International vs Senator

[tailchaser]

My father and I have both models. I bought him the International for a retirement gift (16s I believe), and it is pretty awsome. However, I'm just as happy with my 4/0 senator or 330 models. I haven't had any trouble with any of the Penn reels, but you don't have to spend the extra bucks to get a reel that will last 20 years. I have 2-330's on my rods I use strictly for what you're talking about and they handle everything just fine. I load it with 50-lb tuf line and haven't had a problem yet.

tc

[id. painter]

Thanks Tailchaser. I have two Penn 330 GTI,s and they worked for us last year . I was a little worried about the drag washers wearing out . What is your take on drag life? Thanks again. id. painter

[tailchaser]

In the 5 years I've owned them I haven't had to replace a single washer yet after many battles from AK halibut to the tuna grounds. My dad still has a couple of senators that he's used for over 15 years without issues.

The international is a top notch reel for drag standards because they're made for the big runs made by marlin and monsterous tuna. I do like the easy thumb drag lever on it also to put added pressure on the fish during the fight quickly.

I think you'll be fine with the 330's, but if you have the money to get an international it's almost worth it to see and hear the ooooo's and awwwww's when you break it out on the boat. They sure are purdy.

tc

[Reel Creel]

Its only money... spend it while you got it :grin:

[WP]

I spent it...now I don't have it...and I NEED it! lol...Dave

[Miss B Haven]

In that case Dave- Charge it...it's only boat money, it's not real! :grin:

[id. painter]

O.K.. ill get the Senator . i can use the extra cash for gas . It look s like its going to be costing a bunch this summer. id .p.

[Pilar]

IDP, the 113H (4/0) is a plenty good reel. I like the wide 113HLW because it holds more line for $10 more. When (if) you fry the drag washers, get the after market set, they last longer. The 4/0's I have used all performed well and no failures so far.

The Penn Intl reels are pretty spendy but they fish nice. Lever drag and big spools, some with 2 speeds. Makes sense for Mr. Big and would work for our TUNA! but maybe cost too much for the use you would get.

Avet makes a really nice 2 speed with Lever drag for less money. Just a thought.

[Uglygreen]

Exactly what John said...

UG

[KeyWest]

My two cents - if you buy the international, you will never have to replace it. I've bought many a $100 reel, and replaced them the next year, or 1/2 way through the year. But this was in the Gulf Stream off GA or FLA. I'm not certain around here, but a Wahoo can burn up a $100 reel in about 30 seconds (melted brass gears, burn through the drag washers, etc) .

[id. painter]

Was looking at the reels the other day . I need one more good reel to use for Halibut and Tuna .
I saw the Senator for about 100 bucks . The international is about 3x as expensive .
Should I worry about spending the extra $ . Are the drag washers the same ? Will I be O.K. with a Senator.
The senator holds 475 yards of 30 lb.They are advertising the International as holding 875 yards of 16 lb. What does that convert to,(yerds of line) in terms of 80 lb. power -pro?
Which reel should I get ? The weight of the two reels is within 2 oz. id. painter

[id. painter]

Thanks to all. KeyWest .
I want to catch a fish that will burn a 100$ drag in 30 seconds. Sounds like a riot.
Last weekend I watched George Poveromo catch a hudge Wahoo. Then, he got a Big eye tuna that was about 200 lbs. Someday, I will too !!!! id. p.

[greenbuttskunk]

for oregon halibut, I'd go with the senator, more than sufficient for the money. The internationals are more the rolls-royce of reels and have a tougher drag for faster fish like billfish and big tuna, but overkill for halibut and oregon tuna. A Senator 4/0 sould keep you happy, and your wallet will thank you too.
GBS

[northriver1]

I am with Keta on this one. My next expensive reel will be the Avet. Money grows on trees right, what is an extra few bucks for a great reel. It will only be $319.00

[Mark Mc]

Like we've said before: Keta, you have WAY too much time on your hands. But keep 'em coming!

