I like the Salt Striker Baitfeed Reels - SSBF65 - although I rarely use the baitfeed. Ive had some 6 years. But looking on Cabelas online they are only showing 1 size - the 65- there used to be 3 sizes. Only shows 1 size on the reg Salt Striker Reels- used to be 4 or 5. So I emailed Cabelas - they said since Bass Pro bought Cabelas much of the Cabelas branded stuff is being phased out. Only the SSBF65 will be offered - it may be phased out later. ? This Sucks.

My second Choice is Bass Pro Catmaxx - I�ve had 2 for about 6-7 years. Guess if the SSBF65 are phased out I�ll get more Catmaxx reels if I need to replace reels.

Budget Choice is Quantum Optix 60. I have 4 for a few years. I had more but Sold some Combos and upgraded to ProAngler/Salt Striker combos.

A lot guys use Penn Pursuit,Fierce and Battle reels but I haven�t tried those.

Of course Shimano has some BadAzz Spinning Reels But they are above my budget..........

My 10ft pro anglers have Penn Fierce II 6000LL-- I've been meaning to try the salt strikers myself!

You think the Okuma baitfeeders might work well?

I think the Catmaxx and the Salt Striker are Stronger/Last Longer than the Cheaper Okumas Like Avenger (Although I heard people say Okuma makes them.?) Probally equal to the better Okuma baitfeed like the Ceymar or Better?

Some of the Catfish guys who were on here a few years ago got into Saltwater fishing and used their ProAngler/Salt Striker catfish combos for Bull Reds, Sharks, Big Black Drum etc.......

The Salt Striker baitfeed model seems beefier to me than the Regular Salt Strikers But internals could be the same.? The body is bigger on baitfeed and it has a thicker bail and bigger power handle. I always got them on Sale so bought the baitfeed model.
65 series Salt Striker Baitfeed is a 9 bearing reel - More bearings doesn�t always mean better but.......

I just bought one of these on sale recently. I'm really looking forward to trying it out on blue cats in North Texas.

Penn Fierce ll 6000 or 7000 for the boat,8000 for the bank and you're done. The Fierce has a full metal body while the Salt Striker and Catmaxx are graphite. It has more line capacity and is braid ready. I own all three brands and can say with confidence the Fierce is the way to go. The 8000 can be found on eBay for around $65.00. Bout the same price as the Salt Striker.

My opinion is that you can never go wrong with the pen spend Fisher series. I've had a few of the spin Fisher v.. I haven't had a chance to try out the new spinFisher vi. But the reason they are my top choice is because they offer a bait feeder model and the baile on the real is. What makes it so good the thickness is perfect, because I can not tell you how many times I have snapped at the Bale off of via cooma avenger, baik feeders and plenty of other spinning reels that have a tiny bail wire that has a tendency to break where it meets the plastic part of the Bail. l. Not to mention the spinfishers also have rubber gaskets that seal every single nook and cranny, water could possibly get in. And it keeps the reel corrosion free for a very long time. They may be expensive, but they're well worth it. By the way, sorry if my spelling and grammar is crappy, I'm using voice to text to write this. Lol

Bigpoppa I bought five salt striker reels a few years ago on your recommendation and they are great. I was At Cabellas yesterday and they had none in stock and said they could not get them. I wanted to get a few more for my grandchildren for Christmas. I just hate buying the kids junk that will not last. I still have my first ambassador 5000d I got for Christmas when I was in the 7th grade. The 5000 d works but the drag does not. I took it to southwest and they said I need a new frame but hey that reel has been in some serious mud thru the years.

They dropping them. Online has/had the SSBF 65 still.

Shimano Spheros 5k-6k on a boat, or 8k from the bank.

Ya thems Too Pricey for me esp when running 6-8 combos in boat.........

This man knows what he's talking about. I've had Eagle Claws, Okuma, Shimano, and some others I can't name. Penn is the way to go. Never buy a graphite body for big cats- the frame expands under high pressure and the gears will skip.

I bought a couple of the BP Off Shore Angler Sea Lion reels for some of Blue Cat rods and I am big fan of those now. I have had no issues with them. Saltwater spinning reel for a great price.

https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/offshore-angler-sea-lion-spinning-reel