Which Spinning Reel?

[JD5652]

Guys-

I'm looking for a couple of good all around spinning reels. At first I looked at the Penn line and now I'm looking at the Shimano BaitRunner, Thunnus and Stella lines.

Here are my needs:

(1) Will be used ONLY in saltwater
(2) Will be used to cast for mahi and around the dock for whatever....might even try a tuna or two for fun
(3) Want good quality and low maintenance
(4) Doesn't necessarily have to be the latest and greatest

Having said all that, I know there's a hugh price range difference in the Shimano lines. I was told that the BaitRunner 6500 would do just about everything I need it to. However, I like the fact that the Thunnus and Stella line are aluminum bodies.

How about some pros and cons from the SFC pros on the Shimano line and anything else that you're familiar with?

Thanks!

OK...OK....so I guess I should have searched a little harder....just found the thread about spinning reels.......if you have anything else to add...I'd appreciate it.

Sorry about that!

[JD5652]

OK...so I read the thread about offshore spinning reels and think I know which direction I'm headed.......any recommendations on a rod for the BaitRunner or Stella??

[paul708]

http://www.sportfishermen.com/board/...t=striper+rods a few good models avail for your uses

[POON MAN]

JD my Favorite's

For medium tackle I use StCroix Premier SWS70MF 15-30 with a Shimano Spheros 6000FA "This would be a good fit for your application"

For Heavy spinning I Use St Croix Premier SWS70MHF 20-40 with a Penn 9500

Here is a pic of the heavier in action The reel i was using at the time was a an old large Fin Nor with 50lb Power pro we released the Tuna est. 80lbs after 18 minute fight ,the rod was bent like that for most of the battle




i was waiting for the explosion that never happened and i still use that rod today and have battled many more on it

[fightinglady]

Guys-

I'm looking for a couple of good all around spinning reels. At first I looked at the Penn line and now I'm looking at the Shimano BaitRunner, Thunnus and Stella lines.

Here are my needs:

(1) Will be used ONLY in saltwater
(2) Will be used to cast for mahi and around the dock for whatever....might even try a tuna or two for fun
(3) Want good quality and low maintenance
(4) Doesn't necessarily have to be the latest and greatest

Having said all that, I know there's a hugh price range difference in the Shimano lines. I was told that the BaitRunner 6500 would do just about everything I need it to. However, I like the fact that the Thunnus and Stella line are aluminum bodies.

How about some pros and cons from the SFC pros on the Shimano line and anything else that you're familiar with?

Thanks!

OK...OK....so I guess I should have searched a little harder....just found the thread about spinning reels.......if you have anything else to add...I'd appreciate it.

Sorry about that!

We just started using the new Fin Nor Offshore 7500 Spinning Reels. They are very nice, a lot of stainless parts, solid reels. The best we have seen, stellas, Daiwa expeditions ... when they break, you cant fix em, you have to send them back and wait 6 months. these fin Nor reels are about $150 each, a lot of bang for the buck. Call Dude at 305-854-0005, tell him Fightinglady sent you.

[paul708]

We just started using the new Fin Nor Offshore 7500 Spinning Reels. .

they look nice what kind of drag do they pull?

[fightinglady]

they look nice what kind of drag do they pull?

as much as you can put on them. we are fishing 25#momoi diamond line which tests in the 40s. the reels look like they took a bg90 and got rid o all the faults. we hae stellas and expeditions which are very expensive and they suck!

[Capt. Brian Daley]

TRUST ME WHEN I SAY I OWN THEM ALL FOR MY MONEY AND WHAT YOU ARE
GOING TO USE IT FOR THE FIN NOR LINE IS JUST RIGHT AND THE PRICE FOR
WHAT YOU GET GREAT REEL AND DRAG SMMMOOOOTH FROM #8 TO #24 I LOVE THEM CHECK OUT THE NEW LINE YOU"LL BE VERY HAPPY BUT IF YOU
DO A LOT OF LIVE LINNING GET A BAIT RUNNER JUST MY 2 CENTS

[BTH284]

have had great luck all around with the ugly stick custom 12-20 lbs 6'6" stand up spinning on baitrunner 4500's. 16 lb suffix line

6500 baitrunners get the capt's choice rod in 30 lb 6'6" stand up spinning.
50 lb braid here powerpro

[flatbottom]

I have never tried a fin nor. I have used and own the baitrunner 3500 and 4500. So far bullet proof. Black tape on the spool and braid to the leader. Rods are ugly stick and tsunami (sp)? That name is hard to remember. Both are 30 lb.

I did see pauls rods in person 1 morning.. The quality of the custom and action you look for is tuned/matched for you by Paul. That night, (8 later) a huge striper in the 50+ class was on the dock. I know where I will go when upgrading.