International 20

[SoCalAngler]

If you indeed are looking for a new rod, most of the big game rods for our Southern California long-range fishing are now just using ring guides instead of rollers.

What's a newer rod choice for this heavy guy at 80#?

Can I cast and live line with this heavy guy?

Steve

Steve,

When I was talking about a new rod I meant a new rod to you, not just the newer blanks on the market. A new rod could mean a used rod, older style blanks like all glass or rods made of newer composite blanks.

Are you in a hurry to get a rod for that reel? If not I would suggest pulling on some blanks or finished rods to find out what you like at your price point. What might feel right for me may feel like a very different rod for you. Picking a rod is very subjective to the individual who is fishing it, so get whats right for you. 

For me A 80 lb test rod does double duty meaning trolling most often and bait here and there as I have stopped doing long range trips for the most part as spend that cash going to Baja to fish with my father who lives there. I may pick LR back up sooner or later but that's another story.

Like I said if there is no hurry go to the tackle shops near you and pull on some rods. Then go to the Fred Hall show and pull on other rods. For me it is best to pull on rods side by side from one another to feel what I like best. I find it difficult to pull on one rod then in a week/month or what ever pull on another and compare the two. With that said when you do find something you like there is no need to buy it right there. I spent a year and a half looking for a rod I wanted to use for 15 lb test, yes I know a big difference from what your looking for, but I found one used, but like brand new, for $120 and new ones retail for around $300 before taxes. No way I was going to pay that for a 15 lb test rod, maybe even $120 was crazy but it is what I wanted.

I know that was a long winded but my point is get a feel for what you like then make the purchase. You have a rod to fish that reel on already that will work so don't rush it. Just like I had a fine rod or two to fish that 15 lb test I waited until I got the rod I really wanted for a great price and now my son has a very good hand me down that he will fish for many years or until he finds something he likes better.

[swill88]

If you indeed are looking for a new rod, most of the big game rods for our Southern California long-range fishing are now just using ring guides instead of rollers.

What's a newer rod choice for this heavy guy at 80#?

Can I cast and live line with this heavy guy?

Steve

Steve,

When I was talking about a new rod I meant a new rod to you, not just the newer blanks on the market. A new rod could mean a used rod, older style blanks like all glass or rods made of newer composite blanks.

Are you in a hurry to get a rod for that reel? If not I would suggest pulling on some blanks or finished rods to find out what you like at your price point. What might feel right for me may feel like a very different rod for you. Picking a rod is very subjective to the individual who is fishing it, so get whats right for you. 

For me A 80 lb test rod does double duty meaning trolling most often and bait here and there as I have stopped doing long range trips for the most part as spend that cash going to Baja to fish with my father who lives there. I may pick LR back up sooner or later but that's another story.

Like I said if there is no hurry go to the tackle shops near you and pull on some rods. Then go to the Fred Hall show and pull on other rods. For me it is best to pull on rods side by side from one another to feel what I like best. I find it difficult to pull on one rod then in a week/month or what ever pull on another and compare the two. With that said when you do find something you like there is no need to buy it right there. I spent a year and a half looking for a rod I wanted to use for 15 lb test, yes I know a big difference from what your looking for, but I found one used, but like brand new, for $120 and new ones retail for around $300 before taxes. No way I was going to pay that for a 15 lb test rod, maybe even $120 was crazy but it is what I wanted.

I know that was a long winded but my point is get a feel for what you like then make the purchase. You have a rod to fish that reel on already that will work so don't rush it. Just like I had a fine rod or two to fish that 15 lb test I waited until I got the rod I really wanted for a great price and now my son has a very good hand me down that he will fish for many years or until he finds something he likes better.

Thanks Mark... you laid out a good game plan to pick up another rod for this little International. I'm in no great rush as I probably won't be healed enough to fish for tuna until early summer and I'm all about saving money on a good used stick or just a newer affordable model. 

I am looking forward to casting an anchovy with that 4# golden on a 7', 80#, +/- glass rod.  Going to swing by Hi's Tackle box today on my way to the city and bend a few.  It's almost as much fun as fishing.

Steve

[Jim Fujitani]

Nice score!    I hope you got it for a decent price.

It looks like which ever direction you go, it will be a little bit of a drive to get to a decent sized tackle shop, that will have rods for you to pull on.  There may be more smaller shops in the East Bay, but going the other direction; Bass Pro Shop and Fisherman's Warehouse in Manteca.  FW in San Jose and Sacramento.  Its too bad Sport Chalet (Antioch), Rod Rack (Hayward), and Outdoor Pro Shop (Oakland) are gone.  

