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Ozbullwinkle · 23-08-2010, 22:59

If you buy an overhead reel forget about the Penn Senators they are old technology which have star drags and reels with a level drag are far superior. For value for money look at the Shimano TLD series and for a spinning reel the Shimano Baitrunner series are great. The baitrunner allows you to disengage the drag and set the reel on a minimal drag setting, like when you are at anchor and put a bait over the side with the rod in the rodholder, this then allows the fish to run when taking the bait then as soon as you turn the handle you immediately engage the fighting drag setting which is a heavier preset drag to hook the fish. The Penn spinning reels are also very good quality but the Baitrunner feature on the Shimano is fantastic and once you have used it you will be convinced of its benefits over a reel that does not have this feature.

All the best & tight lines,

Steve

zeehag · 23-08-2010, 23:02

i like penn for trolling. they are awesome--the really old ones are best.

s/vfootloose · 24-08-2010, 01:12

If you are out cruising to me fishing is a large part of the experience. I would have 2 rigs for trolling 4/0-6/0 Penn senator or Shimono tld loaded with 40# line and a rod with a roller tip. Mount rod holders and these rods live there. Learn to tie the Bimini twist and put a ball bearing swivel at the end. Get 2 650ss-750ss Penns or like with 6'-7' rods load with 17/20# line for inshore snapper fishing or other lite fishing. I would have a lite rod 8-10# for bait and playing (don't forget subiki rigs). Use the heavy rigs for trolling and heavy bottom fishing (grouper etc) and use the lighter rods for everything else. Bring lots of line and learn how to clean the drags and you will be able to do most any kind of fishing you would like. Check pawn shops and you can find these for a good price,remember to dicker.

Therapy · 24-08-2010, 15:16

And to drift a little, don't buy anything but circle hooks. They do the work for you.

Curmudgeon · 24-08-2010, 15:20

I have the Shimano TLD25 for trolling. It's a nice reel, but I wish I had purchased something with a stronger drag.

**GordMay** · 24-08-2010, 16:20

Aren’t circle hooks primarily designed for easy catch & release? I’m not certain I’d want them for table (subsistence) fishing.

Therapy · 24-08-2010, 16:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by GordMay

Aren’t circle hooks primarily designed for easy catch & release? I’m not certain I’d want them for table (subsistence) fishing.

Well, maybe that too but the main reason is that one does not "set" the hook. Simply start to reel and the hook will set itself.

This is the main reason long liners have always used them. The fish eat the bait and get hooked. No help needed.

Table fishing for the masses.

off-the-grid · 25-08-2010, 18:20

In the end I decided to go with one of the Shimano spinning reels, 2 yo-yos for trolling...and if all else fails, a 6' fiberglass pole spear with a standard barb and a paralyzer tip/.

Therapy · 26-08-2010, 10:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by grunzster

In the end I decided to go with one of the Shimano spinning reels, 2 yo-yos for trolling...and if all else fails, a 6' fiberglass pole spear with a standard barb and a paralyzer tip/.

You are ready.

Now you just practice holding your mouth right when you say "Here fishy-fishy".

Ozbullwinkle · 26-08-2010, 17:39

I'm sure that you will be satisfied with the Shimano spinning reel especially if it has the Baitrunner feature that I mentioned in my earlier post which are unbeatable.

Good luck with the fishing & tight lines.

Steve