What rod for Penn 9500ss ?

lmg · August 21, 2012, 01:35:46 AM

I am mainly going for large tarpon, barracuda and sharks. I am fishing from shore and would like to be able to get the bait out into deeper water without having to paddle it out or using a balloon. I would prefer a penn rod but any rod that can do the job will do. I will be using 20lbs mono.

dobrobill · September 23, 2012, 03:41:58 PM

I would think there are lot of people that would jump in and help here but beings they have not I will try. The 9500 is a good salt water reel but I believe you will flat wear it out with the game you seek. The drags are not the best and a long battle will be the order of each trip. As to rods, money has a lot to do with them. I would say something like a trevala 200lb class by shimano could handle some of what you seek but not a very large shark without stripping all your line off the reel. It is a reasonable price range rod but casting more than 6 ounces becomes tricky. I am not sure that the trevala would allow the big spool 9500 to pass line through the eyes very well though. I use them with 8500/850's with no problem. A custom rod like my old Hateras Heever would work for the big game but I would not want to cast it all day because it's a telephone pole that can cast large weights. I have gone to 12 ounces sinkers plus bait but it is hard to throw any distance unless you are a lot bigger and stronger than me. Also this kind of casting requires leather on the cast finger. Matching equipment to each need might be a better choice, but if you don't mind long fights and totally worn out fish and body go for it. Finding a spinning rod for large baits and weights is hard to do in any case. A custom one would be my choice and yes I would pay dearly for it if I were going to fish the three fish you mentioned with one rod.

conchydong · September 23, 2012, 04:24:43 PM

I am going to go in the opposite direction and suggest you get a longer rod as you stated you need to get the bait out a distance form the shore. The Trevalas are good for vertical jigging but lack in casting ability.
I would suggest a heavy spinning rod at least 8' in length. This model from Crowder ( a very popular Florida based rod manufacturer) should do the job.
www.tackledirect.com/crowder-cslb80-tarpon-jig-bottom-spinning-rod.html

Alto Mare · September 23, 2012, 05:05:11 PM

I have my 9500ss on a Daiwa Beef Stick, model #S1102MHRS, also comes in 12'. We target different species here in the NE thought. I would recommend braid and a bailess kit on that 9500ss. As for drags, the 9500 can hold its own, a 100lb fish shouldn't be a problem on that reel. I haven't caught one that size yet on my 9500, but heard of guys doing so.

dobrobill · September 23, 2012, 05:16:29 PM

Looks like a good fit to what the he wants. I could not find the casting weight range on the Crowder. I live in florida but don't own any crowder rods but from their write up it should handle bringing them in.

"hold its own"
I concide, a hundred pound fish is possible becaue I have caught one in that range on a 9500. Would I recomend it. Note even.. Takes to long to land them from shore using 30 lb test. Only 20lb test was mentioned above. Some people like the fight and use 4 lb test in saltwater. Takes a lot of practice for such an endeavor. Would the reel hold up fish after fish like that. With 20-30 lb test and fish in that range yes but large fish no according to a boat captain I know. The captain had to have all of his modified to handle(30-60) range Tuna and 30lb mono/80lb braid. Problems with the handles breaking off first then the drags blowing out. Last time I talked to him he was looking for something else. He also uses boat rods. I think the no bail kit would be in order also.

dobrobill · September 23, 2012, 06:12:20 PM

"Daiwa Beef Stick, model #S1102MHRS" 17-40 and 1-6 ounces. My spinning long rods used surf and such for larger fish are all rated at least 12 ounces and 40 lbs. I use them for pier and surf. While they may be able to bring in a shark, I'd rather not. I would not even want to tangle a big king with them. I use conventional gear for such tasks and rarely over 30lb test plus leader. When I shark fish I cast out a big chunk of lead and a pretty large bait. Casting a spinner with what I throw would be hard on my fingers and the rigs/gear. In total I only meant that it is hard to use one outfit for the fish mentioned. I guess one could get away with using one for all but I would not. As the the Trevala's don't put them down as a caster too fast. Four ounces 20lb test and bait they will scream out there pretty darn good.

Alto Mare · September 23, 2012, 06:36:10 PM

Yes you're right, I wouldn't cast over 5oz with the beef stick. It is a nice rod for the money though and it casts nicely. Most of my rods are $30 t0 $40, one of my favorite is the Ugly Stick by Shakespeare.

erikpowell · December 29, 2012, 01:03:32 AM

Quote from: Alto Mare on September 23, 2012, 05:05:11 PM

Hiya Sal, you mention a bailess kit for the 9500... where do you find those? i checked on pennparts and couldn't find anything.
...and are those kits you mention specific to only penn reels or are they available for other makes?
Thanks a lot, cheers, and Happy Holidays from Fiji !

I have my 9500ss on a Daiwa Beef Stick, model #S1102MHRS, also comes in 12'. We target different species here in the NE thought. I would recommend braid and a bailess kit on that 9500ss. As for drags, the 9500 can hold its own, a 100lb fish shouldn't be a problem on that reel. I haven't caught one that size yet on my 9500, but heard of guys doing so.

Alto Mare · December 29, 2012, 01:43:21 AM

Hello Erik, good to hear from you.
Haven't heard from you in a while, Happy Holidays to you as well.
About that bailess kit, I'm not sure if it will work with other reels, you will need to check for yourself.
here is where I get mine from:
https://www.mysticparts.com/PennParts/Parts/69-9500.aspx
All the best!
Sal

"Edited as per Moderators to correct Scott's Bait & Tackle over to their new store name Mystic Reel Parts / www.mysticparts.com"

erikpowell · December 29, 2012, 03:23:57 AM

Hi Sal, thanks for the quick response! I see how you spend YOUR friday nights

ya know, I was pretty sure I still had a 9500ss, but I just double checked and it's a 950ssm...Bummer.. same goes for the smaller one too.
i think i gave away my older rebuilt 6500 and kept the newer 650ssm... back before i knew any better...oh well, so much for my attempt on your double dog upgrade, i was looking forward to that. maybe i'll give it a go on my Tib framed 113h... make myself a mini tank!

Happy & Healthy New Year to you !
Erik