Penn Spinfisher Live Liner Reels

[Shawn L]

Does anyone have any experience with the Penn live liner reels? I have used Penn for a long time and have been very satisfied over the years. This year I would love to add a couple live liner reels to the collection for use in the bay. Hoping to get some feedback before I drop the money. Would like to know specifically if the 4500 would be sufficient or should I step up to the 6500. Any advice would be appreciated.

[ronaultmtd]

Take this for what its worth- I rarely use spinning tackle for anything, so maybe my thoughts are completely off base, but when I do use spinning tackle I like to go UL...my heavy spinning setup is a 2500 loaded with 10# Berkley nano line...my UL is a 1000 loaded with 4# Berkley nano line...and I have caught some really nice fish on both-

On a side note I use the UL (in salt water) mostly for fishing for white perch- You fish under boat docks with a tiny beetle spin (I usually change out the body with a Gulp 2 inch minnow body) and when you get a big white perch it gives a good fight on 4# line and a 7' Fish Eagle UL rod- however the Gulp minnow get hits from everything that swims so it isn't unusual to get a redfish or speck on when you are targeting white perch.

[Trip]

I have not used the Spinfisher LL. Take a look at weight specs. I am a fan of Penn and own a pair of slammer 360's, but I went with Shimano's 4000 size LL'g reels, one spooled with 15# PP braid and one with 30#.

Either setup is plenty big/strong for rockfish, the Shimano mechanical actions have a good 'feel', and teamed up with a St Croix MH-fast, the kit is just a little heavier than the comparable Penn 360 setup, but is still light enough to use for casting and jigging for hours. I've used this setup for a couple years now with no problem or noticeable wear and no maintenance (that's how I roll).

The LL function is sweet!

ps - I do not catch BIG rock, reds, and specs by accident. I use appropriate gear and techniques to efficiently target and land them.

[ronaultmtd]

I catch a bunch by "accident"...at least it seems that way to me- others seem to think I target Redfish and big gator specks as I usually limit out, but I am just fishing for whatever bites my lines- just lucky I guess...

[Shawn L]

Thanks for the info guys.