Battle 2 8000

[Shark Hunter]

Last May, I found myself without a surf setup after I snapped the rod.
Went to half hitch and bought a 8000 combo.
Nice reel for the price.
Nicely lubed with Penn Blue from the factory.
Just wiped the drag washers off and applied Cal's.
I caught a really nice Redfish the first time out and it really sent the drag singing.
Ready for another Battle.

[Chuck750ss]

Question for you. Do you think that reel will stand up to catfishing ok? I am talking about 10-20 lb average with 30+ pounders on a regular basis in strong current. All my reels, both conventional and spinners are vintage.(well except for one 7000 Abu.but even with it, the design is vintage) And I love them. But, for John Doe that doesn't work on his own reels I am hesitant to recommend that route. And I do get asked from time to time as some know I collect/tinker with a lot of reels.
I know the cast alloy gear would be a weak link. Anyway, would like your thoughts please.

[Shark Hunter]

Chuck,
Based on my limited experience with these reels, I would say yes.
I can't forsee how long that main gear will take the punishment, but for the price point,
It is a good reel for the money.
Unfortunately, I didn't have a camera on me to show the bull red I caught.
But I thought it was a shark.
I am also now fishing A 5000 for bait with 30lb braid.
These reels are really lubed up from the factory.
The only thing I needed to do was remove the penn blue grease from the drag stack and add Cal's.

[Chuck750ss]

Thanks!