Reel Repair by Alan Tani

Hello I'm looking for what to look for in a rod to cast lures with a Penn Squidder 146?

For casting lures with a Penn Squidder 146, you can look for a 7 to 9-foot graphite or composite rod rated for 15–30 lb line and 1–4 oz lures. A moderate-fast action allows for easy loading of lighter jigs, while a stiff butt section provides the leverage needed to cast heavier lures and fight saltwater fish.

I don't know where you are but I'm thinking 15-20lb line. For calstar 270-8,196-8,gx8,gf800L, 220. Probably a fee I'm missing. I'm not really knowledgeable about united composit but I have a 900xf that I really like for that. Seeker 806,906,LM9,Hercules 80l, tac80
There's a lot of great choices depending on where you are and what you're doing

FWIW, a Squidder 146 is "tactically" the same as a Fathom/Squall "12 star drag".
A lot will depend on what pound test line you plan to use, what size lures you will favor, and how far you really need to cast [surf vs. boat].

Quote from: Tunanorth on May 07, 2026, 01:51:54 AMFWIW, a Squidder 146 is "tactically" the same as a Fathom/Squall "12 star drag".
A lot will depend on what pound test line you plan to use, what size lures you will favor, and how far you really need to cast [surf vs. boat].


Casting from a boat for speckled trout. a boat. What is your recommendation of mono line lb?

Rod size, I don't know... What are you fishing for in what water? For surf fishing the rod tends to match the water - beach, bay, jetty, inlet?  For boat fishing the rod thickness matches the sinker/lure weight.  7-9 feet is about right, but there's a lot of variation in that range.  Last time I used a 146 was for jigging fluke in about 75 feet with a 4oz jig. Rod was 7feet heavy action with 30lb power pro.

Quote from: Swampfox link=msg=485645quote author=Tunanorth link=msg=485596 date=17
Casting from a boat for speckled trout. a boat. What is your recommendation of mono line lb?

Sorry, missed this detail earlier.  Squidder is very good for that.  I'd use anywhere from 12 to 20 pound mono, depending on the jig or sinker weight.  Rod Needs to be matched somewhat to the jig weight to get the right feel and bounce.  Bait doesn't matter as much.  Lighter jig with lighter line for casting distance and lighter rod for sensitivity.  A seven foot medium to medium heavy graphite rod would probably do it.

I think that any Squidder is much larger than it needs to be for any speckled trout.

Quote from: oc1 on May 08, 2026, 05:33:53 PMI think that any Squidder is much larger than it needs to be for any speckled trout.

I don't think it's is really that over sized for speckled trout.

Don't mind Steve (OC1); he fishes with bamboo and linen.

A hundred yards of 12# mono or 20# Spectra is the most you could ever need.  They don't call them weakfish for nothing.