Just recently sold my Avet SX due to just too long of a handle lever and never needing that much line! Also, becoming kind of a Penn nut (all the thanks to this site!)
Target species: Tog, Gray Triggerfish, Flounder, Stripers, Drum
Target Line I'll be using: 30 lb braid to tactical angler clip
Pole: St. Croix Tidemaster MH 12-25 lb line
Budget: Varies depending on what may need to be done, maximum price of say $140 nicely upgraded.
I fish from a Hobie Outback 80% of the time, the other 20% is on 20 - 24 ft center consoles.
So, with that being said....my options seem to be as follows:
1)Surfmaster 100 (Plenty of Newell upgrades available and looks like a great size)
2)Squidmaster 146 (I like this size, slightly harder to find)
3)Penn Senator 1/0 (Looks like a nice size, upgrades available, the ability to add a tiburon frame is nice but costly)
4)Penn 210 (a little bigger than I'm looking for and its a levelwind, but a neat reel)
5)Penn 109m (I don't want a foreign made one, so the older ones are harder to find, also a levelwind)
6)Penn 180 (just built one for my dad, great size reel)
Any others that you suggest and your opinions truly matter! Thanks folks!
(http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg170/funferdriver/10-26_zps2c251807.jpg) (http://s248.photobucket.com/user/funferdriver/media/10-26_zps2c251807.jpg.html)
There is the Avet SXJ that's narrower than the standard SX. I'm not too fond of my SX, I prefer the form factor of the MXJ which is a tiny bit narrower and taller. A Penn Squall 12 is nice and small with big powerful drags. I have the Fathom 12 and like it for light line but for yakkin I think you'd be better off with a graphite body reel.
Penn Squall 12 would be a good option but might be a little big for that rod. Same with the old school choices you mention above, probably large on that rod but a 146 or 100 would be my picks.
You are lucky you don't need a LH! I would reach out to Randy at the Vintage Offshore Tackle forum on this site and grab one of his Newell 220s. They are a graphite frame version of the 146 and they are much lighter! Great bottom fishing reel that does great double duty in the kayak for livelining or trolling. It has one of the loudest clickers EVER.
Isn't a Squall 12 smaller than a 146 or 220? It'll drag both of them backwards until they drown too!
How about a saltist 20 BG. Awesome reel.
Once I heard a penn 501 is one of the best kayak reels you can get.
Strong enough for the species listed, not many bearings to care for, strong graphite body and alloy spool.
Saying that, I have my 505hs with 150 yds of 30 braid as backing and a lot of 30lb mono in top.
501 with a graphite body??? ???
A 501 has plastic or Bakelite sideplates depending on the age. No bearings in a 501, I'd rather go with a GS535 with a Daiwa SL or even better, a Torque handle like the one on my mag 525.
Diawa SL20SH would be another good one to look into!
If infact the Penn SQL 12 is too big for that rod then the Daiwa BG 20 and SL20SH would too big also becuase they are just a bit narrower than the SQL 15 the bigger brother to the 12.
Quote from: MarkT on February 07, 2015, 06:31:35 AM
A 501 has plastic or Bakelite sideplates depending on the age. No bearings in a 501, I'd rather go with a GS535 with a Daiwa SL or even better, a Torque handle like the one on my mag 525.
Yeah Mark you got that idea from me on the other board, its also a sticky on one of the Penn boards here.
Quote from: SoCalAngler on February 08, 2015, 01:48:27 AM
Quote from: MarkT on February 07, 2015, 06:31:35 AM
A 501 has plastic or Bakelite sideplates depending on the age. No bearings in a 501, I'd rather go with a GS535 with a Daiwa SL or even better, a Torque handle like the one on my mag 525.
Yeah Mark you got that idea from me on the other board, its also a sticky on one of the Penn boards here.
Absolutely, and a great idea it is too!
IMO this would work well: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Penn-FATHOM-FTH25N-Star-Drag-With-Complete-Rod-Clamp-Assembly-FREE-FAST-SHIPPING-/391048160023?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5b0c496317
Just sayin' if you got the same PENNACITUS I have ;D
Shimano Calcutta 400 of some type.
Quote from: whalebreath on February 08, 2015, 04:56:04 AM
Shimano Calcutta 400 of some type.
Very sweet reel...but too nice for a yak reel unless losing it overboard or to corrosion/sand means nothing to you. *Every* kayak gets dumped in the surf sooner or later. The only thing tougher on reels than yakking is wading in breaking surf.
