I would like one more reel ( likely huh ? ) I am thinking a GT, Squall, or Fathom. I would like it to relatively high capacity, and it would be used for shark fishing from the sand and perhaps perform double duty on a bait rod pin rigging from the end of the pier. Thing is, I have to have left hand and I would prefer level wind and star drag. Anyone have educated suggestions ?
Thanking you in advance. K
K, when you say "left hand" do you mean retrieve line with your left hand?
George
114H, That's the biggest senator I know of that is available left handed. For Sharkin, bigger is better in my mind. ;)
There is a 115LLH, but they are hard to come by. The 114 is more readily available though. Either of these 2 reel would give you a better line capacity for land based sharking IMO.
Yes George, left side retrieve handle. I didn't think any of the Senetors came with level wind.
Level wind AND left-handed are going to severely limit your options. If buying new, it appears you are currently limited to two Penns:
1. Squall SQL30LWLH (the biigger of the two)
2. Fathom FTH25LWLH (the smaller of the two)
The Squall is probably your best bet though you may be forced to spool with braid to get the capacity you might need, and even then it's still may be a big "?" if you really have what's need for land-based sharking (assuming you are after the big ones).
If you are willing to forego the left-handed requirement, then the Fathom FTH40LW and FTH60LW become available with the FTH60LW being the better choice.
Forgoing the other way, left-handed BUT no level wind gets you a new Senator 113H2LH.
The 114 and 115 lefties are probably going to cost you in time and maybe $$$...there are NONE currently on eBay, which is a fair indicator of limited availability.
114H lefties are not that uncommon. If you are going for Sharks, I would go this route.
This reel is a Beast, and the Hop ups are pretty much limitless. I have four 114 HLW, wides with full aluminum frames. Stainless Hex gears in two of them that are capable of 55lbs of drag. ;)
I am learing why I don't want level wind. If a hard pull breaks the level wind, the line piles up until the reel jambs. Soooo, I am looking at a 4/0 or 6/0. I'm pretty sure you can cast a 4/0, can you cast a 6/0 ?
By the way, I am right handed but reel with my left. I started out that way on purpose and have been doing it for 40 years now and can't do it any other way now. It never made sense to me why folks would cast with their right then switch the rod to the left. I cast with my right, reel with my left.
Yes you can cast a 6/0 but it takes practice. You can even cast a 9/0 if you practice.
A 6/0 can be casted, but the level of difficulty is high. if looking for castability go with the 4/0. Bet bet for the land based sharking from the beach is to get a Kayak or a friend with one and paddle your bait out then come back in and play the waiting game. That is how we do it here in the panhandle of Florida and we get plenty of fish on the bank every week.
On a somewhat unrelated note...
Why are 6/0s so difficult to cast? or
Why are 4/0s favored over 6/0s for shore casting?
Lighter weight?
Reel stand clamp set up of 4/0 allows reel mounting closer to pole?
Weight and shape of spool?
I have very little experience shore casting, but have been told a 'squared' spool depth vs. width being more equal leads to greater consistency w/ regards to increased free spool times, speed of spool etc. if this is of primary importance, might a 6/0 w/a lightweight squared alum spool actually cast better then the 4/0 wide model? (ESP. If the reel is lightened/strengthened w/a topless alum frame, that has a lower profile rod seat/clamp assembly)
I guess I'm having trouble understanding why with all of the upgrades available/possible w/ 6/0s, why they are not typically considered to cast as well as 4/0s?
Maybe I'm missing something do to my lack of experience.
Sorry if I'm 'thread jacking', guess this topic might be best served on a new thread.
For me it is a physical limitation. My thumbs are to short to reach around a 6/0. I am really most comfortable with a 3/0 because it fits my hand so well.
Ron
Big hands make it easier.
Quote from: Shark Hunter on January 17, 2014, 05:31:03 PM
114H lefties are not that uncommon. If you are going for Sharks, I would go this route.
This reel is a Beast, and the Hop ups are pretty much limitless. I have four 114 HLW, wides with full aluminum frames. Stainless Hex gears in two of them that are capable of 55lbs of drag. ;)
Where do you get full aluminum frames for a Penn ? I recall some company making side plates and frames years ago but I thought they went out of business.
No problem tight lines. You brought up a good point.
Thanks for all the input guys.
Probably Jvariance.
There's this one on eBay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Penn-tiburon-/271353258971?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f2dea23db
A bit pricey...
If you have changed your mind and are going with right-handed and conventional, a Daiwa 600H with Bryan Young's 5+1 kit and a new handle grip may be your most bang-4-ur-buck for full aluminum reel.
