Bottom Fishing

[Reelscreamer]

I am trying to set myself up to where I get the most bang for my buck on getting some bottom fishing rods and reels. I am debating on the penn 560 slammer or the penn 345GTi level wind. Can someone please help me out with this situation I am facing and maybe what type of line I should be using? Mono vs. Braid? I already have the leaders and hooks but I am curious on what reel to use because there are some big fish to be caught off the bottom. I have heard good and bad things bout the level winds such as the gears that run the level wind with shit out on you fast if you catch to big of a fish on them. Please help me out.

Thanks,
Jeremy

[Custom Canvas]

Reelscreamer, i have a penn 560 slammer on a trevala rod and it has been put througth the RINGER and still very very smooth.

it is an all metal frame and a great bargin for the buck i like jiggging with it and bottem fishing with it!

[SeaBiscuit]

Hello Jeremy. A lot would depend on how deep and how heavy (lead) you plan on fishing.
Bait and weight can be a bit much for spinning outfits to handle, but you can have a lot of fun fishing jigs with one.
Most folks use conventional reels for bottom fishing. Braided line reduces the stretch, cuts through water easier (using less weight to get to the bottom) and is more sensitive than mono. It can be difficult to handle when you get snagged on the bottom , however.
Let us know what type of bottom fishing you plan on doing and we may be able to offer some additional advise.
Good luck,
SeaBiscuit

[merry marlin]

With a name like reelscreamer don't worry about the equipment let it scream. I used to fish the 345GTI but burnt quite a few drags on those in Africa. I think more important than the rod or reel is the line, leader and knot adapted to the fish. Always worth overkilling a little not to miss the big one when he comes!
MM

[Reelscreamer]

Ya'll have opened my eyes sooooo much yet again! I am goin to be using calamari for bait on a double hooked leader. I also use a 3-4 ounce weight to get it to the bottom. SeaBiscuit thanks for the info on line and I thought of that just as I hit the send button. I don't want to have to cut 100-175 feet of line off if I use braid just because I snagged bottom or the fish takes me into the reef! I totally agree about the level wind having more parts to break but if you look at the other thread I posted bout the last trip I made (I have included the picture here) I mean don't get me wrong the occasional Wahoo or Shark and Tuna come thru so I want something that will stand up if I have something like that on my line! Also I would like to use this rod and reel for throwing pitch bait to Mahi when they come back in season! Please let me know what ya'll think! I value all opinions to make me a better fisherman! Thanks ya'll

Jeremy

[SERprise]

Jeremy if you want to check out what I use let me know it works pretty good and I have caught 40# yellowtail in cali with them while jigging. I would go with braid I seem to outfish everyone when I am using braid and they use mono because I feel every little bite and hook sets are really easy. I caught 12 trevally today at a new secret spot on base from shore. You gotta fish it sometime with me.