Looking to purchase a new reel. Looking at the Penn International 80w. Looking for advice and/or suggestions. Will be fishing the keys from boat near the Bahia Honda and 7 Mile bridges. Thanks for your input!
if your fishing from a boat i would recommend a avet50w . i think avet is MUCH better than internationals . also i believe that the 50w would be much cheaper than a 80w. just my opinion
yea i would go with a avet over a international. avets are cheaper then internationals if i remember right. if your fishing from a boat i would go with a 50w avets 50w puts out as much as penns 80w does i think. avets are made 100% in house in america. internationals are only assembled here there parts are made over in china. avets have a smoother drag and more drag. if you have the money to spend you can get a 50w trx witch puts out 100lbs of drag. we have stopped 9 and 10 ft lemons in there tracks with these reels. but a normal pro exw50 spooled with braid will do fine on the boat or beach. but if you are stuck on a 80w go with a avet 80w dantheman on here has a 80w avet and had it spooled with a 1500 yard spool of 150 or 200lb power pro and was only at half a spool. but really look at the avet line of reels. they are great, have great customer service, and keep your money in america.
boat-avet 50w w/ 750yds jb 130lb and a wind-on
beach-either avet 50w or 80w with 130/200lb jb backing and 130/200lb topshot
I'll tell you this. I have never owned an Avet (but want one), but I do own an International 30TW and love it. Ive never had a problem with it, bought used in 1999. My avatar image was caught on it on 50lb mono. Dude, if Avets are really that much better then I NEED ONE VERY SOON! Lol! If I had the cash Id prob buy an Avet, Ive never heard anything bad about them. And I do like the made in America part being a Jarhead and all! LOL!
growing up fishing all penn 50-80- and 130s owning penns that now collect dust because of Avet. I went through the same thing, my turning point was I felt that penn internationals are behind in the race to build new better product. I have to admit over the past 3 years I see Penn also was feeling that and now are producing new stuff with new ideas.
I have nothing bad to say about Penn but my choice would have to be Avet along with all the others. also 80 is a little much for boat fishing a proper set up Avet 50 can catch true monster fish as will a Penn 50 thats had some drag upgrades. 