I just got a Shimano speedmaster 16ii and it's loaded with 80# braid which will be used to fish 50/60# flouro for bait and need a rod recommendation.....
I was thinking of a Okuma PCH-C-801XH but wanted to hear some other opinions.....
Which rod would you put this reel or similar model on?
My 50# rods are the Phenix Hybid phd760xh and a UC Tilefish 80. For 60# I use a Phenix phd700x2h and a UC Predator 76 which would work for 50# too and is what I would use if I just wanted one rod to cover 50-60#. For 60# a Mak 15T is on the 700x2h and an HX Raptor is on the Predator. For Cedros this year I'm taking the Predator with a JX Raptor for 50#.
In the Okuma line I'd probably go with a PCH-C-761XH for 50# but check out the PCH-C-761H too. I'm thinking the PCH-C-761XH would be better for 60# and still fine for 50#.
If you have to ship rods for traveling, I would stay at 7' and use a Calstar 700XH or whatever similar rated blank that United Composites makes.
If you just fish "local" in your area than 8'ers are fine.
Scott
I'm a Seeker guy, I'd go with an CJB 80xh. Several different models to choose from, super seeker,white tiger, blue composite, black steel. If a 7' rod I like Calstar, the GF 700h or a seeker 70H, although I'd give the nod to Calstar on that one
Nothing wrong at all with the other suggestions, just personal preference.
Someday the shops will re-open and you can go pull on some, that's always the best idea.
Quote from: MarkT on April 09, 2020, 03:58:56 PM
My 50# rods are the Phenix Hybid phd760xh and a UC Tilefish 80. For 60# I use a Phenix phd700x2h and a UC Predator 76 which would work for 50# too and is what I would use if I just wanted one rod to cover 50-60#. For 60# a Mak 15T is on the 700x2h and an HX Raptor is on the Predator. For Cedros this year I'm taking the Predator with a JX Raptor for 50#.
In the Okuma line I'd probably go with a PCH-C-761XH for 50# but check out the PCH-C-761H too. I'm thinking the PCH-C-761XH would be better for 60# and still fine for 50#.
Thanks for the suggestions. I looked into the Predator and holy crap those UC rods are pricey!
It seems 8' rods are recommended for leaders up to 40# but I was wondering why the 7'6" length is recommended more as we move up in leader size?
My guess is because it's related to cast ability and bait size but I'm not expert.....
UC Raptor......
Quote from: pjstevko on April 09, 2020, 04:53:50 PM
Quote from: MarkT on April 09, 2020, 03:58:56 PM
My 50# rods are the Phenix Hybid phd760xh and a UC Tilefish 80. For 60# I use a Phenix phd700x2h and a UC Predator 76 which would work for 50# too and is what I would use if I just wanted one rod to cover 50-60#. For 60# a Mak 15T is on the 700x2h and an HX Raptor is on the Predator. For Cedros this year I'm taking the Predator with a JX Raptor for 50#.
In the Okuma line I'd probably go with a PCH-C-761XH for 50# but check out the PCH-C-761H too. I'm thinking the PCH-C-761XH would be better for 60# and still fine for 50#.
Thanks for the suggestions. I looked into the Predator and holy crap those UC rods are pricey!
It seems 8' rods are recommended for leaders up to 40# but I was wondering why the 7'6" length is recommended more as we move up in leader size?
My guess is because it's related to cast ability and bait size but I'm not expert.....
I like 7'6" rods for fishing bait better than 8'ers. Expensive? How much does the trip cost and you're going to use the rod more than once!
Those Okuma PCH rods are pretty light in addition to being reasonably priced. I have a PCH-C-741XXXH that I use with an HXW Raptor for 100#. Just used it for trolling so far but it worked for Wahoo!
I'll look into those UC rods more since I've got that stimulus check coming in the mail ;D ;D
After a little bit of thinking I've decided the Speedmaster 16ii will be used for 50# only since my Penn fathom 40nld2 can fish 60/80#
The Fathom 40nld2 is paired with a Okuma Pch-c-741xxh for big baits and flat falls so I'm covered with a heavier setup
I'm seriously thinking about getting the UC 76 Predator for the 16ii!
After talking with Jamie from Bob Sands Tackle Shop I've decided to pair my Speedmaster 16ii with a....
UC GP 80 Predator!
It's a little pricey but will be a great match to fish 50/60#.....
Quote from: pjstevko on April 10, 2020, 02:34:57 PM
After a little bit of thinking I've decided the Speedmaster 16ii will be used for 50# only since my Penn fathom 40nld2 can fish 60/80#
The Fathom 40nld2 is paired with a Okuma Pch-c-741xxh for big baits and flat falls so I'm covered with a heavier setup
I'm seriously thinking about getting the UC 76 Predator for the 16ii!
IMO if you plan to use your ftm40nld2 as a 80 lb reel it needs to go to a reel tuner like Cal Sheets for tweaks. I have been debating on sending mine in to fish 60 lb better.
Quote from: Swami805 on April 09, 2020, 04:27:54 PM
I'm a Seeker guy, I'd go with an CJB 80xh. Several different models to choose from, super seeker,white tiger, blue composite, black steel. If a 7' rod I like Calstar, the GF 700h or a seeker 70H, although I'd give the nod to Calstar on that one
Nothing wrong at all with the other suggestions, just personal preference.
Someday the shops will re-open and you can go pull on some, that's always the best idea.
It looks like he has his mind set. I'm a Calstar guy and I feel a 700H is a 40 lb rod, I still use a all glass 6470 (which is no longer made) for 40 lb. IMO a 700XH would fish 50 better and can handle 60. I have that rod and match it to a FTM40NLD2. That's my flat fall setup for the larger BFT.
I fished the 700H a little heavier, it handles it fine to me, bur you're right, might not be everybody's cup of tea.
The Fathom will be used for yo-yo and flat fall work....
I could never used my fathom 40LD2 more than 20# drag even with the high drag numbers they are advertized, mine feel like binding when passing 18# drag, not liked too much for the way of fishing in Baja on rocky bottoms so I sold it.
Quote from: steelfish on April 16, 2020, 08:21:04 PM
I could never used my fathom 40LD2 more than 20# drag even with the high drag numbers they are advertized, mine feel like binding when passing 18# drag, not liked too much for the way of fishing in Baja on rocky bottoms so I sold it.
Alex, the Fathom like many Penn reels of that age were given line classes for the LB line to be fished on them. So a 40NLD2 was meant to fish 40 lb test line. It should make sense that 60 lb test was over way that they were designed for. There are people like Cal Sheets that can do mods that let them fish higher line classes and I just may be a person that would like those mods. Don't knock a reel just because you wanted to over fish what it was meant to do.