Hard act to follow? Don't follow me..I'm lost too

This Penn is the first HD spinning rig I've owned. The rod is one beefy stick at only 7'. We'll see how she goes. I'm still chasin walleyes for now...found a bunch eating on bullheads tonight.

I know this threas is about rods but I'm looking for a little info on reels.

I have an extra Abu 6500 C4 which I'm thinking will work out well for catting. But I'm also looking for a bait running spinning reel and finding many different saltwater ones out there. These buggers are heavy! Many in the 22-25 oz range. Are these too big? The salt striker I was using in Darren's boat I'd swear was in less than 20 oz.

Yes, they are heavy, but so are the big Baitcaster we use.

Generally you will be fine with a 40/4000 series reel but I would recommend a 50/5000 or bigger.

Check these out:

Shimano Baitrunner
Penn Live Liner
Okuma Epixor

I am guessing you were looking at some 60 series or bigger spinning reels, which are gargantuan (>20 ounces). I would recomend a 50 series if you're looking at Okuma, or whatever looks to be roughly the same size in a different brand. I think the 50 series okuma epixor is 18 ounces. The 55 series salt striker is like 16.3 ounces, pretty similar to the 50 okuma epixor.

I have had good success with a very large variety of reels.

I have caught flatheads on a pflueger bass fishing baitcaster(no clicker), a quantum baitcaster(no clicker), a $14 shimano 2000 (black plastic reel-no clicker), a shimano sidestab(no clicker), a pair of old 70's vintage Daiwa spinning reels (no clicker), a salt striker 50 series (clicker), A pair of okuma epixors both 50 series, an old Pinnacle spinning reel (used to have clicker), a garcia 6600 C4 (clicker), etc.

Some work better than others...and I still fish with all of the above mentioned reels on occasion. The old Daiwa reels have put some serious fish in the boat this year including a couple sturgeon at the excursion this spring.

I truly like the epixor/salt striker the best for most situations. I have had to replace parts on both of mine this year and the gear that engages/disengages the clicker seems to be suspect on these reels as well as the handle shafts. The specs on the reels show that the handles on the 65's have a significantly larger diameter.....so I would recommend upgrading to the 65's if you have that option.

The 6600 C4 is a good all around reel also. Clicker is a little week and adjustment isn't as easy as the spinning reel clickers.

I am a firm believer that any rod with some backbone and whatever reel you want to use can catch these fish with heavy enough line (65 or 80 braided). A poor drag can derate the line strength so I always used the 80 with the cheaper reels and have landed several 40 plus fish with 80 pound line on the cheap little shimano 2000's.

Being creative and having some frankenstein gear is what catfishing is all about in my mind. Once you are comfortable in your ability to catch fish....then you can upgrade to something a little nicer.

For a solid spinning reel with a clicker the epixor, salt striker, avenger reels are excellent. The epixor ($75-80) is a little better quality than the salt striker ($55-60) which is a little better than the avenger ($40-50). As you would expect, you get what you pay for, but all three can put some big fish in the boat in the hands of an experienced fisherman.

Aanderud has put some pigs up with his Avenger.....

I just and Okuma Avenger 50 series last week. I have not had a chance to break it in yet but I'm heading out Thursday night to giver her a try.

Thanks guys. I was cruising Ebay's saltwater stuff. Lots of those bigger reels on there. I don't plan on making a lot of cat trips so I don't want to break the bank but still want good gear.

dtro,

I hear you have a hand built 8 1/2' MH graph glass comp from midwest. Do you like it?

Yes, I really like it. It is a bit undersized for the big Flats, but will work in a pinch.

When it comes to Channels and Sturgeon, it's tough to beat.

I built the same rod that Dtro has and have been happy with it. I also believe the the rod is somewhat light for a 30# flathead or a larger sturgeon. I have caught 55" sturgeon and 39# flathead using it and it performed well but, it is somewhat light in the action for these larger fish. I would purchase something with a bit more backbone in it to help tire the fish.

Now, for a channel rod, it may just be the ticket.

Well I have a Kat King 8" MH with the Salt striker 50 combo on backorder and should have the samr rod in the casting model on the way. Should be set soon with other terminal tackle also on the way.

Are you guys using the Gamakatsu 10/0 Octi with the straight shaft or the upturned eye?

I bought the same blank, I think I will build it casting. They also had a 10'H action but I thout it would be a little long. I liked the action of it, but the blank was HEAVY.
So I ordered a 7'10"H 44 mil modulas salt water/muskie blank.
Thats more my style.

I cant wait to get that rod built. I think with a 7000 and 80# PP it could winch a 1987 pickup out of the ice on Prior Lake.

Sounds like a very specific model of truck and location. Is there a story behind this?

What a bummer! Just got this email this morning as the status of one of my new catting rigs when from backordered to gone.


CABELA'S SALT STRIKER BF 50 - KING KAT SPIN COMBO CKKS802
Item number: IJ - 119463
Canceled/Discontinued

Looks like my search for a spinning combo continues.