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My boyfriend is getting into Tuna and Mako fishing and likes the Penn International reels..they seem a bit pricey. Can anyone recommend something that is quality in a lower price range? He wants 30/500 or 50/500. Any help or opinions would be appreciated. Does anyone have an Okuma Titus? They look nice..
Try http://www.cabbagekeyrodandreel.com
I bought a couple of Everol 50 wides from them for the same reason.
They are a great reel at a reasonable price.
I have two Okuma titus reels and I have been happy with them both.
I have fished with Penn Internationals and they are fine reels. The obvious difference is Penns have thicker metal frames than the Okumas. Fishing for big fish, I prefer a metal framed reel since graphite frames sometimes fail. The Penn weighs about a pound more than the Okuma. Since I have never seen a metal framed reel fail, I am not convinced that extra pound buys me anything other than more weight to carry.
The one advantage of Penns is that you will find more places to repair them. Again, I live in NJ and there are four authorized repair stores (which I have never had to use). Ordering parts from Okuma (in California) is very easy so don't listen to the peopel who tell you otherwise.
I have a T20 and a TS50W-II. I have not fished the TG30-II but the Okuma gold reels are very good quality.
If he is fishing braided lines, the TG30 should be enough capacity and drag strength to handle most fish. If he plans to fish mono only, I'd go for the 5 cla0ss reel. Of course, if he runs into a 250 pound bluefin or bigeye, a 30 class reel isn't going to enough whether you use braided lines or not.
If he's using mono, you can't go wrong with the Shimano TLD series. I used a TLD30-2speed with 50lb test to land a 280lb striped marlin last week. Only took half an hour. One of the best values on the market; I think I paid 300 bucks 2 years ago at a retail shop and I'd imagine they're even cheaper now. They come in both 1 and 2 speed models. That's my two cents.
Location: Quebec, Canada and Pirates Cove, OBX, NC
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RE: Need help with big game reels
Quote:
njfun4now - 10/11/2004 7:16 AM My boyfriend is getting into Tuna and Mako fishing and likes the Penn International reels..they seem a bit pricey. Can anyone recommend something that is quality in a lower price range? He wants 30/500 or 50/500. Any help or opinions would be appreciated. Does anyone have an Okuma Titus? They look nice..
Congrats on getting help on this question . . . smart woman
My experience is that big game fishing reels is like trucks . . . every guy has a different opinion
My Admiral knew I was in the market for a downrigger a*few years ago . . . she gave me an envelope with a note saying that she would bring me shopping to the place of my choice to buy a downrigger, and that she would contribute $xxx to the cause. That way she stayed within her budget, and if I wanted, I could add a few dollars so that I could get what I wanted. Also since she was with me while shopping, it added to my perceived value of the gift.
She is a smart lady because I got the exact piece of equipment I wanted, nobody was disappointed, and she was not stressed by possibly buying something that was not what I wanted.
To answer your question however, if he has said that he wants Penn, the other similarily priced and "look alike" option is Shimano.* * Good luck. PS, guys really like the gold colour of the Penns and Shimanos, it makes us drool
Spend the money,you don't just use these reels once.The differance in price really is'nt that much IMO.Plus when you need parts(which you will with time)they are easy to come buy.
Are those T20 and a TS50W-II Okumas made of graphite?? I think he does use braided lines.. not sure.
The T20 is the standard graphite reel. It is essentially a copy of the Shimano TLD. I have jigged smalll tuna on it but I basically use it for inshore fishing and bottom fishing.
The TS50W-II speed is a metal 2-speed which I use for offshore fishing. I personally prefer metal reels for big fish and in the canyons off NJ over the past few weeks, there have been a couple of big swordfish approaching 300 pounds, a 277 pound bigeye tuna, and blue of marlin almost 600 pounds ( for that you'd probably want an 80 or 130 class reel).
I have a brand new in the box Gold Titus 30 II if you want to make me an offer on it Id entertain it. It is a little big for my using...Artie Fireguy274@msn.com
Thanks for all your opinions.. its funny about the gold color making you guys drool! It is so true.. I almost think my guy would like one of those gleaming gold ones in the sack with him..thats how I felt when I got him the Shimano Calcutta last year!! Guys are just so easy to make happy!
Good advice above. Fishermen can be very picky about their gear. In some cases, a wife choosing reels for her man is like a husband picking out shoes for his woman. Be darn sure to get exactly what he wants (or contribute towards it like others suggested).
everol is just as good as the penn if not better. we used them on big yellowfin in south africa. the reel is 30 years old and still going strong. air cooled with a very unique drag system. built for big mediteranean bluefin (the blues do a little growing in the gulf and med- then hit the atlantic and --well long story short the everol is built for bluefin fishing.) alutecnos is the other italian built big game reel.
You're right, it Is simple to keep us happy. Support our fishing habits, get us the right gear (by method above) a couple other things and we're all yours! I'm sure my girlfriend would agree.
This makes me think a "guys with their fishergirls/supportive girlfriends" trip would be a LOT of fun! Double fishing date
I have the same issue with Internationals and the price. I like My Penn Senatar 9/0 reel. It holds I think 675 yards of 50lb mono, but I spool it with 80lb dacron. Not a bad reel. You can get one of ebay real cheap and just have the drag washers replaced. Good as new
If you buy I suggest you check out this THT sponser, great guy and good service and not expencive
He gets you anything you want just email him. http://www.firehousetackle.com/penn_.htm
Need help with big game reels 
* Good luck. PS, guys really like the gold colour of the Penns and Shimanos, it makes us drool 
photob
ucket.com 
Guys are just so easy to make happy! 
Be darn sure to get exactly what he wants (or contribute towards it like others suggested). 