Penn Squall 12: Corrosion resistant frame bonus, terrific caster.
Penn Fathom: Aluminum frame bonus, a little more drag and stiffness.
Penn Jigmaster 501: Arguably the finest all-around Yak reel made, toughest possible combo due to brutally simple design. Makes clickety clickety noises. Reassuring to some, noise to others. Much bigger than the 12 size Penns (and bigger than an Avet SX).
Quote from: johndtuttle on February 08, 2015, 09:11:00 PM
Penn Jigmaster 501: Arguably the finest all-around Yak reel made, toughest possible combo due to brutally simple design. Makes clickety clickety noises. Reassuring to some, noise to others. Much bigger than the 12 size Penns (and bigger than an Avet SX).
I Agree!
Interested in hearing what you end up with. I fish out of 14ft ProAngler a lot. Oddly enough I put a Penn 150 on a small casting rod for flounder. Very weird though since the reel is quite heavy compared with the carbon lite rod.
Curious about what gear you normally fish with out of the yak. I found the abuse taken by gear on the yak is quite a bit more then on a boat.
Thanks all for the input!
I ended up buying a custom Connely rod at the AC boat show Saturday, but the size of the reel stays the same! These rods are really nice, take a look when you can...
http://www.connleyfishing.com/default.aspx
I think the 501 is going to be a little big for my style of kayak fishing, I use my 500 sharking from the yak and its right on, but I wouldn't want to hold it all day togging/flounder jigging. Now if I was fishing on the West Coast for yellowtail and what not a 501 would be my first choice!
I'm thinking I'll go with either the Squall 12 or the Fathom 12; there are some great deals to be had on fleabay. I do really like the old school style and ease of dismantle of a Surfmaster 100 or the Squidder 146 though...
And yeah...I'm thinking it's gotta be a Penn (I know closed minded of me ::))
JoePlo - I usually take two rods, a 3500 - 4000 series spinner with 20 lb braid and a small conventional with 30 lb braid. The avet was a really nice size for the yak, the SXJ would have been even better. I agree though yaking is really hard on gear; whether you dump the boat in the water or if it slides off the cart in the sand accidentally. Also, I always like to 'keep my tip up' so to speak when fishing around structure; rather than having the rods in the built in holders (which put the rod out to the side) I put them on my crate so I know I won't loose any tips or rod ends banging into rocks or pilings. I gotta say though...its addicting and I enjoy it a lot more than standard boat fishing. The solitude is peaceful, allows me to drain any negative emotions from the week right out through the scuppers ;D
I own 3 Connely rods and love them. Did have trouble with my Kingfish rod as the tip sheered off. Brian was great and just sent me a new rod no questions. Also with the Tortugas one of the rod guide inserts came out. Stuff happens. They are nice light rods. I now have release reel on tortugas and the trolling rod is awaiting one of my TLDs to be repaired.
Fishing the Gulf I usually take Shimano Saragosa 8k on Tallus heavy rod, Penn Spinfisher V 4500 on Tigerlite Jigging Heavy, Penn 113HN Baja Special on Penn Slammer rod, Release reel on Connely King rod aaaaaaand a Penn 4400 on floppy ugly stick for sabiki.
Guess you could say I have a problem on the PA14. I end up taking everything I own just because I can.
Have you rolled with your rods sticking out like a porcupine? I always worried in an outback that i would snap some rods real fast. I got tossed once in the surf and it was memorable to say the least.
Wow, you do go with a full arsenal! Good to hear about the Connely rods, as long as they stand by their product I'll be happy, the guys were extremely nice and informative at the show.
You probably have a much wider variety of sizes in your fish at a closer distance. Majority of my catches (except when I'm sharking) are going to be up to 8-10 lbs or so. Lots of bottom fishing with live bait and jigging with bucktails/tog jigs; although I'm really hoping for a double digit tog this year ;D. I haven't trolled much but it's on my to do list for Stripers and Blues.
I had a great day over the summer when I caught 9 species of fish in a morning all using strips of fresh surf clam, it never ceases to amaze me.
My wife and I have been talking about vacationing on the Gulf next fall, sounds like your area might be right up our alley! I'm allowed one solid day of fishing on our family vacations, yes, she is awesome ;)
Dan
In Jamaica Bay Queens NY we can start catching Stripers in Mid April & go through July with Big fish from a Yak. This is in sheltered waters in sight of JFK Airport. Fish from the Teens up to the 50's will be here. We will be waiting for the Bunker to show up.
