Magnaflex pairing

[thorhammer]

Another thread I alluded to an ongoing Magnaflex Heaver rest I'm working on. I will keep the wraps functional and no-nonsense like the bricklayer it is, but likely will modernize with heat shrink because I want to cast a 4/0 an adding cork tape is more tape on this baseball bat. Besides 4/0, what would you guys put on this rod? I have ideas in mind and will try some out, for sure I will throw a Squidder to see what it does because that's what lived on most of these, followed by larger Ambassadeurs. I will try several. This application would be drum sized reels.

Caveat, the most contemporary reel that ever should go on one is mebbe a SLOSH; Fathoms, Squalls, Akios need not apply.

If the 113HLW proves impractical, I will use a 990, or possibly Penn 5000 GS for actually slinging a shark bait. Let's see who knows what that is, not named Tony Dubek

For the sharking application: Need to cast a pound and bait, not fun on a spinner. Need at least 40-50lb running line, and something close to 400 yards is preferable. There are some larger sharks in the area that would actually necessitate 80-130 size gear; a crowd I talked to actually landed a smaller GW from the shore last year. 100 yds of 60 mono backed with 65lb braid on the 990 with upgraded drag would actually work well, but braid may get me cut if I cut thru the drum lines with it. Or my buddy has a drone and mebbe I clip an outrigger clip onnit and take the 16/0

[Decker]

John, dare I suggest a Sealine 50H, 300H, 350H, or bigger? I've honestly never tried to surf cast one, but I imagine they could do the job you are offering. 

I'm curious about the rod; have never heard about Magnaflex.  Will you use it on one of those pickup bed fighting chairs?

[thorhammer]

40H is def on my list, and if it works I may mag. I have two. Good call!

Keep them coming!

[Decker]

40H is def on my list, and if it works I may mag. I have two. Good call!

If you meant 50H, it won't hold 400yds of 40lb mono.  If 400H, that would have the capacity.   

[thorhammer]

Yep, I meant 50H. I know it will be smaller. I have a 450H but it has a very wide crossbar and isn't really thummmabul...Greg knows what I said 50H would likely be the frontrunner with mag n braid backing if I could use braid, and may do one anyway to use when I'm not at the Point.

[MACflyer]

Would a Penn 555GS or a 400-600 size Newell with an aluminum spool work?

[thorhammer]

Mac, possibly! I have a Newell 4/0 wide size (maybe a 6-something??) that I thought may do but kind of forgot about, and you sort of solved my challenge: The Penn 5000GS I mentioned is, as far as I have been able to determine, the predecessor of the 525 / 535 / 545 / 555. From two feet away, it is a 555GS with different badging.

[1badf350]

Possibly a Penn mag power 990?

[thorhammer]

That's option 1A in the OP- 990. May just load with 30 and see if I can break it (line, not reel

[Swami805]

I think I'd go with the 990. Should be beefy enough and cast well. A 600 size Newell could work too but they all came with graphite spools, Tiburon might make an aluminum one but not budget friendly

[cbar45]

Not sure if it was mentioned, but on the Penn 4/0 some guys will flip the rear crossbar (if so equipped) upside down. The cutaway being on top allows for a bit more room to thumb the spool. 16 and bait is definitely a payload needing some lock-down on the cast. We don't go up that heavy on our 4/0's, and majority of the time it's just the bare grapnel sinker on a slide-bait rig...but I won't dissuade one from making the attempt all in the name of fun fishing..

[Decker]

Interesting to think of 990 as a land-based shark fishing reel.   It ought to cast well and has the magnet.  I thought the retrieve ratio might be too high for heavy-duty work at 4.7:1, but considered trying it for deep dropping. 

Where can we get a visual on the Magnaflex heaver rod?

[JasonGotaProblem]

I've got a 970 I've been planning on building as a from-shore shark rig. Figure it can hold enough 65# braid and the drag if upgraded (which you know it will be) is plenty enough. It'll just come down to user ability. And we all know I'm the weak point in most systems.

[thorhammer]

Guys, great commentary; this is exactly what I hoped for!

Chad, the 4/0 in mind is a 113HLW, which is framed. I do have and considered 1 113HL, first Senator I ever bought, and I  had reversed the bars as you state to flip grouper rigs from headboat rail (also a pound). I can cast that one pretty well and it may be the answer with a trade off on line capacity. I could up the capability in the gut area and pop on CC plates.

Sheridan, I recall now why I sidebarred the Newell- I was concerned about graphite frame if I have to lock down and you raise a great point about the spool. I think it's aluminum but will check. I have too many 4/0 Senators to risk popping the Newell, and good possibility I'd have to lock down to keep a fish out of the Drum Line.

Decker, I will post pics of the build process, trip pics and evaluation of what all you guys are putting forth.

Jason, the 970 is a stellar drum reel but won't have the capacity for this application. If I can get mine up and running, I want to use drumming on this trip, and that has its own story.

Alan, this is your fault, for giving me that sweet big-#### reel bag which is gonna be useful in this study  . Holy crap, that was ten years ago!

I am also planning on trying larger Abu- 10000C, 9000 BGCT, 7000 with CT bar, and possibly the 8000 two speed, which is one of the first two reels I ever sent to Mr. Tani and thus began my involvement in this fine community.

So folks, keep em'coming: the heavy fishing application and period-matched reels for perforamnce test (mainly because it's fun). I gotta have something to do on dead tide besides drink beer, and this will keep me out of tackle shops. Don't put money on that one....

[JasonGotaProblem]

I totally meant to say 990 I've already figured out the 970 doesn't hold enough line if a big one runs away. But it sounds like you got it mostly sorted.