Gulf fishing
Jan 21, 2021 15:03:49 #
gwd0856
Loc: Clearwater, FL
So; I live in NE GA but I love to fish the Gulf of Mexico out of the Clearwater FL area. I used a Penn 309 with either 30 or 50 lb line for many years but it failed on me on my last trip offshore. I also have a Penn 750 that I use inshore and could use offshore if needed, but I am thinking that I may replace the 309 before I try to go down in the springtime.
Since I live in GA and really do not go to the Gulf frequently, I cannot justify spending a lot of money on a new reel. Can anyone recommend a reel that is suited for Grouper or Snapper fishing that will not break the bank? I am partial to Penn but obviously I am open to other brands. I even looked at the store brand reels at Bass Pro Shop (Ocean Master, I believe) but have found mixed reviews on their reliability.
Any suggestions?
gwd0856
Since I live in GA and really do not go to the Gulf frequently, I cannot justify spending a lot of money on a new reel. Can anyone recommend a reel that is suited for Grouper or Snapper fishing that will not break the bank? I am partial to Penn but obviously I am open to other brands. I even looked at the store brand reels at Bass Pro Shop (Ocean Master, I believe) but have found mixed reviews on their reliability.
Any suggestions?
gwd0856
Jan 21, 2021 17:30:23 #
gwd0856: Well, partner you left out one vital item in your request. Are you using braded line or mono? If you are using mono, you could possibly move up to a stronger weight in a braided line if your reel is rated to handle it.
Braid is about 1/3 the diameter of mono for the same strength/test. So, by moving over to braid, you could load your Penn with a higher strength and have even more line length to spare. Just a suggestion if your reel will handle it. Just Sayin...RJS
Braid is about 1/3 the diameter of mono for the same strength/test. So, by moving over to braid, you could load your Penn with a higher strength and have even more line length to spare. Just a suggestion if your reel will handle it. Just Sayin...RJS
Jan 21, 2021 18:30:11 #
gwd0856
Loc: Clearwater, FL
Thanks for the reply.
I could go either mono or braid if I buy a new reel... I just don't want to spend $100-200 or more on a reel I may not use but once every 3-5 years. But I am leaning toward a new reel altogether. Just not sure if I want to get another Penn 309 or another brand.
Was wondering if there is a reel suitable for grouper/snapper fishing that might be a better choice in the same price range as the Penn 309.
Thanks for the suggestion.
While on the topic though, IF I buy a new Penn 309, what type line/weight do you suggest?
I could go either mono or braid if I buy a new reel... I just don't want to spend $100-200 or more on a reel I may not use but once every 3-5 years. But I am leaning toward a new reel altogether. Just not sure if I want to get another Penn 309 or another brand.
Was wondering if there is a reel suitable for grouper/snapper fishing that might be a better choice in the same price range as the Penn 309.
Thanks for the suggestion.
While on the topic though, IF I buy a new Penn 309, what type line/weight do you suggest?
Jan 21, 2021 22:16:56 #
Welcome aboard. Enjoy the fishing. Fun area to fish - Clearwater. Went out with a local a couple times and we slayed them.
Jan 21, 2021 23:29:33 #
gwd0856 wrote:
Thanks for the reply. br I could go either mono ... (show quote)
Not being familiar with the Penn 309, I would guess it would handle braid up to maybe 80 lb. Depending upon what the mfgr specs called for . But just remember the 1/3 smaller braid than mono. Just Sayin...RJS
Jan 22, 2021 00:06:11 #
I have googled the Penn 309 and it will handle 80 lb braid line, so you would be fine with that rig. Just Sayin...RJS
Jan 22, 2021 08:06:31 #
Joecat
Loc: Florida / Rhode Island
I live in New Port Richey and fish the gulf, if your fishing grouper you want a reel that has substantial drag you hook a decent grouper he will take you into the rocks or coral and that’s it you’ll loose him use minimum 65 lb braid , 80 fluorocarbon leader and lock the drag down all the way, and hold on
Jan 22, 2021 17:14:43 #
Jan 22, 2021 17:16:42 #
gwd0856
Loc: Clearwater, FL
yeah, I love the area and have family there... Been a couple years since I was able to go and hope to go back this spring!
Jan 22, 2021 18:06:11 #
PEPENANDO
Loc: Tampico, Mexico
SHIMANO CHARTER SPECIAL 1000 OR 2000 YOU CAN BUY FOR 100 TO 120 DOLLARS NEW, BUT ARE SO GOOD THAT YOU CAN GET A USED ONE AND HAVE NO PROBLEMS
SHIMANO TLD 15 THE SAME
BOTH REELS ARE SIMPLE, EASY TO REPAIR, YOU GET ALL PARTS, AND IN A GOOD PRICE AND BOTH ARE LEVEL DRAG
I AM A SHIMANO GUY
SHIMANO TLD 15 THE SAME
BOTH REELS ARE SIMPLE, EASY TO REPAIR, YOU GET ALL PARTS, AND IN A GOOD PRICE AND BOTH ARE LEVEL DRAG
I AM A SHIMANO GUY
Jan 22, 2021 19:23:20 #
Gators
Loc: Tampa
A great reel for the money is a penn rival in the 20 size is great. It's light holds plenty of 40 or 50 mono. More if you use brade. It has brass gears. It runs around 59.00 and it hasn't let me down yet. I also fish out of clearwater ..
Jan 23, 2021 17:23:56 #
Jan 23, 2021 17:24:47 #
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