Good suggestions here, especially ring guides for trolling.  And after you find a rod/blank (pull on roller rods if nothing else, just for the feel), you could shop around for a good price.  Take your reel in, when you test the rods, because the Internationals are heavier reels.  If you have bigger hands, I'd recommend looking at Alan's bigger torpedo grips.  

I once owned 2 Penn 20T single speeds (with the intention of getting the 2-speed upgrade) that I used to fish live bait, 40-60#, for BFT, on a 30-80 or 40-100# rods on San Diego trips.  I could have fished heavier, but I had bigger reels.  Now, I would try the Calstar 775X, 775XH, 700XH, or 7400XH.  And of course, try comparable Seekers, UC, Phenix, etc.

[Swami805]

Some reason I thought of brentwood in LA. My Bad. All good advice. Go pull on some rods. Lots of great rod blanks out there to check out.

[thorhammer]

Steve see Alan vs stock.  His arm is 1/4 or so longer, 3 3/4".  You need this or maybe Alan's grip on offset handle from our guys here.  Mine get clamp upgrades as well, strijemsster or Tib.  

[SoCalAngler]

Thanks Mark... you laid out a good game plan to pick up another rod for this little International. I'm in no great rush as I probably won't be healed enough to fish for tuna until early summer and I'm all about saving money on a good used stick or just a newer affordable model.  

I am looking forward to casting an anchovy with that 4# golden on a 7', 80#, +/- glass rod.  Going to swing by Hi's Tackle box today on my way to the city and bend a few.  It's almost as much fun as fishing.

Steve
[/quote]

I hope you said this in jest and are not thinking about fishing chovies with that reel. Well you could but you will never be able to cast them do to spool and line weight. Or get them to swim dragging 80 lb line...even spectra. For me 15-20 lb test for chovies that are two eyes and a wiggle in size to tops 25 maybe 30 lb test on the big models.

[swill88]

Thanks Mark... you laid out a good game plan to pick up another rod for this little International. I'm in no great rush as I probably won't be healed enough to fish for tuna until early summer and I'm all about saving money on a good used stick or just a newer affordable model.  

I am looking forward to casting an anchovy with that 4# golden on a 7', 80#, +/- glass rod.  Going to swing by Hi's Tackle box today on my way to the city and bend a few.  It's almost as much fun as fishing.

Steve

I hope you said this in jest and are not thinking about fishing chovies with that reel. Well you could but you will never be able to cast them do to spool and line weight. Or get them to swim dragging 80 lb line...even spectra. For me 15-20 lb test for chovies that are two eyes and a wiggle in size to tops 25 maybe 30 lb test on the big models.
[/quote]

Yes, just being a little humorous.

It's so heavy... that before casting it I'd want to tether it to my belt lest it should get away and look like a hammer throw at the track meet.  

Of course, I'll try.

[Swami805]

I can remember flylining anchovies with 100lb on a 50w. Kind of a lob and hope it swims the right way.

[swill88]

Had some time while watching college football yesterday to get to know my new-to-me International 20.

Got the handle upgrade from Alan. SO NICE! Bigger ergonomic grip, a bit shorter arm, and ball beringed.
Looks like a Penn arm. Alan?



Checked some drag settings pulling straight from the reel. Reel was blueprinted for 80# and my scale goes to 20.
Didn't feel like putting weights in a bucket - it was cold in the garage! Low 50's!

[thorhammer]

you can't be cross-pollinating a Penn experiment with a Shimano scale. My buddy sticked all his Int's with Shimano Trevallas and i let him hear it lol. They are great sticks for what we do, tho.

[swill88]

you can't be cross-pollinating a Penn experiment with a Shimano scale. My buddy sticked all his Int's with Shimano Trevallas and i let him hear it lol. They are great sticks for what we do, tho.

John, hou got a Penn 30# scale for sale?

[thorhammer]

Negative. I think mine is the same scale as yours but badged Rapala, lol.

[Tightlines667]

Negative. I think mine is the same scale as yours but badged Rapala, lol.

I got a Mustad (from Lee), works for both..lol.

[thorhammer]

yes, that's the one!

[steelfish]

H
Checked some drag settings pulling straight from the reel. Reel was blueprinted for 80# and my scale goes to 20.
Didn't feel like putting weights in a bucket - it was cold in the garage! Low 50's!

I did similar drag tests with my penn 16S
can you explain me how that test was made?
I dont understand what "preset off" means and then how it gets higher (I would like to know your method)

on my drag tests I turned the preset lever  until the freespool is gone, then turned back the preset 1/4 turn and keep testing until is way too light.