Thread: Advice on surf reels

Originally Posted by Pierless

Yeah I'd certainly expect you can have fun wrangling little sharks with that combo, though you might be surprised how close a big one will come once in a while.

Also, if that cheap combo is rigged up correctly it may hold up long enough to whip a big one or two.

Matt,
let me know when you're going to be in town.
I live in Mobile and love to shark, I've a yak and would be happy to meet some Saturday and soak some baits.
I prefer to take the ferry across to Ft. Morgan an fish the drop-off on the bay side of the Point.

An inexpensive Penn 6/0 or 6/0 wide (400yrds of 50# mono, topped with 50yrds of 80# mono) on a stout 5.5-7' rod, will handle most sharks under 8' if you play'em right.

Your current rig should whip any Blacktip/Spinner, and handle other small-medium sized sharks.
Do not try to put anywhere near the rated drag on that reel, you'll trash it. Heck, 15#s of drag should be fine.

Sounds like a great time. I'll be there the week of Fourth of July. Unfortunately, we arrive Saturday and leave the next week Saturday.

I'm staying close to the golf course on DI. Would that point just south be a decent spot for reds, jacks, sharks?

I'd look into a new setup for sharks, but since I only get to the coast once or twice a year, I may be better off spending a bit on a more versatile equipment.