There's this one from gstours if you want one already done:
http://alantani.com/index.php?topic=9107.0
The HLW's I'm talking about come stock with a full aluminum frame. Here is a full and a half Aluminum frame 114 HLW.
(http://i1300.photobucket.com/albums/ag93/darondyer/IMG_22141_zps8f8fc5d5.jpg)
The full frame has a plate that can be reversed for lefties. Not sure what this entails.
I also just picked up a 114 Black that has a factory full aluminum frame. I didn't know there was such an Animal. This will be perfect for one of Lee's inserts and a Hex Drag setup. ;)
(http://i1300.photobucket.com/albums/ag93/darondyer/IMG_22031_zps2e433e7c.jpg)
Quote from: kbamhi on January 17, 2014, 07:36:38 PM
By the way, I am right handed but reel with my left. I started out that way on purpose and have been doing it for 40 years now and can't do it any other way now. It never made sense to me why folks would cast with their right then switch the rod to the left. I cast with my right, reel with my left.
Welcome friend.
That is all well and good for spinning reels but there are many of us who fish (and cast with) large overheads as well. There are not many brands of overhead that are available in LH retrieve either, so if you fish both you'll be severely limiting your fishing. Besides, if you cast properly with both hands (left hand remains on the butt of the rod, right hand is the pivot point, the line release and also releases the rod after the release) then there is none of this BS (as espoused by supposed tv fishing "gurus" the world over) of needing to "change hands" to cast then fish as you are already holding the rod in your left hand!
Please don't take it personally, there is no right and wrong way of chucking lead and lures around as long as it works and is comfortable for the angler.
I normally hold the rod in front of the reel, I really can't see how you couldn't do that and lay line flat on the spool. So your changing hands anyways. It just depends on what is comfortable and most productive to the fisherman.
Ron
Here is a lefty 114H. He also has a 113h lefty.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gorgeous-Penn-Senator-114-6-0-H-RARE-LEFT-HAND-Big-Game-Offshore-Reel-/191047488411?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c7b51539b
Quote from: Shark Hunter on January 28, 2014, 11:50:40 AM
Here is a lefty 114H. He also has a 113h lefty.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gorgeous-Penn-Senator-114-6-0-H-RARE-LEFT-HAND-Big-Game-Offshore-Reel-/191047488411?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c7b51539b
The guy brags "no reserve" yet his starting bid is $69.99. Dominick
If you are interested i ve just seen a penn 4/0 special senator spooled with 65 pound diamond line. Its like new, it has o bids and it says it is free shipping it has 3 hours left and it is 40 dollars
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Penn-113H-4-0-Special-Senator-Saltwater-Big-Game-Fishing-Reel-W-Power-Handle/321307239085?rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222002%26algo%3DSIC.FIT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D19841%26meid%3D4444438461405589220%26pid%3D100005%26prg%3D8934%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D5%26sd%3D141177041430%26 hyperlink.
I cant buy because it doesnt ships to argentina :-X
Quote from: Shark Hunter on January 28, 2014, 11:50:40 AM
Here is a lefty 114H. He also has a 113h lefty.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gorgeous-Penn-Senator-114-6-0-H-RARE-LEFT-HAND-Big-Game-Offshore-Reel-/191047488411?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c7b51539b
I want a 6/0 right hand with black side plates in that condition
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Penn-Senator-6-0-Saltwater-Reel-30-114-/261381450654?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cdb8c6b9e
Here it is Mike.
You are a bad influence Dwight. ;D
Big Boys and Toys, Ain't it fun. ;D
That is a low price on that too.
Quote from: saltydog on January 17, 2014, 09:30:45 PM
Big hands make it easier.
Chris Salty is right, if you have realy big hands it is easier to cast a 6/0. however most of us dont have huge hands which leaves us with the factor of having less control of the pressure we can place on the spool while trying to cast the 6/0 because it is so much larger than the 4/0. the 4/0 is about as big as the average person can get in a reel to get consistant casting distance.
I don't have big hands and I have been cranking left handed for 45 years. I don't even want to think about changing now. I am going to keep a look out for an older left handed US made 4/0
Thanks for all the input guys.
It's so funny, I've been fishing for 45 years also.
From ultra light freshwater to deep sea trolling.
I'm a "righty".
I have an awkward time cranking a spinner with my right hand, and I definitely can't crank a conventional with my left!!!. lol
It's hard to teach an old salty-dawg on how to crank a new reel....
I never gave it much thought. I have been cranking spinners for 40 years with my left. Just started fishing conventionals a few years back that I crank with my right. It just comes natural. I'm a righty as well, but I'm cranking big senators and it is easier for me with my right. ;D
There is something to that. I do find it a little clunky to spin a long handle on a conventional with my Right hand. It isn't enough for me to switch, but it is definatly there.
Ron