Stumbled upon this site after diving into researching what reels I could buy that would be feasible for grouper and amberjack from a boat while also being able to use the same reel for medium sized land shark fishing down in the Tampa area when we visit my parents place. Obviously the old USA made PENN 9/0 Senators popped up and then I started seeing suggestions for the Daiwa 900H's. That in return led me down the path of comparing the two and multiple ppl in their experience, the Daiwas simply out worked and out lasted the PENN's, especially when the drag was upgraded with Alans drag kit. Started looking into that and here we are!
welcome!!!!!
Welcome aboard, Hock!
Best, Fred
Welcome !!
Welcome to the learning experience. I have both Penn and Diawa reels for the type of fishing you described. For big grouper the old sealines can't be beat. When its time to turn the handle that big gear comes in handy. I still love my Penns for the availability of the upgrades and replacement parts. Good luck with your new reel. Joe
hock, when you compare the two reels in their stock configuration, i think that the penn 9/0 and the daiwa 900h are pretty even. the full aluminum chassis of the 900h makes it look like a hands down winner, but the bar frame of the 9/0 senator will hold up perfectly fine. the 3-stack drag of the 900h is a non-starter, so it really has to be changed out to a 5-stack and that's $30. the 9/0 senator 5-stack drag can be greased and you're good to go. as far as handles go, i have a 5/0 grip and stainless steel handle arms that will fit both reels for the same cost. either way, you will come out with a great reel.
Welcome Hock from the SoCal Inland Empire. - john
Greetings, H, from Minnesota.
Frank
Good to have you here...Bill
Welcome.
Used to live in Tampa and really missing the fishing. Wish you all the best and you'll love this site
Nick
Ssssuuuupp, Hoss(Hock),
I have the 30 size Sealine and think it's overall a better reel than the Penn Jigmaster. Tough to beat a 1- piece aluminum frame—with metal rings to guard the edges and you can get a 5:1 geared stock version—"SH". Also I like the placement of the gear-side bearing in the bridge plate for strength. The Penn's have a definite advantage for stock handle size and there are many upgrades available(handle, gear sleeve, drag configurations, frame and plates), hmmm, maybe it's a toss-up?
Welcome!
Welcome fellow Kentuckian! ;)
Hi there, I have two Diawa Seiko 900 reels they are really nice old reels, they pre date the H reels, & welcome from Sunny Western Australia, cheers Don.
Welcome from salem Virginia,,,,,,,, ;D
Cheers from Canada's West Coast.
Todd