Need advice on baitcasting reels for surf!

[Sharkbait]

This is the first year I did some serious surf fishing got my first striper from the surf after watching a fellow next to me. The problem I'm having is what type of bait caster reel to use. This year I used two of my boat bait casters which are penn 320 gt's. I had the reels paired with two 12 foot ugly stick baitcasting surf rods. I am getting too much backlash and it snaps my rig off on a long cast when it knots up. I realize using a bait caster takes some practice but I like the distance they can get verses a spinning reel. Can anyone who uses a bait casters in the surf recomend a better reel for that, other than the penn 320? Also what is the best line and weight of line to use that might also help to reduce backlash? Thanks for any help!

[Coop]

the 525 mag with a couple extra mags would be my first choice and then a diawa 20 shv (or whatever is the newer model),,,these are personally my favorites,,,they have plenty of line capacity for targeting stripers and drum using 17lb suffix tri and hold somewhere in the nieghborhood of 275 yrds,,,plenty of line,,,I have a 30shv, IMO, I think it's just to much reel for stripers and drum and have switched back to all 525's,,,I have heard the abu 6500 and 7000 are also great reels,,,IMO, the larger reels just are not necessary and can tire your hand/thumb out when tossing all day and night,,,now if you plan on targeting larger species like sharks, I would change my recomendations.

I would recomend, if you get a chance, try the many different reels out first, just because someone recomends a certain reel doesnt mean it's the right one for you,,,someone recomended a 535gs, went out and bought it, but it just sat to high of the rod for me to be comfortable when tossing for hours.

[Pier_man0909]

I have a diawa 30 SHV (the current model is the SHA) which can be picked up at a shop for $120. I definately think that it is the best line of surf reels out there, especially for the begginner. just put the red brakes in and go practice.

[AMSA#1166]

I have a rod set up with a abu garcia 7000,the only thing i dont like about it is the levelwind.But can be removed after you get the feel for the reel.if you would like to try one first, i be more than happy to let you cast mine. Im over AI most weekends, just let me know.

[igormothra]

Coop is dead on the money(as usual) the 525 mag is amazing, and I personally am a huge fan of the Garcia reels.

[Erbby49]

If I might impose on Sharkbait's post I have been thinking of upgrading to a heavy heaver with a conventional reel. You all just answered the reel question what rod would you suggest in the 10 - 13' range to throw 5+oz and bait Thanks for the help

[Charkbait]

good heaver for the $ is the bass pro ocean master line. I have 2 cape points and they will throw anything. If you are a bigger guy then you can handle them, they are heavy though. I tossed a whole live bluefish and a 10oz weight at least 60 yards on Sunday. They will throw a brick and are cheap in the world of heavers.

[Pier_man0909]

I now have the wheels reels mag sideplate for my diawa.

[Dave]

I use the abu garcia 7000, and I love it, I have not had a single backlash with it, I have it on a 12' tica, I plan on getting another when I have the funds.

[Coop]

Erbby, how much cash do you want to spend? expensive to least expensive:

somewhere around 350.00 can get you a nice custom 1569 rainshadow,,,casts 6 plus bait all the way up to 10 and bait very well. Gary built (8nbait) mine and I absolutely love it for tossing 8 and bait,,,if I had to throw 10's plus often, then the 1509 would be my other choice.

breakaway hdx,,,cost you around 230.00,,,new on the market and not sure what the range is but I have the ldx and love it but max on that one is around 5 ounces. I would assume the hdx is much heavier, not sure if it is a true heaver but it may be something to check out,,,I am currently trying to find more info on this rod,,,like I said, really like the ldx and only hope the hdx will be just as good.

like charkbait says,,,ocean master is very good for the money,,,I think right around $120.00,,,I would also suggest a tica or tsunami right around the same price range.

IMO, you really can't go wrong with any of these rods.

[Pier_man0909]

I have heard good reviews about the HDX but for me I would still rather go custom. have it built to your standards. RS 1509, RS1569, wheels reels fusion, or a breakaway HDX would be my suggestions.
here's a link from an earlier thread.
http://www.atlanticanglers.com/forum...read.php?t=799 (longest throwing stick)

[Erbby49]

Thanks again for your advice guys I went with the Abu BG 7000 HS spooled with 65# Suffix Braid teamed it with a 10' heavy

[Dave]

Let me know how the garcia works out for you, I love mine.

[mrmarkedwards]

what did yuo wnna know about the hdx i did a field test on it.
rated for up to 12oz (8&bait) and the fishing veresion has the fuji concept and loves braid.

[Coop]

Was debating on getting one but since have decided to build a couple rods over the winter,,,I wasnt sure on the rated heaving weight,,,how do you like the rod?,,,I have the ldx,,,very nice rod, just wish the guides were a little larger,,,ended cutting some off the butt,,,reel seat was way high.