Oh, this is a real reel thread huh. Yea, Penn 4/0 special (113h) is pretty much the Ford F150 of reels for saltwater stuff. I have 4 of them. 3 of these I've had for about 23 years. The chrome has partially worn off the spools, but they still work great with only minor parts replacement. One KEY thing is to back off the drags immediately after the fishing part of the day is done, then a light fresh water rinse at the dock, and an occasional oil lube.

However, if you have this desire to spend a few more bucks, lever drags (like an Avet or Penn KG or Shimano TLD) have the advantage of having a much bigger drag surface than the same sized star drag reel. With any star drag, when you button down the drag just shy of complete lockdown, the line will not peel out smoothly, whereas a lever drag allows smooth peeling off at this near lockdown stage. Something that you will start to notice and appreciate after years of over-doing it with 4/0's :grin:

[ 02-10-2004, 11:56 AM: Message edited by: Mark Mc ]

[kamloops]

Here Mr. Bill, here boy.... Come on boy... [img]graemlins/1zhelp.gif[/img]

Penn 113hlw and 113h are often avail both new and used on that internet bidding website.

After I got done with my purchasing the prices are due to go way down. My moto is pay way more than you would new at Fishermans or GI'S.

[Marty]

I think every boat or maybe every skipper should have one 'good' reel with a rod that matches that will handle just about anything that swims. Especially if that skipper travels to exotic places in the off season or wants to travel to exotic places in the off season or has that one day in a thousand when 300 lb bluefin are crashing on sardines on a flat September morning. These reels will never die and you can 'will' them to your kids when you are too old and feeble to bring that swimming volkswagen to surface. Personally I like the Shimano TLD 2 speeds or the Shimano Tiagra's.

Marty

[edsr]

Why does winter last soooo long and summer is soooo short!!!
edsr

[Pilar]

Edsr, please reference the thread about 'required Tuna fishing reading', for the lowdown on how time works for TUNA! fishers.

[KeyWest]

OK, sounds like the Internationals are out. I did pick up a couple of the Avets last month - they seem to be adequate. Full reel face drag, simple gearing, etc. They appear as though they will last - seem to definately be worth the $180 (note, these aren't the two speeds). I still like the Internationals, but I do admit they are heavy!

[id. painter]

I would really like to get an International.But, Im a school teacher . So back to reality.
Last summer my tuna trip was squashed when my pup impailed herself on a Lilac stob and was tangled up in some barbed wire.1250 $ bill that was.
Im saving all the $ I can this summer .
I start getting those guilt pangs each time I pick up the Cabales and start dreaming of a "Golden reel". Hi Ho. id. painter

id.
If you are short on cash just remember I'm never short on reels. I just went through my Senators and a few for some other Salty Dogs so they are ready to fish. You're welcome to use a loaner.

[id. painter]

Thank you very much Keta.
Im still hoping you will come help me devirginize my boat with tuna blood.
Im comming over this summer ! Even if I have to hitch hike with a Tiger rod in hand and stow away on Mel's boat .Hi Ho.
Im going to be taking my Brother -in -law and sister -in -law out for Halibut this summer on the island. He and his wife have no gear ,, Im thinking Ill have a boat load. My son , my self, the two inlaws and only two rods . Im thinking that if I can get one more rod we can make it work. I need two. id . painter

[id. painter]

Thanks guys.
If I can keep my neck in fishing shape , I will probably get the chance to retire on Vancouver Is.
So getting a reel that will last many years of hard fishing isnt just completely silly.
My son will have the chance to use any reels that out live me.
I may try to swing one International for myself and one Senator for the inlaws. Hi ho.
Question for all ... Is the small International enough reel for Halibut and tuna. They say it will hold 875 yards of like 15 lb. test. I dont want to go with more weight than I need , the reel weight is 28 oz. Thanks . id. painter

Small? 112H? I would go with a 113H for halibut.

[id. painter]

Thanks . 113H it is. id. p.

[Silver Eagle]

Just a quick question how do you use a 2 speed reel and have time to get a beer? You guys are great..............Ray