I'm looking for a good quality big-pit type spinning reel.
I know that Daiwa Emblems are good; anyone else have any suggestions?
Has anyone used the new Cabelas Salt Striker Surf reel? I've heard good things about the Salt Strikers but their big-pit surf reel is new...

Thanks!

I tried Cabela's Salt Striker reels and rods once. Didn't like 'em at all. The spinning reel was not smooth at all and the rod's eyes showed rust after one trip. I returned them and went with Penn spinning reels and Falcon rods.

I've got a Okuma EB-65 from Cabela's on a Cabela's 15 ft. Whuppin Stick Salt Surf Spin Rod. The rod and reel are both salt water rated. I haven't had time to go to the beach and try them out, but I am hopeing to find some time soon. Together the rig was under 2 bills.

I have a Shimano 6500B that I absolutely love to fish with and seems to be indestructible.

I like my penn captiva reels for surf casting. very smooth and pretty affordable

I use an EB-65 for carp fishing, I was wondering how they might work in the surf. Might be using them down there sometime, if they can handle it. Gotta rinse them off right away afterwards and all I'd imagine.

I'll be trying it out soon, targeting sharks and or bull reds. Really looking forward to see how far I can cast with the whuppin stick. I'm hopeing I can cast past the second sand bar without wading.

I like the Penn 750 SSM. It's almost indestructible if you take care of it.
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I've found that most people wade to the second bar without even knowing it a lot of times. Most of my surf fishing has been in knee ( or less) deep water, and I'm catching fish behind the guys who waded out too far. Many were caught while standing in ankle deep water, depending on the tide.

dawia emcast pro or sport but EMP is better

the dawia emcast is def. one reel i would use in the surf because of the full metal jacket design. it feels really solid in the hand and its got great line capacity.

hey brian if you're heading to the surf let me know...i'm going to do more of that this year.

Thanks all for your input.
I've purchased two Daiwa Emcast Plus 5500s. Looking forward to putting them to use!

Ebay, Penn 9500ss or 8500ss and never buy another reel. Id honestly go with a conventional reel for the surf though. You can find some penns and daiwas pretty cheap.

I'm currently using the Salt Striker SSBF-65's for my catfishing on Pro Angler Rods. I'll be taking at least 6 of those to the Coast this summer when I go.