[the optimist]

I am off to Melia Guillermo on 14 th May and after much research on this forum ( thank you to all) I am close to assembling my ton of gear- got a Diawa global international for popping and live baiting off pier etc and a boat rod for trolling off the hobbies, a lighter spinner ( savage gear) for pier work for baitfish.
But not got good enough reels yet.
I have a shimano TLD 10 multiplier - would that be man enough for trolling ?
I then need to get a fixed spool for the pier and popping etc. Saragossa and Stella would be lovely but a bit too pricey. Does any one have any views on what reel to get and where from.
I am looking at a penn battle 800 or should I try and get a cabo 880
Thank you for all help.
If anyone is planning to be there at the same time it would be great to meet up. I am also taking fly gear so plan on trying for a few bones.
Thanks
Mike

 

[jaym69]

I get back on the 5th may... Only 3 weeks till i leave tho ;-)

I got a penn ssv 6500... Have to say its such a nice reel and you can pick them up for under £100..
Smooth drag with plenty of power!

J

 

[the optimist]

Thanks jay I had not thought about the penn spinfisher. I will check them out. Hope your trip is successful - I look forward to your report before I go!!
M

 

[reshad9482]

Got a penn spinfisher 8500ss used.but working well. The Usa version

 

[Oldnipper]

I have a new 8500SS US version loaded with 65lb powerpro which I have taken on holiday but never used, willing to sell if anyone is interested for £65 plus P&P

Mike

 

[the optimist]

Thanks for the offers
I think I am interested in the penn SSV LL model particularly with the Baitrunner drag - could be useful for live baiting.
Anybody got any other ideas

 

[JasonH]

The big Fox Diablo spinning reels look good, I haven't used them in anger yet but will resolve that very soon. Some of the charter guys in the US swear by them for Bull Shark, big tarpon etc. I've bought 2 x 750s to test in Guinea Bissau, GAC are knocking them out dirt cheap at the moment, £50 for the 750s.

 

[jaym69]

Wow at £50 you cant knock that..... Wish they where that price when i wanted one!
Theres plenty of videos on youtube about them!!

GAC have some bargains!

 

[Oldnipper]

FYI There is a big difference bewteen the older style 7500 / 8500ss reels and the new much lighter 750s / 850s reels which are far less robust. My newer model 560LL only lasted 2 trips to Tobago before giving up the ghost.

I have had plenty of big sailfish, tarpon to 45lbs and king mackerel to 40 lbs on my 6500SS in fact. A new 7500SS is still about $200 in the US stores

Mike

 

[JasonH]

Wow at £50 you cant knock that..... Wish they where that price when i wanted one!
Theres plenty of videos on youtube about them!!

GAC have some bargains!

I managed to get one in their Xmas promotion for £35, at the time I was looking a spare spool that was retailing at £36.99 !!!

 

[roper]

I managed to get one in their Xmas promotion for £35, at the time I was looking a spare spool that was retailing at £36.99 !!!

I did the same. And for £35 pound it feels rock solid. I would say even at £50 you won't go wrong i would choose it over a cabo 80.I bought mine to leave with Lean instead of a cash tip in October.

 

[JasonH]

I did the same. And for £35 pound it feels rock solid. I would say even at £50 you won't go wrong i would choose it over a cabo 80.I bought mine to leave with Lean instead of a cash tip in October.

Hopefully it won't disintegrate after the first couple of jacks or cassava in Guinea Bissau , as you say though it feels rock solid. One way or another I'll give my thoughts when I return in mid May.

 

[the optimist]

Thank you all for your help and ideas