Penn 9500 SS Combo?

I am a Yankee from Cincinnati and need some advice on what to pair my Penn 9500 SS. I fished the old Pier back 20 years ago on week long vacations for about 5 seasons. I always targeted your Kings. I was fortunate enough to land around 10 of these awesome fish in this time period. I will never forget the adrenaline rush I got when a big King was ripping line off. The reel I used was paired with a 10 foot ugly stick. It seemed to do the job but was a bit awkward during the gaffing process. I want to use the Penn reel but I was wondering what you guys would pair this reel with. I used 20 lbs test and was able to spool over 400 yards of line on it. I am thinking 15 lbs would be be better. Please chime in on any advice you may have. Please don't hold my Yankee status against me:)

Well in my opinion a 9500ss is too big for kings i use a 706z or a 6500 0r 7500. But i guess if thats all u got it should work but put 20 to 25 pound test on it. the best thing to do with that reel is put 50 pound test on it and fish it for cobia.

or tarpon ....a tad on the big side and I believe will wear you out using it, and yes 10ft rod a little big too, both would be better suited for the surf and beach....7-9 is all you need with 8ft most common.....when you have whooped the fish and ready for the gaff you can point that long rod straight down for the gaffing...... stepping back and not seeing what is going on isn't a good option
from a fellow Yankee googan

and if you might need a gaff before headed that way, I could come visit my sister in Lebanon, for a meet up....I still have a couple here to get rid of.

although there is usually plenty on the pier, to help you get it up

.

I have a 9500 SS and in all truth, it's too much for anything other than bottom fishing for bull reds or sharks. I guess you could use it with live bait for kings but it's really over kill. Have mine on a 10' ugly stick. Anything less and I think you are looking at some real balance problems.

I have two Penn 9500SS and a 8500SS, both are IMO too big for constant handling on the pier.
I too use them for surf/shark fishing, they're on Offshore Angler-Ocean Master 12' Hvy surf rods.
You could take the 9500SS, mount it on a heavy-stand up boat rod and use it to pull AJs off the rigs/wrecks.
The reel is a beast! Especially when double dogged with stainless dogs and a 12 tooth ratchet :)

My biggest for the pier are my Penn 7500SS & 704Z, both of which are still too heavy for constantly working lures and such.
But good for soaking live baits for Kings and tossing the occasional lure/jig at passing Jacks, Lings and such.

The 9500SS could be paired with something like my Offshore Angler-Offshore Extreme/Cobia Special in either 8-9'.
But I think the balance would still be off.

Anybody else hear Ling reel? 950's are great for ling but I prefer 706z for king mine broke last year which I had to use a 750 all year 750's are even to heavy thank god I fixed my 706z now I can stay on the rail longer and dont get worn out fighting a fish

Well I guess I have a good excuse to buy a new outfit. I am sure this has been discussed many times on this thread, but what combo should I use for kings. I will fish with your typical LY on a float set up. Spin caster or bait caster which do you prefer. What length rod? I really feel stupid asking these questions because I humbly consider myself a good fisherman when it comes to stream smallmouth fishing. I got some experience in the ocean and will read and digest the gear and rigging section of this forum.

I might bring my Kayak down from Cincinnati. I got a 13.5 foot Ocean Kayak. Can anybody direct me to a website for any help? I have been pulled around by catfish in the OH river, but I think being hauled around by an ocean critter might bring it to a new level.

to me the best KING reel is a penn 706 they got brand new ones for 200.00 but if thats not in your budget u can get a penn battle or penn fierce 6000, fill it with 12 or 14. as for the rod i fish mainly all customs so if u want a good pre-built custom go to j and m they got custom king rods that john g builds and ive heard they are fantastic. but if you can get your hands on a 706 that would be youre best bet. (btw its manuel forgot to say that so if u can get used to a manuel then that reels great if not get urself a battle or fierce)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by mbelperio

Well I guess I have a good excuse to buy a new outfit. I am sure this has been discussed many times on this thread, but what combo should I use for kings. I will fish with your typical LY on a float set up. Spin caster or bait caster which do you prefer. What length rod? I really feel stupid asking these questions because I humbly consider myself a good fisherman when it comes to stream smallmouth fishing. I got some experience in the ocean and will read and digest the gear and rigging section of this forum.

I might bring my Kayak down from Cincinnati. I got a 13.5 foot Ocean Kayak. Can anybody direct me to a website for any help? I have been pulled around by catfish in the OH river, but I think being hauled around by an ocean critter might bring it to a new level.

---

A great combo for kings are: a 6000 size or 7000 size reel (Penn Battle's are nice) or a 704z or 706z are great reels (I own a 704). The ideal reel is something that holds at least 300 yds of 15lb test MONO line (I like 16 pound Mamoi Line).

The rod is your personal preference, but you can't beat an 8 ft. rod with 12-25 lb line test rating. You want a rod thats very limber, but at the same time has a good backbone and large line guides (it'll help you get your bait out there).

Use mono for kings unless you have braid backing and top shot it.

A great combo is at J & M Tackle, buy the Penn Fierce 6000 or Battle 6000 spooled with 16 Mamoi paired with there 8 ft. Profile rods. They are great rods for the price and either combo would probably run you no less than $120.

Good luck! No question is a stupid question, we are glad to help.

Heres a good post to look at: http://www.gulfshorespierfishing.com...uestions-8135/