Ernie's foul hooked Big Hammer from a pier

Written by Earnie Polk

I have 3 16/0 and 1 14/0 the 14 is the 2nd sandbar allways. The14 allways comes up short when ya puting the baits out off the beach. I use 130lb dacron by r/w interprises. The stuff dont stretch at all. it is olive green so the blue fish dont cut it off. It sinks so no boats get it. My 16 holds 1100 yds. Its priced fairly, 30$ a spool. The only bad thing is it will burn a rut in your arms and fingers. I change line every 2 years so its got a good life. It holds a good frey factor and is strong. The bigger reels give ya something to hold on to, and is eaiser to hold still while ya crank. As far as the weak bridge, just be aware of how it tears up and avoid the situation. Anything can be torn up. The smaller reels are great on boats when ya can follow the fish. Stand up on a boat is diffrent than a pier or beach. To put that pressure on a boat takes a chair. Gold reels are for boats they are not built for the sand. The design of the senator is simple and works jamed full of sand. I hooked a 11'2" hammer in the belly between the peck fins, she ran 800yds on the first run. at one point I was looking at the loops 100yds from the bottom of the spool. 2:45 min, and I was glad I threw the bait off the pier. If I would have taken It out she would have striped me the reel no doubt. I fish for the biggest fish I can catch, why waist my time and let the best fish of my life take all of my line.