! alan

plugmeister · 03-02-2008, 04:50 PM

You think thje GTI's are just OK for tog and fluke? WOW, you must have very high standards. For eelin and swimming live bunkers or shad (pogies?) why not spinning reels? Then they can double as pluggin outfits. Oh, recently I sent a Shimano Stradic out for repair. It took 12 weeks. I asked why--they said lots of reels were being sent in for repair. Great advertising, huh? I sent a Penn---took 2 weeks.

tommyr904 · 03-02-2008, 05:09 PM

I second the penn's.i have both and like the penn's much better.i also have three avet 4/0 2 speed's and have had bad service from them also [ cannot get them to free spool with any drag] i have about a dozen 4/0 penn's and alway's work well for me.i am no maintance fanatic I hose them off and that's ziti get the older ones wherever I can find them and 20 buck's to thrifty bait and tackle for a good cleaning and new washer's and there good to go for year's

cobraarvey · 03-03-2008, 08:33 AM

I have a Penn 955, a 965, and two 975's. No issues at all on any of them, and one is about 4 years old now. I use the 955 and 965 for fluke/sea bass/weakfish, etc. The 975's have caught it all, including Striped Bass up to 30LBS. I even switch them to different rods depending on the fish I'm targeting. Very versatile and reliable so far.

cobraarvey · 03-03-2008, 08:34 AM

I have a Penn 955, a 965, and two 975's. No issues at all on any of them, and one is about 4 years old now. I use the 955 and 965 for fluke/sea bass/weakfish, etc. The 975's have caught it all, including Striped Bass up to 30LBS. I even switch them to different rods depending on the fish I'm targeting. Very versatile and reliable so far.

piscatore · 03-03-2008, 10:00 AM

can't beat the Penn 975csld
12lb drag, smooth
great real

Agreene · 03-03-2008, 10:30 AM

I reading everyone's replies. Keep the comments coming.

I've caught a 40lb striper on a 320 gti, so I'm sure the international 975 can handle it.

BACKTOTHESEA · 03-03-2008, 10:37 AM

calcutta 400 (with or without levelwind) or abu G 6500 C3 (Not the C4). Can't beat the price on the Abu at 75 with mail in rebate. can use either or for both types of fishing. Some prefer Abu for fluke as there can be a tendancy for some to inadvertantly hit thumbar spool release on calcutta when setting hook. Also like the small Avet, but no personal experience using it.