Spinning Reel for Big Cats?

Hey guys!

So I am starting to fish for big blues and am gearing to buy a 8ft or 10ft Pro Angler cat rod!! (I fish from bank, probably 8 ft?) --

Anyway! I am looking to find a good reel for this rod. I hear everyone saying abu garcia ambass, etc etc but I am new to baitcasting and would like to see my options for spinning reels!

Any popular spinning reels that allow a lot of line, great for cats?

Thanks

How much coin you willing too drop on a spinning reel?


I'd check out the cabelas salt striker

BPS Ocean master

Penn Spinfisher
Penn Sargus
Daiwa Emcast


Couple of solid reels that I own, don't get used very often. No having a clicker is the main reason!

Don't own it myself, but I've heard good things about the Penn Battles(II is the newer model)

All my bank catfish reels are Shimano Socorro 5000-10000 spinning reels.

I bought mine from BPS $70-80, mine are 4-7 years old the drags are still Smooth, I caught hundreds if not thousands of catfish from 3lb to 50lbs blues and countless stripers up to 17lb. They Cast far, great for braids smooth drag for fighting big fish, made with saltwater parts which is great protection from muddy bank water. Zero maintenance, all I did was dipping my reels in clear water to wash off mud and dirt once in a while. Best catfish reels my money can buy.

I have a BPS Catmax 80 and Cabelas Salt Striker 6000, both spooled with 50# PP braids, both have not been used one full season, they probably need cleaning and oil because reels are getting louder and drags are not as good as when they were new. If you like make me an offer I'll sell them both to you.

I also have a brand new Daiwa Opus Plus Bite n Run spinning reel but haven't used it yet so can't say much about it.

I feel the Penn Fierce II is the best bang for the $. I used Okuma Avengers but had one break in my hand. The Fierce is made for the salt so it can stand up to anything fresh water can throw at it. The all metal body is important to me. I like them so much, they are the only spinning rods I keep in stock. An added benefit is if you make a run to the coast, you do not have to worry about changing out gear, they are a great dual threat.

Many years ago when Moby Dik was still just a minnow we used those old Penn 109 reels for fishing in red River. They were the only thing that would hold up in that sand and red mud. If Penn reels are as good today as they were back then that's what I would go with for a spinner. I been looking at them live liner versions too.
I like my Mitchell 300 for the eater sized cats and it will handle 20 pounders OK.

I am not so much into spinnings but i started with quantum optix 40/60 . Been using same reels for about 6yrs now never had any issues even with big fish . But i am looking at new penn fierce .

I've got several Battle 2's and really like them. I don't use them for catfish...but I bet they would last a long time.

They have held up to numerous 4-6ft shark and smoker Kingfish. Literally no problems.

They would be overkill for cats. Lol

I Have been using the quantum optix 40/60 and they have held up for 6 years. Fairly inexpensive and have a good drag system.

Best Bang for the Buck. I have 8. - mix of the Reg and Baitfeed. The Baitfeed models seem Beefier. Also have several Quantum Optix 60 - $29.99.



Salt Striker Reels

Bass Pro Catmaxx pretty Decent reel also. I've had a few - still have 2. 70/80 - same reel different spools.


Catmaxx - On Sale

Get 10' Rods. Make some PBC n rebar rod holders- just duct tape PBC to rebar and recover with new tape periodically.

I am leaning towards the Salt Striker or the Penn Battle II--

If I were to get a penn battle II, Do I get a 4000? 5000? 6000? (I am a newb at reels)
If a Salt Striker, what model for that?

I am leaning towards the 10ft Pro Angler spinning rod-- and remember, fishin from bank

Thanks!!

Bass Pro Shops CatMaxx Spinning Reel looks like it has great reviews as well!

Get 60, 65,70 series reels 6000,6500,7000.

DO get a 10' ProAngler.!

I also like Meat Hunter rods.

SS-80B, SS-40B are the models for salt striker-- not sure how those compare to 6000 65000 7000, like the other reels

What parttime said.

40-4000 too small.. 80-8000 - bigger than needed but Ok

I like the SSBF65b - first one listed

In reg Salt Strikers they have 30,40,50,65 and 80. I like 50 and 65. 80 and 65 are same reel different spools.

I would suggest a 6000 to 8000 on the 10' Pro Angler. I sell a lot of them as combos with the 8000 Fierce II.

What does the LL mean on the end of these?

LL means Live Liner, those have a bait feeding ability with a second drag. You have it on and the fish feels no resistance, then you lock it down and fish on! Use it when you want to the fish to have the bait a bit before you set the hook. I think it would work well for cats (especially flatties), gar, and some salt fish.
I actually have one on hand that was a special order that fell through. I am offering it for $82.12, it is the 6000LL, you can't beat that price. Oh and free shipping.

I will keep in touch come payday :P -- also, why don't peeps go with the 8000 since it's only a few bucks more?

8000 holds more line then needed . A spinning reel needs to be spooled full for best casting so it can get expensive especially if running braid. Most brands the 6000 and 8000 are same reel but different spools so you don't get a heavier duty reel just line capacity.

Thanks for the info, got some reel knowledge today I'll probably buy that reel off ya (parttime) when payday comes most likely- called jeff to make sure he had some 10 footers over here in austin-- he does

Depends on where you fish. Many Anglers down here do use the 8000, because besides fishing from the lake shores, they will take them to the coast and fish the piers and surf, move line the better.

This is not the case for Penn Fierce II reels.

Sounds good, just let me know.

Great point!!! My aunt has a pier that she just had to repair for $3000-- baytown- I am going to head there soon, says there are redfish/flounder out there though I am sure there are more fish there-- dock is about 8ft, deeper out front to 20-30-

[img]http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/pics...1_1784727632732[/img]

Ive got penn fierce 8000 quantum optix 8000 ive got A diaway emcast 5500 and an emcast 6000. the diawa 5500 emcast is rated for heavy freshwater medium saltwater. the 6000 is extra heavy freshwater and heavy saltwater. ive got a couple okuma baitfeeder 90 that have the bait feeder option which is a great feature on a spinning reel if you are fishing for the giant blues i like the 8000 size reels, the 6000 will usually hold 200 yards of 20 mono. the diawas hold alot of line and come with 2 spools. i use mine for shark in saltwater and for beach fishing on 12 foot rods

I am not sure if I should start with a 6000 or 8000 lol-- I may just do 8000 for more line/salt ready? I mean, 5$ difference, why not?

Penn SSV10500

Just get one of each.