I am looking at several different types of reels and want some opinions on which are the better ones. Looking to get two of them.
1 Penn Fathom levelwind model FTH60LW
2 Okuma Solterra single speed lever drag SLR50W
3 Shimano TLD 2 speed TLD 30IIA
4 Penn Squall Lever Drag SQL60LDLH
I am going on several boating trips and will be fishing off of piers and bridges where possible. Any input would be great! I am also planning on shark fishing off of the beach. One month to go then will be in Indian Shores by Tampa. Will be looking to meet up with skilled shark fishermen in the area. Will be posting pics of the big ones
Update I ended up buying a Fin Nor Marquessa Lever Drag model number MA50T. Has anyone ever used one of these?
I have not personally used any Fin - Nor reels but I am going to buy a Fin - Nor Santiago SA130. They have had over 380 world records caught on their tackle, so I think you made a good choice.
I have Cavalla's and perform better then avets same size reel. Problem is - they need to be tunned-up. So far, they haven't failed on me at all. The 50II NOT 50W - landed 9.5ft hammer in 20 minutes. The lower gear WAY overpowers the drag to the point where easily 50lbs cranking power can be reached at which point the drag start skipping while turning the handle. Not to many reels out-there can overpower the max drag - just by cranking. Makes me smile when people emphases drag but yet cranking - is overlooked. I've seen too many horror actions where people can't turn the handle of they reel not even an inch while under heavy load - but yet - they were hopping around smiling that they own a reel that can handle quadruple dozens of lbs.
P.S. Notice i haven't mention Solterra? I had one - piece of crap. Cavalla is cheap - from ebay. They don't make them anymore - however part support is covered till 2015 at a very cheap cheap price. Call okuma - they'll hook you up with any parts needed.
I appreciate the input. I will be putting it to the test here in about three weeks. I have that and an Abu Garcia 10000i for any larger fish. Using 80 lb suffix with 80 lb mono topshot. As long as the weather works out will be putting them to the test as much as possible.