Another Halibut Reel Question

Horns and Fins · 01-29-2007, 10:57 AM

Ok, so one of my goals this year is to get out and try some Halibut fishing. We have the rods but we need some new reels. I have searched the archives and it has answered some of my question but there are a few left. I have listed my major factors below:

Has to be left-handed
Qty of 4 reels total so money is definitely a major factor. I am hoping for under $500 for all four reels.
I think that I am shooting for a capacity of at least 350 yards for 50 lb. braided (let me know if I am way off)

What are your thoughts? (Other than get more money

)

Thanks for the help!

fyshndad · 01-29-2007, 12:11 PM

One reel that comes to mind is the Penn 321Gti
it holds 400 yards of 50# tough line and the price is right

One down side is that this is a level wind reel so there are more things to wear out
I got 3 seasons on the one I had but I fished Halibut with it at least 10 times each season plus several TUNA trips

So for the $$$ it paid for itself

Highmark · 01-29-2007, 12:31 PM

The penn 321 is a good reel. but the 340 is a better one. just a little more meat. I have 3 on the boat. Have been using them for the last 5 years. No problems. My boat catches about 36 a year plus shakers and tuna last year that would have been about 45 or so.

Highmark

fyshndad · 01-29-2007, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Highmark

The penn 321 is a good reel. but the 340 is a better one. just a little more meat. I have 3 on the boat. Have been using them for the last 5 years. No problems. My boat catches about 36 a year plus shakers and tuna last year that would have been about 45 or so.

Highmark

I agree the 340 is beefier but I don't think it comes left handed as Horns and Finns was asking about

Taylor's viewpoint · 01-29-2007, 06:09 PM

GI Joes had the 320's on sale for 59.99 last week. I don't know if the sale is still going, but you might give them a call and find out.
TV

Lady E · 01-29-2007, 07:23 PM

The Penn 320 will work but it is better suited to salmon fishiing. The Peen 330, 340 and 345 are heavier and better suite to deep water fishing . I have been using the 330GTI for four years and have had little problems. The Penn reels are good.

I know the Avets (either EX or 30 Pro aren't in your price range but perhaps you could purchase one for the skipper) are probably not in your price range, but what about the Shimano Tekota 700 (I think this is the model)? The price is about $180 and the drag and build is awesome. I don't know how they will hold up over the long range but I think they are one step ahead of the Penn 300 series. The drag is definately better. Check them out at Sportsmans Warehouse or Fishermans Supply. Also, they are a level wind which is a plus.

Personally I would prefer a larger size reel for comfort in reeling up 48oz weights. Something the size of a 4/0 (like an Avet EX or 30Pro). I think the Tekota 700 would compare fairly closely to a Penn 330GTI. The 330GTI is a good reel. I have a friend that has been fishing them for oversize Sturgeon for a couple of seasons and not had any trouble.

Lady E

Theron · 01-29-2007, 07:54 PM

I use 345 penns with 130lbs tuogh line and I have been very happy dont know about the left handed part though (130lbs

I have been referd too as the king of overkill

) but I dont lose fish

Theron

greenbuttskunk · 01-30-2007, 01:44 PM

340 loaded with yellow 80lb tuffline. You're good to go.

CATCH AND EAT · 01-30-2007, 02:11 PM

Penn 113 and 114 come in Republican and Democrat models.

Work great for butts and for tuna and hold a ton of line. Had mine for 4 seasons now but they are used for only tuna now since I went back on my cheap is good enough philosophy and bought a couple of Avets in the used forum.

The Penns have more than enough power to crank of the big fish too.

HOGGEMIN · 01-30-2007, 02:26 PM

I looked up Penn reels and the only GTI series reel in left hand is the 321 so I would go with the Penn Special senator 113 wich comes in both right and left handed models.

pijon · 01-30-2007, 03:13 PM

I have the 321s and they are fine for rockfish and lings. Also work fine for drifting with 24 oz of weight looking for Halibut in the straights near port Townshend . I couldn't tell you how well they do when actually catching a Halibut! They are a dumb fish anyway, sturgeon bite when there supposed to!

Also have the 113's in lefty. They would be the most versatile.

Fishinnut · 01-30-2007, 09:12 PM

50 pound power pro or spectra line is plenty. You can't break the stuff. I used to run 80 pound for years and switched. It is small diameter and has less drag in the water. I fish up to 800 feet deep sometimes and line diameter can be a factor. Get at least the 330s. I have three GTI 340s and two GTI 345s. I also have a big Penn line counter Halibut Reel and a GTI 330 that I should sell because I never use it. These are all great reels. My biggest halibut is 88 pounds to date and was pulled out of just under 600 feet last year. I pulled three halibut out of the straits last year, I really like the thinner line. But it can cut you so be careful.