Thread: Rod and reel combo reviews

I am thinking about getting either the Penn Battle 2 combo or the Penn Fierce 2 combo(both in around the 6000 reel along with a 7, my rod).

my question is, do they come with the same rod? I know the battle is about $20-30 more but that isn't really that big of an issue.

which would you recommend?

The rod on both of those combos are rated "1 piece", "fast", "medium heavy", "12-25# line", with "8 Aluminum Oxide guides".
The 6000 reels have the same line capacity but the Battle has one more bearing and they are "sealed" instead of just "shielded", and it has 5 more pounds drag pull, plus the Battle II features Penn's HT-100™ carbon fiber drag washers
...
PENN® Fierce® II Combo | PENN®
PENN® Battle® II Combo | PENN®

Is all that worth $40?
You will have to decide ;-)

Well when you put it like that . I think I will go with the Battle combo then.

One other question. Is there any such thing as a collapsible or folding pier cart? I have a 4 door sedan, so not much room to carry one around. It would be really nice though. A couple rod holders and a place to carry cooler and bait bucket would be nice. Beginning to think I will just have to adapt the cooler with nuts bolts and pvc haha.

Yes sir, there are several (brands).
The Berkley is first to come to mind...
Berkley® Fishing Cart | Berkley®

Thanks a ton. A wealth of knowledge and never unwilling to share. I appreciate you.

Originally Posted by Fishingainteasy

Well when you put it like that . I think I will go with the Battle combo then.

One other question. Is there any such thing as a collapsible or folding pier cart? I have a 4 door sedan, so not much room to carry one around. It would be really nice though. A couple rod holders and a place to carry cooler and bait bucket would be nice. Beginning to think I will just have to adapt the cooler with nuts bolts and pvc haha.

Several people here have done just that (myself included). I managed to swap oversized lawnmower wheels onto mine for extra height and easier rolling over bumps and 'rough terrain'. Works great, looks ... Well it gets looks. But its smaller than a pier cart, fits in the back seat and cost me a whopping $30. Since I'm cheap I don't see myself shelling out 200 or more for a pier cart- though I do admire the nicer ones when insee them.

Go with the Battle II combo You won't be sorry Also for years I traveled to the N C coast to fish and used a folding grocery cart with bag liner which served me very well Could carry tackle bag Playmate cooler rain suit and 4-6 rod and reels

The Berkley cart works good for pier and surf. I've used it for 2yrs now with no problems. Added some extra rod holders.

Thanks everyone for the recommendations on the Battle vs the Fierce. The main problem I have is I get down once, maybe twice a year. I don't want to make a huge investment on the cart quite just yet. Ford, do you have pics and maybe an installation guide for the wheels (if so just pm me it). I may look at the shopping cart method too as they can't be that expensive right? Also, how did you rig the cart? Rod holders on front or side?

Spending enough on the rod + a camera for the misses and another little toy for me right now.

Another fun question.

Would you recommend a net or a gaff? I mainly plan to fish for Kings when I am down as they keep eluding me. I am kind of getting determined to catch one. They say third time is a charm and this will be my 3rd trip down trying. Trip 1 was a stingray (and shark city last April). Trip 2 was a few Remora and that was all.

I wouldn't worry about purchasing a gaff. If kings are running their will be plenty of people with one that are more than happy to help. I would get a net for other species; reds,flounder, specs and so on. I only come down 2-3 times a year also.