Good surf pole REEL

Baskett-o-fish · 01-30-2003, 09:19 AM

Any thoughts on a good surf pole reel?

Sensei-san · 01-30-2003, 09:53 AM

The only reel to consider for serious surf fishing.

Penn 7500SS

http://www.pennreels.com/cat/reels/products.php?109

Baskett-o-fish · 01-30-2003, 09:57 AM

Thanks, Ill check it out.

Sensei-san · 01-30-2003, 10:33 AM

Actually I was hoping that some of the seasoned ifishers would chime in also. I like the Penn SS series of reels for surf fishing as they are simple, don't break when it is important (like when you have a big fish on), easy to repair and parts are readily availible.

My favorite surf fishing rig is a medium length pole, 9'6" to 11' and the Penn SS reel. If you learn the English or Australian cast, it makes it easy to get your rig out there in the surf.

Ragnar · 01-30-2003, 12:06 PM

I agree with sensei-san on the choice of reels for surf fishing. It holds enough line and is not too heavy to cast all day. A younger, not as wiser me, once bought the big bad 9500SS. I thought ...Go big or Go home... I should've gone home. I had to because my arm would no longer function. However, if you are interested in buying a used 9500SS there's one for sale in the boats/tackle Classifieds here on ifsh. SO does this mean I have to tell a story? O.K. I will start a new topic for that.
Ragnar

Trophy · 01-30-2003, 01:22 PM

It depends on what type of surf fishing you plan on doing. For bigger species, the Penn 8500SS or 7500SS, or Daiwa Black Gold series are durable and easy to get parts for. For smaller fish such as surf perch, flounders, etc., Shimano Stradic 5000 or 4000 will work.

However, if you're looking for a reel that will cast a mile, check out the latest Daiwa Emblem X-T at Bass Pro Shop. It is not as durable as the others mentioned above, but it casts farther, especially with thinner lines.

SlabQuest · 01-30-2003, 02:25 PM

I use an Alvey side casting knuckle-buster.

http://www.ausfish.com.au/alvey/4.htm

It's fun to use once you get the hang of it.

These reels used to - probably still do - hold the world distance casting record.

Trophy · 01-30-2003, 02:47 PM

I can see that there would be an advantage to the reel when you're casting, but how's the retrieving part? Seems like a heck of a work after a long cast?

edsr · 01-30-2003, 03:53 PM

Baskett - The reel of choice for striped bass surf fishing on the east coast years ago was the Penn Squidder. It is a standard casting reel and does require you learning how to thumb the spool and not backlash, but once learned it is a joy to use, works in most any weather including ice and sleet, and given a rinse in fresh water and a wipe down after use should last for years.

I have an alvey which is fun to use but will really twist-up your line. I find that even with a swivel I have to stop cut the line and let it un-twist from time to time. If you are fishing bait where there are fewer casts the line twist is not as big a problem. If you are fishing lures that need to be retrieved, as in lots of casts, the line twist is a lot worse, just a principle of physics. They do cast a mile when you have them matched to the " propper" rod.
edsr

Kilgore · 01-30-2003, 04:28 PM

I agree with the Penn SS series reels. Between the 7500 and the 8500, 8500 is a better choice because it holds 25% more line, yet weighs only .5 oz. more. Penn reels have quality large BBs that hold up really well in saltwater conditions. Other lesser reels will begin to corrode soon after their exposure to the salt, unless a great care is given.

SlabQuest · 02-01-2003, 07:14 PM

edsr: I haven't had any line twist probs. But then, the only thing I've used the Alvey for is surf casting for perch. Never used a spinning lure.

Are you guys familiar w/ the safety-pin type hooks for sand shrimp and the triangular open weights w/ spikes? I just recently discovered it.

Bankbound · 02-02-2003, 03:11 PM

Errr... no, would you please share with the class???

And how do you cast one of those Alvey reels they are very pretty to look at but how is the functionability?

MH

Birdnest · 02-03-2003, 07:42 AM

Slabquest,

Those are nice, a little $$$, but it sure beats watching your gear go one way and your shrimp the other.

Do you still use a little thread as a back up? If so, have you found that one color helps/hurts your fishing?

Birdnest

Sensei-san · 02-03-2003, 09:07 AM

Slabquest, the triangular weight with spikes is supposed to be a secret. If the strugeon anglers realize they work, there will be no more sturgeon.

Ah... Alvey reels. Remember them well. Popular years ago for surf fishing and also salmon mooching. Daiwa for years made a really beautiful knock-off of the Alvey.

Nah... I gave up on the knuckle busters... Easier to cast and retrieve at 4.6:1 instead of 1:1.

edsr, I think the true Right Coast surf striper fishermen used to use the old Spinfisher bail-less 700 reel. It had a palming knob for a crank and no bail. You used your finger to control the cast.

SlabQuest · 02-06-2003, 09:53 AM

Bankhound, the entire spool/reel rotates 90 degrees at the base for casting. The rod I use is special made for the alvey. The first ferrule is actually a hook type deal where you remove the line for casting. It's amazing how far you can cast.

The secret hooks and weights are kind of hard to find.

Surf perch are a summer only deal, right?