Shane what kind of reel is that in the first pic?
That is a Penn International 12W. Extremely rare. It was produced in the 1977-78 timeframe.
I use it mostly in the surf when running out big baits with the kayak. It has also seen some offshore action over the years, on some of my 5 1/2' roller stripper rods as well as my 7' bait/jig rods. I installed a bearing sleeve on it and now it freespools like a dream for sight casting tinker mackerel on 20# dia braid/fluro leader to outside boils and other cruising fish.
Everything else on the reel is stock and it is in great condition. Performed all the maintenance myself. I originally bought it new for fishing the SoCal 1/2 day boats back when the big yellowtail were thick.
I basically got tired of getting spooled on my ABU 6500's and Penn Jigmasters when the big yellows would crash one of our surface bites. I can sling a 10" plus live mackerel or squid about 50-60 yards on my 10' Calstar glass blank and Penn 12W combo.
Along with the 30-40 pound class yellowtail, there were also giant white seabass up to 70 pounds. I basically wanted a reel I could land anything with on 20 pound mono, but I didn't want the weight and bulk of a Senator. There were not nearly as many reel options back then like now.
