I'm just getting into Saltwater Fishing in VA. I was trying to outfit myself with two spinning setups to use on Cobia and Stripers. I watched YouTube videos, and made my purchase based on size recommendations from others - but in a different brand than they were using.

I bought Penn Battle II spinning reels (6000 series) and Battalion spinning rods (1220S70 model - 7', MH, Fast Action). Hoping I did ok in my choices.
But when I tried to mount the reels to the rods today, the reel seats seem small. I'm barely getting the reel foot into the seats.

I'm used to freshwater gear, where the reel fits well into the seat, with plenty in there.

Are my reels too big for the rods I chose?
Or do I just need to crank down harder on the reel seats?

Thanks for any guidance you can provide.

This is the first time I've tried to buy saltwater gear for VA fishing. I did this only once before, when I lived in FL, and the guy I was fishing with all the time directed me exactly what boat rods and reels to get for the fishing we were doing there. I have nobody like that to guide me here in VA. I'd appreciate any help, including comments either way on the gear I chose. Thanks!

All the best,
Glenn

That's an inshore rod and an Surf/Near Shore Reel.. That might be the problem, the rod has smaller reel seats for smaller reels. 2500-4000's..

Crank it

Crank it, use a few wraps of cord around the reel feet and then electric tape on top

Grind it

Sell it

Those 6Ks are more reel than you need. 4Ks would fit the reel seats much better, and have all the line capacity you'll need for cobia or stripers. Can you exchange them?

I agree, especially with using a braid main line, you'll have plenty of line with a 4000 and casting plugs