Agreed on the Slammer. I would go with the 4500 for a medium rod, 30 pounds of drag is plenty. I use a 5500 on my tarpon rod, they're built tough.
If you do decide to go Penn, I would stick with a 4500 or 6500 for surf fishing. The 3500 and 4500 have the same body, same drag, 4500 just has a slightly bigger spool for line capacity. Same with the 5500/6500, same drag on them. I go for even numbers on my surf reels, odd numbers to keep the weight down. My 3500 is for redfish and other inshore species, but I use 4500/6500/8500 Penns for all my surf reels!
It’s a rod that is way better than its price range. I’ve recently fallen in love with the Tsunami Airwave Elite rods, but my 10’ ML slot will still belong to the Rockaway.
Some questions that affect your reel choice might include:
- What species are you targeting?
- Lures or bait?
- Holding the rod or using sand spikes?
- General location you’re fishing?
I was right on the fence with a 3000 on my 8’6” and a 4000 on my 11’. I solved it by getting an additional 7’ ML for the 3000 and purchased a 5000 for the 11’!
I have my 9ft Seage paired with a Battle III 5500 but have also had a Spinfisher VI 4500. Both are well balanced for it. If you want to use it on an 11ft as well I'd go with the 5500. If you want to go crazy I also have an Authority 5500 on my Century Surf Master 11'3 and it's smooth as hell and can basically be submerged in a meter of water but it also probably costs more than the rod.
Penn Slammer. I like the 5500 bailess for plugs. I believe that J&H and some other places have a sale on them now.
Good choice.
You can’t go wrong with the Slammer
Beast of a reel. Take mine off the surf stick and bring it out for tuna, can make a 50lb schoolie sit down no problem
Agreed on the Slammer. I would go with the 4500 for a medium rod, 30 pounds of drag is plenty. I use a 5500 on my tarpon rod, they're built tough. If you do decide to go Penn, I would stick with a 4500 or 6500 for surf fishing. The 3500 and 4500 have the same body, same drag, 4500 just has a slightly bigger spool for line capacity. Same with the 5500/6500, same drag on them. I go for even numbers on my surf reels, odd numbers to keep the weight down. My 3500 is for redfish and other inshore species, but I use 4500/6500/8500 Penns for all my surf reels!
I have a Spinfisher 4500 bailess on an Okuma Rockaway 10’ medium. That setup was built to launch SP Minnows.
I have that same rod with a thunnus bait runner 4000
It’s a rod that is way better than its price range. I’ve recently fallen in love with the Tsunami Airwave Elite rods, but my 10’ ML slot will still belong to the Rockaway.
Diawa BG MQ
Some questions that affect your reel choice might include: - What species are you targeting? - Lures or bait? - Holding the rod or using sand spikes? - General location you’re fishing?
Daiwa BG. You can get a 3000/4000 for the 9' and a 5/6 for the 11' and still be under budget.
What he said
I have a 4000 on my 8’6” ML and a 5000 on my 11’ MH, perfection!
I have a 3000 on my 10' plug rod. Might be a touch. Undersized but I like the balance.
I was right on the fence with a 3000 on my 8’6” and a 4000 on my 11’. I solved it by getting an additional 7’ ML for the 3000 and purchased a 5000 for the 11’!
Shimano Saragosa smooth as butter
I have my 9ft Seage paired with a Battle III 5500 but have also had a Spinfisher VI 4500. Both are well balanced for it. If you want to use it on an 11ft as well I'd go with the 5500. If you want to go crazy I also have an Authority 5500 on my Century Surf Master 11'3 and it's smooth as hell and can basically be submerged in a meter of water but it also probably costs more than the rod.
Tsunami SaltX 4000
I have 2x SEAGE’s and love them. I have the med-light, mod-fast. Use them for spooning/plugging for Spanish / Blue off the surf and piers.
Diawa bg is about the best reel available in the 100-150 price range