One thing to remember about the Penn Battles, at least the original Battle. The reel is actually one size larger than the number suggests, i.e., a Battle 4000 is closer to everyone else's 6000 and so on. This explains the greater weight.

Thanks Y'all! I think I should be set and on my way to nail those fish!

+1

2500 size reel

I'll give you a bit more to chew on. I am pretty much a bait cast guy, but recently got a spinning combo to minimize backlashes when fishing for trout especially. I did a lot of research and with a limited budget I went with a Kastking Orcas in the 3000 size --- $64 on Amazon. Paired it with a H20 Express (7'3") from Academy for $60 and spooled it with Casting's fluorokote line (17 pound test). Already broke it in and I am very pleased with it....light and could cast a mile with it. No wall hanger with it on the trip but did land a 5 pound gaff top with no hassle at all. Do the research on these under the radar gems.