Seeking recommendations for inshore spinner

[PacRat]

I have a co-worker who is retiring after 45 years. The CEO approached me for suggestions of something more useful than a gold watch. I know he has talked about retiring to the Dominican republic.
I was going to recommend a Van Staal but then thought maybe best to ask you guys first. He's left handed but I don't know if he uses a left-hand spinner, so convertible is best.
Some things to consider are aver-all durability and parts availability in the future.
I'd also appreciate suggestions for a travel rod to par it with. Something that can be carried on an airplane.

Thanks in advance.
Mike

[quang tran]

Best is ask him what he likes ,when I retired they gave me lots of fishing tackle ,rods and reels combo but i gave all to other

[MACflyer]

Penn Battle IV makes a nice travel combo, with a carry bag, in 4000 and 6000 sizes. Check their website.

[pjstevko]

Shimano Stradic is a great inshore option in the mid-range price.

High $$$$ and big fish rated Shimano Stella or Okuma Mak spinner!

[jgp12000]

I second the Penn Battle,I have version 2-2500 size.I imagine the 3000 or 4000 could handle anything inshore with parts availability in the future.

[Swami805]

I have a shimano vanford that I really like for surf fishing. The handle can switch to lefty too

[Donnyboat]

Have a talk to him with out letting the cat out of the bag, as if normal conversation, tell him your thinking about buying it for your self and what would he suggest, including being able to buy parts in the future, cheers Don.

[oc1]

I agree with you Mike and think a gold Van Staal is about the least you can do after 45 years.

[boon]

Whats the budget?

Imagine working somewhere for 45 years and they buy you a $100 Penn as a leaving gift. Better throw in a $20 Starbucks gift card to really show your appreciation for their career.

[OhReely]

Spinfisher VII. Three different sizes for the price of a VS and he can service them himself.

[thorhammer]

Slammer III

[JasonGotaProblem]

Instead of saddling them with a VS which are not pleasant at all to fish with, get him something smooth. And if it's not "fancy" enough spend the difference on a custom rod?

[Benni3]

Van staal is nice and he could be use for travel,,,boat,peir,river,surf,,,i got a penn torque 5 just for that with a 2 piece rod but was to flashy in some places,,,you don't want the size to big or to small if you don't know where your going to be next fishing,,,,

[Benni3]

For the Dominican republic a colt 1911 would be nice,,,,

[JasonGotaProblem]

Van staal is nice and he could be use for travel,,,boat,peir,river,surf,,,i got a penn torque 5 just for that with a 2 piece rod but was to flashy in some places,,,you don't want the size to big or to small if you don't know where your going to be next fishing,,,,

I just feel like it's an "emperors new clothes" reel. They could absolutely seal that thing without making it such a chore to turn the handle, but they do so because it makes the sealing 'feel' more substantial, and the reel could be a lot lighter but they like that because the weight makes it 'feel' more heavy duty. This is nothing new. You see examples of it in every industry. But VS owners are far more enthusiastic about defending their purchase.

And inevitably if you're discussing this at a tackle shop, someone will tell you that if you feel that way it's just sour grapes because "you probably can't afford one." Ok buddy you and your $300 fly fishing nail clippers can have fun with that opinion.

All this for a chinese made reel with aluminum gears, with a warranty thats invalidated if you don't send it in for yearly service, and that service costs more than the purchase price of a lot of reels that will out-fish that over-hyped VS.

Ok I'll stop.