Penn International 12 LT

[XpatBubba]

I came across a really good deal. I want to troll with them for dolphin and kings, mabey hoos.
What rods are the best match (I think a roller tip if not all roller guides)

How much drag does the 12LT have on full strike?

[captnemo]

I came across a really good deal. I want to troll with them for dolphin and kings, mabey hoos.
What rods are the best match (I think a roller tip if not all roller guides)

How much drag does the 12LT have on full strike?

First off, I am guessing people will jump in and say the 12 is too light for much trolling, I would have though said the same thing until my last trip to Cabo, thats all we used was penn 12 2 speeds for pitching livies to striped marlin, we landed several in the 100-150lb class on the Penn 12's. The reel had plenty of drag for them.

Second a braid backing is probably in your best interest to increase your total yardage in case you hit a big smoker king or 50 lb bull, you'll want some more capacity then the 12 can provide with straight mono.

Third with a reel that light I would not use any rollers simply because then you cannot use it for a pitch bait rod, which is what the Penn 12 is perfect for. Any rollers, tip or other wise are going to severely limit your pitching ability and cause back lashes.

I would get a good 6-7 foot rod with light action and turbo guides all the way up. If you looking budget minded the penn line has several in the 100$ range.

Ask our the resident rod expert Kevin Knox, Anglers Envy, he built me 2 light pitch bait rods with acid wrap guides, for a pair of 30's. Something in that class would be nice for your 12's, then they could double to pitch bait or jigs. If you go with rollers, you just condemned those reels to trollers only.

[paul708]

That is a nice reel.
a little heavy for its size.

depending on your budget.

the calstar is a good choice,
in 7' the 700M would be fun with that reel.

A superseeker is another great choice
the 6'6" supeseeker is another great blank.
it has slightly softer tip but also has the power needed to bring the fish in.

A regular e-glass blank rated to about 40-50# would be fine.
and are great for a cheaper budget.

I usually recommend either all ring guides or all rollers.

good luck in your search.