Mike
That sounds like an invitation! :D If so, maybe I'll try to get up there this Spring! We get a good run in the Delaware Bay in the Spring but I haven't had a chance to fish it yet. Another thing on my list to do ::)...haha.
I don't have or want to be on a Yak, too small for me. There is a 6 man boat 35' close by 1 mile away that I will make a trip this Spring.
Haha, understood. It's definitely not for all, my wife and folks thing I'm a bit nuts, but what else is new :) Being able to pedal rather then paddle makes a huge difference in both fishability and comfort for me.
Dan come with the rest of the snaggedline guys the weekend after Mother's Day in May! I've been fishing JBay for the past 5 years and it is always an awesome trip! In addition to the big bass on bunker there are big blues, fluke, and weakfish all in the same areas!
Very true Redfish12 - good to see you here ;D! I've seen that thread, need to investigate now.
Just got a smokin' deal on an International 965, so not quite what we were all saying, but it's one of my dream reels and I think it will be perfect for my style of fishing.
I truly appreciate the input and hopefully someone else can use the info presented here in their future purchasing.
Redfish12
I grew up in Broad Channel & have been living by Crossbay Blvd. & Belt Pkwy. since 1972. You can say that I am a local to Jamaica Bay.
Mike
Quote from: bluefish69 on February 11, 2015, 04:20:42 PM
Redfish12
I grew up in Broad Channel & have been living by Crossbay Blvd. & Belt Pkwy. since 1972. You can say that I am a local to Jamaica Bay.
Mike
Mike: you are close to the Red Top Deli. They make the best Italian Semolina bread among other things. If you don't know of it, it is on Francis Lewis Blvd. south of the Belt by about a 1/2 mile. Redfish if you are going to fish up there bring your ear protection. Dominick
We actually camp at Floyd Bennett Field for the weekend and believe me I know it's LOUD! Mike, sounds like we need to pick your brain on where to fish up there! Any pointers would be appreciated! I usually fish from the sea plane ramp at floyd bennett field and fish all around the islands out there.
Quote from: RowdyW on February 07, 2015, 06:13:38 AM
501 with a graphite body??? ???
LOL sorry, my mistake. I was referring to the side plates but I was also corrected that they are Plastic or Bakelite.
Redfish12
There is a nice Rip on the S E corner of Floyd Bennett that's good for Stripers & Blues. You said you fish the Ramp. Between the Sea Plane Ramp & the Marine Pkwy. Bridge there are very large Fluke caught every year July1 - Aug. 31 [10# +]. With your Yak you can drift by the main sections, Stripers hang by the leeward side. Start your drift up tide using whole Sand Worms. These spots should keep you busy for a while. A 4 oz. Gold Hammered Jig bounced on the bottom might turn up a Weak Fish.
Mike I know that area well! There is a ditch out there on the approach to the bridge that holds some big clams and may be a clam bed (we've snagged a few somehow) and we always seem do catch a few fluke even in early/mid May. I've seen some pictures of some real monsters caught out of that area (32" Fluke) and I would love to do that in the summer time.
The area across from the ramp called the ruffle bar has a few channel cuts around it and I usually do alright on blues and stripers there. It seems the stripers are harder and harder to find every year though! I'll have to bring some diamond jigs, they are pretty foreign to us down here as we mainly use soft plastics on leadheads. I'm learning it though!
Michael
You have to try Dutch Town at day break. It might just be a shell island now. It's half way between F B & Ruffle Bar. If you go on Ruffle Bar be careful the Rats are HUGE up there.
Mike
Bummer, wedding that weekend Redfish12, so no go for JBay for me. Looks like fun too; I was reading up a bit on Snaggedline as well. Maybe next year. I had no idea NY had such an amazing fishery, I just never thought about it, haha. Bonita from the yak would be awesome!
That's too bad! I'm hoping to get out at the flats, South NJ and DE Bay more this year now that I am in Baltimore. Maybe I'll see you around!
Well the 965 came in the mail and it doesn't sit very well on the rod! It's loose when all the way tightened...grrr. Back to square one...haha. Not a bad problem to have though.
Redfish12- yeah definitely, I fish Cape Henlopen 90% of the time, due to my folks living in Lewes. I'm thinking I may be doing a little more boat fishing this year, but we'll see. Although you can't beat an early morning pedal out to the wall....come on Spring!!
