Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

As you can see from some of my other posts I am pretty much a dummy when it comes to casting reels
(and a lot of other stuff too). I'm thinking of purchasing a Penn Fathom. I want a reel without level wind (and I'm not even sure what that means) and left handed retrieve with a star drag. I'm looking at spending about $150 give or take. Is this a good choice? And I understand that without the level wind the line has to be guided by the operator onto the spool on the retrieve. My question then is: how do you go about spooling one these? That sounds like a nightmare. And by "spooling" I mean loading the reel with line for the first time.

Vet fly

A good many spinning reels are level wind,because it line winds more evanly on the spool. Alot of spinning reels handles can be switched to either side. You should be able to fix d what you want for less $150.. most stores( not walmart) will put the line on for you. DICKS Should. Go to fishing store and try out the reels.

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

So, you're saying I should stick with my spinning gear instead of looking into getting a conventional reel? OK. Your opinion. I guess I really don't know what "level wind" means. I thought it was the little gizmo in front of the reel that goes back and forth to lay the line in the proper place on the spool? If it's not that then please someone explain to me what it is. I didn't realize that spinning reels can even have "level wind". I know the surf casting reels I've seen in videos don't have that little gizmo, and can therefore cast longer distances than the ones that have it. I've got a lot to learn. And I've been fishing for over 60 years.

Garry Loc: Wellborn, Florida

The only reasons I can see for that type of real is less moving parts and in really large fish on less thing to break. as far as distance the spinning real probably has the advantage there. I don't know but the reel without level wind would have an advantage at trolling for marlin ad such. The spinning real's spool goes in and out to make the line wind on it levelly, Stay with the spinning outfit for surf fishing. The bait casting reals are easier to spool than a spinning reel. Put a pencil through the spool of line and have some one hold it for you while you load the spool on your

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

what I'm asking is if you don't have the level wind when you're spooling the reel, how do you ensure that it's going on the spool the correct way? So, so far the answer to my questions are: stick with you're spinning gear; which is probably not going to happen because I'm curious about conventional gear and surf fishing. And, take it to a store to get line put on it. OK.
Well, as I said this is going to be a learning experience. Good.

Garry Loc: Wellborn, Florida

You have to guide it onto spool with your thumb any time you are putting line on your spohol. whether Just spooling line or fighting fish

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

As I said, sounds l like a nightmare. Think I'll stick with the level wind. Now if someone could just point me in the direction of a decent light weight bait caster suitable for salt water that isn't going to break my bank. Anybody?

Bass face

I’ve always found that for surf fishing, spinning reels are The way to go. Shimano Sedona 2500 is my go to reel paired up with an 8’6” Okuma Salmon series rod. 🏄🏼‍♂️🎣

Jeffchow88 Loc: San Francisco

Level wind or for a casting reel. You see them more on bait casting reels. And maybe half of conventional saltwater reels.
It’s a personal preference on what you want to use. Spinning is easier. Most long time surfcasters use casting over spinning.

Jeffchow88 Loc: San Francisco

Level wind or for a casting reel. You see them more on bait casting reels. And maybe half of conventional saltwater reels.
It’s a personal preference on what you want to use. Spinning is easier. Most long time surfcasters use casting over spinning.

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

It's like I'm not getting thru. I HAVE a spinning rod and reel that I use for surf fishing. I target surf perch which don't get much bigger than a couple of pounds so I use what is probably considered ultralight gear for surf fishing. I have a 12 foot Daiwa Sealite light action rod paired with a Cabela's Salt Stiker 40B reel. I'm going to replace it because I don't like the reel and the 12 foot rod is a pain to deal with going from where I live to the coast. I am seriously considering going conventional or bait caster or whatever the heck they're called, just because I've never used one. I want to pair it with a 8 or 9 foot light action steelhead rod. Call me crazy. I would like to buy an Ambassadeur International, but I'm not willing to spend that much money at this point. Nobody seems to make the rod I want so I'm thinking of building my own. So again, what I'm asking is: can anyone point me to a light weight baitcasting reel that is suitable for use in salt water? I'm looking for a rugged little reel that will cast a mile with that 8 foot rod and that will stand up to salt and sand.

Ndpond

If I understand you correctly you are asking how to ensure you have the line spooled on a spinning reel the correct way.
The have a friend with pencil method is one way but if you are alone simply place the the new spool of line on the floor directly under the pole and crank about ten turns of line on to your reel, use your thumb and forefinger to keep the line going onto the reel tight as you normally would. Ok now you have your ten turns lower your rod tip toward the spool of thread. Does the line lay down smoothly? If it does you got it going right. If it is going the wrong direction the result will be that when you lower your pole the line will twist and turn making loops that if were spooled onto the reel would make for serious backlash problems. Personally I hope you don't get caught up in the level line mindset. They are excellent reels for trolling deep sea or the smaller version baitcasters for fresh water bass but clearly your best bet for surf fishing is a good salt water spinning reel. Make sure you rinse it out after every use and they will you many a good fishin yarn.

Ndpond

Syarn

.Sorry
I have no. Idea about a salt water version of what you are looking for if your local sporting store guys can't help. If it were me I would be inclined to try midpriced fresh water gear. For example I live in Florida and when I was a kid my dad fished Mitchell 300. Fresh water reels but if kept clean and lubricated they held up for 30 years. Just an idea...good luck!

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

Thanks Ndpond. My problem is that I don't live anywhere near the coastal sporting goods stores, unless you consider 100 miles close. Where I live everyone targets trout and bass so the expertise is centered around those species. If I go in and talk to someone about salt water equipement it soon becomes apparent that they don't have any idea. Either they tell you that right up front or they try blowing smoke up your butt. So it seems like I'm on my own. I'm just hoping that maybe someone on here has some experience and can help. I've seen guys using the Penn International and they do great, but that's a $300 + reel and I'm not willing to pay that much. So looking for something less expensive that will work. Thanks again for the help.

oldsalt Loc: Holland Pa

If you're looking for a source, I've been please with professional service & price from TackleDirect in Egg Harbor NJ. You can discuss options and buy over the phone - no charge for shipping orders over $100.
After driving there one time for my inital purchase, I've bought a lot of gear from them over the phone.
I know you seem set on conventional reel. If your reason is less moving parts and durability, you may want to consider a spin fisher reel with manual (no wire) bail mated with the rod of your choice. I believe you would be in the $200 price range.