After lots of research and some helpful advise, this is the reel I chose. Only got to put it in the water a couple times, but haven't had any luck yet. So hopefully next year will be a better year and I will get to give this thing work out. It's an Okuma Makaira 30ii SE. 600yds of 100lb hollow core to 100yds 100lb mono.
And here's a picture of the monster my wife caught from the pier. I walked to the bathroom and when I came back she was holding this thing up. She was as proud as a peacock! lol
She caught it on the bait rod.
That's a very nice pick. Very solid design, very high cranking power (+40lb lower gear) and buttery feel without hearing any clicking noise. Technically speaking, that's the only reel series (beside cedros - single speed) currently in the market that has solved the common level drag problem of the side plate load on the bearing by implementing that proprietary thrust bearing. Enjoy!
Thanks Boghy. I was going to go with an 80w but got talked out of going that big, and was recommended to go with a 30 size reel. So this reel in MY opinion is one of, if not the best 30 class reel on the market at this time. And yes, very smooth, 55lbs of drag at full. No complaints at this time.