My friend in Hawaii uses 2 penn 40NLDs fishing from his yak. Of course, he fishes for marlin, tuna, Mahi mahi, GT, and many other ocean fish.
Screw it, I'm going to keep this little 965 and make it work...I'm going to try making some alum. shims...and use black zip ties...once its spooled I'll test it for strength.
Byan - yeah don't need anything that big, haha!
but it does look like fun and a great thrill while I pee in my pants when the nose of a marlin or open mouth of a wahoo is pointing at me.
Ok, to reboot this - the 965 didn't work out...reel foot was too small for the rod and after making a spacer I didn't really like how it felt...sold the 965. In turn I picked up a new Accurate Fury 400N in the 4:1 ratio. I have to say, for me, this is the absolute perfect size reel. I have 300 yds of 30 lb Toro Tamer brown braid on it, perfect for nearshore/inshore bottom fishing from the kayak/small boat. It pairs up to the rod phenomenally. I hope to be using it quite a bit in April so maybe a picture with a fish will follow ;D
Pictures of the reel:
(http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg170/funferdriver/Accurate-2_zps4dztcycg.jpg) (http://s248.photobucket.com/user/funferdriver/media/Accurate-2_zps4dztcycg.jpg.html)
(http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg170/funferdriver/Accurate_zps1u5pizv3.jpg) (http://s248.photobucket.com/user/funferdriver/media/Accurate_zps1u5pizv3.jpg.html)
(http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg170/funferdriver/Accurate-3_zpsbrvq3qbt.jpg) (http://s248.photobucket.com/user/funferdriver/media/Accurate-3_zpsbrvq3qbt.jpg.html)
(http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg170/funferdriver/Accurate-4_zpshmudhxnx.jpg) (http://s248.photobucket.com/user/funferdriver/media/Accurate-4_zpshmudhxnx.jpg.html)
And for size comparison the Fury next to a Jigmaster 500
(http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg170/funferdriver/Accurate-5_zpsfhry20zd.jpg) (http://s248.photobucket.com/user/funferdriver/media/Accurate-5_zpsfhry20zd.jpg.html)
;D
That Accurate is a SOWEET reel. I love the old school reels but I really have a fondness for the Accurates. Great choice. The Penn Torque's are nice too!
......................lou
Very nice looking little reel. I've never seen those before. What species do you plan to use it for?
The plan is this will be my general purpose rig...flounder, triggerfish, tautog, stripers, bluefish, seabass -basically anything inshore. I am eyeing up the fury 500 or 600N in 2 speed - that would make a great deep water seabass/cod/tilefish reel.
It looks like it would be perfect for that. I've never tried an Accurate but it sure looks promising.
Looks like you kinda went full circle on that and went back to an Avet SX like reel (but on steroids!). Looks like an awesome reel!
That little Fury looks pretty cool Dan. It does however look like its all Handle! :D
I'll stick with the Surfmasters.
You can pick up a 200 on the cheap. Slap in a 29L-100 spool, ss posts, 5 stack and a old school power handle and put the $100 left over in your pocket.
Granted its not an Accurate, but if I lose it, I have plenty more just like it. ;)
Quote from: redfish12 on March 31, 2015, 02:59:37 AM
Looks like you kinda went full circle on that and went back to an Avet SX like reel (but on steroids!). Looks like an awesome reel!
Yeah...don't look at me that way :D I did go back and read this thread and this reel doesn't really meet any of my original criteria...sigh
After buying 3 different reels and handling about 10 I just kind of feel head over heals for this little guy. Hind sight being 20/20 I probably should have kept my Avet, but now I feel like I did my time in searching/touching/testing and this type of reel does suit my needs the best.
Funny how somethings you just have to learn the hard way.
Daron - Yeah, I hear you. I did a few side jobs and realized it was now or never.
Quote from: Shark Hunter on March 31, 2015, 08:30:17 AM
....... It does however look like its all Handle! :D
LOL my exact thoughts.. where is the rest of the reel?
pure envy on my side, this looks like a winner, it just that looks too small, but that is the moto right now.
thats a nice motor right there
Simple Penn 501 or 500 well serviced with carbontex smooooth drag washers and Cal's tan grease in the not so cool places on earth. 62 years of experiance with these old simple reels that have always worked for me.