Going to purchase a reel. Stuck

I am looking into a new reel for surf fishing. Currently I have two relatively cheap setups that have lasted a few years. Daiwa 5500 emcast plus and a okuma 65 avenger. I am pretty careful when fishing, never dunk my reels and do a pretty good job of keeping sand off.

I fish exclusively from the shore, no boats, no piers (unfortunately). Wanting something that won't break the bank, so probably no top of the line saltiga, Stella, etc. I also don't want something overly cheap because I'll be trying to catch some larger fish from shore. Jacks, reds, sharks. This will be a rod to bait n wait, no plugging.

i think I've narrowed it down to the penn battle line - fierce , battle, conflict, or penn spinfisher v, or a fin nor offshore. I'm also torn on the size to get.

It seems like any of the reels between 100-150 would get the job done. I like the looks of the battle and conflict best, but I've seen some great fish landed by the offshore and spinfisher v.

Any suggestions? Again, my main use will be surf, baiting for good size game fish within casting distance. I really appreciate all the help you guys give to vacationers and others looking for gulf shores advice.

7000 Battle is the most bang for the buck IMHO

What are your thoughts on the spinfisher and offshore? Both hold way more line with much higher drag. On sharksonsand.com and pierandsurf a lot of them use these two options for blacktip sharks due to the larger line capacity...however they seem bulky at the larger sizes

For what you would be fishing for around here the offshore would be too bulky. I would go with what David said and get a 7000 Battle. The 8000 is a monster but would be a good choice if you are wanting line capacity. I have two 8000 Sarguses with upgraded HT100(same as the Battle) and they are absolute winches.

Are the battles easy to maintain for someone with very little knowledge of reels? I keep reading that if you don't lube these new penn reels prior to use you are just asking for them to fail.

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Originally Posted by Mattb

.... higher drag...

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Don't pay any attention to drag ratings. All, as in every single last one of all quality brand reels (Daiwa, Penn, Shimano, Quantum and more. are capable of producing more drag then you'll ever need on a given reel. If not, you're doing it wrong.

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Originally Posted by Mattb

Are the battles easy to maintain for someone with very little knowledge of reels? I keep reading that if you don't lube these new penn reels prior to use you are just asking for them to fail.

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Where are you reading this? There are plenty of folks that seem to go out of their way to pile on Penn. I have bought dozens of Penns over the years and never had to relube any of them prior to using it. The good news is that all you need to do to inspect and possibly add some lube only involves opening the reel not completely dismantling it. Getting inside of most modern spinning reels is not difficult at all. I could teach a child to do it in minutes.

Ok good, that is reassuring that it isn't too difficult. A simple google search for reviews will show quite a bit of negative feedback for almost any reel. Generally though, the battle and conflict get great ratings.

What is a good rod to pare with a 7000 or 8000 for casting chunks or bait?

Penn 8500ss, find a good used one holds plenty of line and will catch most anything out there....I am a fan of the battles too, but think the line capacity of the 8500ss might be more??? for a land based fishing adventure ....good luck in your search, there are so many choices out there ....most Penns are built like tanks

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Originally Posted by Mattb

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What is a good rod to pare with a 7000 or 8000 for casting chunks or bait?

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IMHO (again ;-) the reason I suggested the Penn Battle 7000 is because it has just about all on a surfcaster's "wish list" (HT-100 drag, sealed bearing, stainless shaft, etc.) and on a better budget than even the other Penns ($119 vs $158 or $179).
And the line capacity is right above that 'magic' 300 yards of 20# mono line.
IF you go over 20# (in mono) you are going to loose 10-15% casting distance for every step up in line weight.
Besides, Penn doesn't offer the Conflict in a 7000 size.
HUH? Yep, that's what I said...
Conflict | pennreels.com

But with 20# mono I would partner it up with a 10' or 11' Offshore Angler Power Stick Surf Spin rod ($80-$90 now on sale @ BPS).
Offshore Angler? Power Stick? Surf Spinning Rods | Bass Pro Shops

Of course IF you're going with braided line the equation changes ;-)

Hope this helps!

What if I use braid? I will be using power pro line most likely. Maybe a topshot of mono. 20# seems more than adequate for the braid.

You could conceivably downsize the reel then.
But keep in mind you want the weight of the reel & line to balance on the rod.
Even if you went with 50# or 65# PP the 300 yard spool is going to leave you LOTS of room for mono ;-)

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Originally Posted by Pier#r

7000 Battle is the most bang for the buck IMHO

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Mr. David was spot on with his early reply. Quit yer fussin and go git you one. You won't regret it. Drop down to 6000 if the $10.00 is that crucial.
Penn Battle's really are the best you can do for your dollar today.
I use a Battle 8000 only for a cobia reel, its loaded with 50 lb. PP and as the chef mentioned, it is strong as a winch.

yep, I got the battle 7000 for the deep water(800ft) dragging a jig for the long tailed sea bass loaded with 65lb power pro just in case something bigger attacked the 10-1/2oz jig....to bad I won't be able to use it now....oh well make a good ling reel

Thanks for the suggestions, very helpful

My wife's big surf setup for the last two years has been a Battle 7000 with an 11' BPS PowerStick. It has held up without any issues and you'd be hard pressed to find a better med-heavy surf combo for the money. I load it with 20# Big game mono and a long 65# braid shock leader. The rod is a little over-rated on weight so 4oz and a small bait is about the max I throw with it-sweet spot is 3oz and a chunk of cut bait. For about $70 extra dollars the 11' Ocean Master is rated up to 10oz and easily loads with 6oz and a half mullet but you pay for the better blank.

Other proven workhorse surf reels I prefer are the Daiwa Black Gold series (BG90) and third generation Penn spinfishers (7500ss-9500ss). They have a proven track record on the sand, routine maintenance is easy and parts/upgrades are readily available.