Pros & Cons of new rod and reel

After making my first trip to the pier earlier last month I decided I needed to upgrade my equipment from the junk I had left over from family vacations to beach when I still had children at home. I bought some new stuff (Wal-Mart) while I was down there last month, but what I really want is a set some all-purpose, decent quality basic equipment to build upon. I will be back in September and I initially plan to fish for Spanish, kings, and blues, since that seems to be what’s biting now. My oldest son just transferred to a job in Mobile and bought a house in Daphne and I will be visiting them several times each year and I don’t mind getting setup with some decent stuff even if I don’t get to use it all that often.
After searching the pier blog for advice, this is what I’ve come up with to start my upgrade. I would appreciate any comments and advice from you veteran pier fisherman on the pros and cons of my list.
Thanks Guys
1) Penn Fierce II Spinning Reel 6000 Series
2) Shakespeare Two-Piece Medium Action Ugly Stik Bigwater Spinning Rod (2 pcs for traveling purposes)
3) Spiderwire Braided Stealth Superline 20 lbs Moss Green

Penn Battle II 5000 and 4000 combos will equip you to catch most anything that swims here

I use a fierce ll 6000 for kings, jacks and bullreds, never let me down and even managed a tarpon on it

Penn fierce are good reels on a budget. I have a 3000 for smaller species and love it.

This is all good information on the reel and I should probably go with something smaller than the Penn 6000 series. How about the rod, I don't want anything too stiff to cast lures and since I am limited to a 2 piece rod my option are somewhat limited. Any experience with the Ugly Stick Medium?

Personally, I like a rod with a stiff action for casting lures. I prefer a softer tip for throwing live bait and cigar minnows---don't rip as many off the hook on the cast.

Check with J&M and tell them what you want the rod for and how much you want to spend and I bet you'll find what you want, and if you ever have a problem with it, they'll generally take care of it on the spot unless it's something that requires the glue to set overnight.

I love my Battle II 4000 and the Penn rod that came with it. I imagine one of the Battle II combos in a slightly larger size would take care of your king fishing needs. I have no experience with the Fierce, but hear good things about it.

Just as a thought could you find a place to leave your rod and reels at your sons? Maybe up out of reach from unwanted hands. You might ungrade a little more.

Thanks Guys, I think I will go with Haywire on the Penn Battle II 4000 combo and with Coach and just have it delivered to my son's house and keep it there.

I have the Penn Fierce II 6000 and the Fierce II 4000. Both are great. I am new to saltwater fishing but they seem to be good quality without breaking the bank.

_dogs, are you saying you'll go with the 4000 for Kings Jacks Reds etc?

(Sorry if I'm reading it wrong.)

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Originally Posted by Pop Jiggity

_dogs, are you saying you'll go with the 4000 for Kings Jacks Reds etc?

(Sorry if I'm reading it wrong.)

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Actually, you can load that reel (I did) with over 300 yards of 20# braid---plenty except for the truly exceptional fish, of which there have been dang few this year.

It might be a challenge to throw a big live bait on the 7' rod that comes with that combo, but it could be done, with grit and determination.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Haywire

Actually, you can load that reel (I did) with over 300 yards of 20# braid---plenty except for the truly exceptional fish, of which there have been dang few this year.

It might be a challenge to throw a big live bait on the 7' rod that comes with that combo, but it could be done, with grit and determination.

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....and THAT'S why you're HAYWIRE... and I'm not.

edit: Meant THE Haywire, in all recognition.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Haywire

Actually, you can load that reel (I did) with over 300 yards of 20# braid---plenty except for the truly exceptional fish, of which there have been dang few this year.

It might be a challenge to throw a big live bait on the 7' rod that comes with that combo, but it could be done, with grit and determination.

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I have to ask, if not the rod that comes that Penn combo with big live bait, then what would you prefer?

Keep the 7' rod handy for smaller baits or throwing lures; a bit longer rod to 8' or so with a softer tip and a little more backbone will require less "snap" casting and more "whoosh" in casting bigger but soft baits like LY and cigar minnows. One reel with two rods to suit conditions.

Here's a related post with an answer to a similar question: http://www.gulfshorespierfishing.com...20/index2.html

Yeah, what he said.

I'm not sure what rod comes with the Battle II 5000, but I know it's longer---I'm up at my hunting camp doing some mowing, or I'd run down to J&M and check it out for you. I do know that J&M makes an excellent "store custom" rod that is exactly what you need---I have two of them. I got mine a couple of years ago and they were under $200 then. I expect you can find something less expensive at Bass Pro---hard to go wrong with an 8' Ugly Stik.

Just as a follow up on my request for the advice on my upgrade on the new rig. Amazon delivered my Penn Battle II combo today ($104.00) and I couldn't be happier. The rod and reel are well matched and balanced, I can't wait to put it to the test. Thanks for the great advice, I hope I get a chance to meet some you regulars on the pier someday. Thanks to Haywire and every one again. Gook luck fishing.