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Good spinning reel for 9 foot surf rod?

I'm normally a conventional reel type of guy but lately finding myself hurting too much at the end of the day. Arthritis is creeping in me bones. I want to buy a 9 foot surf rod ( spinning, M/Hvy ) but need help with a reel. I'm checking out the Tica reels but heard too many complaints about the bail closing prematurely during a hard cast. I need some help here, which reels are good with huge line capacity. Model #'s would be a plus. I normally wouldn't ask this but I'm more conventional rather than spinning so I may not be up to par and this is why I ask. Thanks guys. ~Chimp Dancer ~By the way, I'm not looking for the high priced stuff. My daughter's school is milking away that fun so please, moderately priced but decent. ~I want to thank every one for answering and giving me some insight on the larger spinning reels out on the market.~chimp.

Public Comments

1. check this site out http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/SportingGoods?RequestAction=advisor&RequestData=CA_CategoryExpand&UseSheet=&ResultsPerPage=20&CatPath=All%2BProducts%252F%252F%252F%252FSaltwater%2BFishing%252F%252F%252F%252FReels%2F%2F%2F%2FSpinning%2520Reels&OrigCatPath=All%2BProducts%252F%252F%252F%252FSaltwater%2BFishing%252F%252F%252F%252FReels&AttribSel=&submitted=yes&cmSType=N&viewastext=false&eaport=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.basspro.com%2Fwebapp%2Fwcs%2Fstores%2Fservlet%2F&storeId=10151&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&categoryId=151001002&deptId=151000000&subdeptId=151001000&ea_sortDirection=&ea_sortColumnName=¤tpage=1
2. I may get slammed for my answer as there doesn't seem to be many Penn fans on this site based on some of the responses I've gotten in the past, But I use an 850 Penn Spinfisher in the surf and this reel has never let me down, ever. These reels have been around for decades and my first one last me over 10 years, I bought a new one about 5 years ago and I beat the crap out of it, from throwing it in the sand to tend to my catch, to having it fully submerged in the salt, and the drag system can accommodate anything that you can catch from the beach. It will easily hold 250-300 yards of 20 # test braid. I'm assuming your looking to fish the surf (salt ), and an important factor in choosing a good reel is casting distance vs. line capacity. The reels that have the really fat inner cores on the spool will generally hold less line, but you can throw a decent weighted plug a mile with them, especially with braided line. The reels with a thinner core, and usually a deeper spool, will obviously hold more line but you wont be able to cast it as far, as usual, we have to give up something to get something else, sucks huh? But the spinfisher is all metal and easily broken down to clean, plus the main shaft is stainless steel, as well is the bearings, so I'll take a chance (again), with all the critics, and recommend the ' Penn Spinfisher 850 '. There are also 2 smaller models, Hope This helped, Bud, and good luck in the surf !!
3. Nice answer Shop! (Thumbs up) Penn Spin-fishers are good/great reels and hold-up well under extreme conditions. I managed a major tackle store in the early-mid 90's and (to be honest) I was very proud to sell "certain" Penn equipment. The problem with the "New" Penn outfits? About 98' they began trying to compete with Shimano/Daiwa, (they needed reels that had instant anti-reverse, ETC). They started "farming out" misc parts of their new line of reels to China. Thats when Penn started to go down-hill. HOWEVER, (in my opinion), if you stay with the "old style" Penn (Metal body Spinfisher) reels you should be alright. (Shop, don't you think an 850 is a bit much? An 850 is a VERY heavy reel generally used for offshore fish! Using a braided-line and downsizing the reel will greatly affect the WEIGHT of the outfit! In my opinion, try a 650 SSM and some braided line if you go the Penn route.......) CD, your in Fla aren't you? If I were you I'd look at the Daiwa Black Gold series too. Neither the Penn SSM OR the Black Golds have all the newest "bells & whistles", (instant anti-reverse, 14 ball bearings, ETC) and they've changed very little in 40 years; they just last FOREVER. BG's are built like tanks and can be easily fixed at your local reel shop. I have one from the late 80's that still works perfectly and it's caught tons of fish! I'd rig up with a BG15 or BG20 (depending upon what type of line you intend to use; Braid or Mono). Black Golds are $79.99 at Bass Pro Shops. You should go and read the reviews regarding them. A Penn 650 SSM is $119. The reason I'm partial to the BG's (over the Penn) is because of "wobble". A Penn Spinfisher "wobbles" like a top when you retrieve it. Whereas, the BG's are "smoother" on the retrieve. Either way- Penn SSM or Daiwa Black Gold would be 2 good inexpensive reel choices that will last a LONG time. Hope this helps ya bro?
4. I have to agree with the other two reels mentioned. The metal Penns are great, but they have a few flaws...like the wobble. The BG's, they're great but unrefined. I can't say enough good things about them. But once I picked up a Daiwa Emblem Pro, I had to stop using my other reels. It's a far cry above the other two. It casts MUCH better, has a better drag (33lbs), and will handle braid very well. I'm not fond of braid on the other reels. Now, a brand new Emblem Pro will cost just more than the Penn's will, but for the extra money, you get a considerable amount of reel. Also, I found on one eBay, new, in the box...2 available... http://cgi.ebay.com/DAIWA-EMBLEM-PRO-EMP5000-SALTWATER-SPIN-REEL-NEW_W0QQitemZ360087681966QQihZ023QQcategoryZ108153QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1638Q2em118Q2el1247 If I had to make a choice, I'd go with the Emblem, then the Penn, then the BG. (I don't think the BG casts nearly as well as the Penn....)
5. Yes to Johnny boy,daiwa is what u need bro,don't u hate it when it wobbles,man that's annoying.Its your choice buy what u think u like,bg is ok maybe try a bit high end daiwa reels cos the cost just little bit higher.