Prior to this trip, this reel hooked up to a 5-6ft bull. Had to service the reel after for my friend because handle screws fell off, and the reel over heated. Once I serviced the reel, we went on another trip and this time a huge Tiger shark (at least for us) maybe 8-9ft. We brought it up to the boat twice but unable to actually stay there to take pictures etc. Too strong for the HLW. Nonetheless it held up and ready to fight again. Great experience! I'm the guy with the Gopro.
https://youtu.be/quIRrI4M7Xk
Very nice, looks like it was a beautiful day on the water too.
Great going with the reel, old Penns never die.
I've pulled up tigers of about 9' on the Senators without problem, but a massive hammerhead broke my 9/0. Must have been 12-14'. Twisted the frame. Certainly, the one-piece frames would have been able to withstand the stress/strain. Sucka was very stubborn and just would not give up the last 100' from shore.