Thread: Best Buy?

I have done a little research as to why I see so many classic spins on the rock. I am going to get a custom snob rod built and want to know the best easiest modded classic Penn. I love the manual pickup so that's a must. I greatly appreciate the help!!!

If you can track them down a 706z is the preference of most pier fishermen. If you cannot find one in your price range, look into a mitchell 302 or 402. They are much more affordable and can be modded with a manual and upgraded drag.

Yeah thats what I hear! Is the 704z good too?

The 704 is fine. The problem with modifying a 704 is finding the parts needed to convert it to manual and then justifying paying the price that those parts sometimes go for these days. You'd be better off looking for one that has already been converted rather than finding a stock one and then having to track down the parts.

So just a manual conversion kit wont make it manual? The reason I say this is because I bought one off Ebay for super cheap with the intention to stud it out.... I know the 704 was made up until 2005. I couldnt find any 706 so I just went with the 704....I will get a 706 before long too.

Yes a manual conversion kit would be all you need. The problem is that those kits are no longer made and the old stock has all but been depleted. I was able to locate this aftermarket knockoff for $30 + shipping: https://www.causewaybaitandtackle.co...ts_p_1883.html According to my math that is $10+/screw or washer and the way I see it that is expensive. However if you've got to have it you've got to pay that price.
Though the classic Penn and Mitchell reels are excellent for snobbling baits, there are modern alternatives that are just as adequate if not better. It may be difficult for those who have used the old school gear and methods to switch to the modern stuff even if it is out of being stubborn to change. I get that and am okay with it, since I understand that most of those have several spare parts, parts reels and even backup reels stockpiled away and it's economically an advantage to keep the old stuff going. I would tell you or any other newb out there not to embrace that tackle since it is costly and time consuming to do so.

Oh I know the modern reels are adequate but I wanted a classic. I love the mechanics and how the reel feels. Much the same as I jump in my K5 and step back in time. I have the modern Penn and Shimano reels. Its just a personal preference for me to go on my custom rod I want built. I am going to have the reel painted with my College Team Logo and I guess you could say pimped out...haha Thank you so much for the help I got a manual conversion ordered aswell suppose to be the closest to the original penn. I hopefully will have it by next weekend. When I am down on the rock again.

704 after market conversion kits be it factory or knock off are junk...btw,,whats a 706?? oke1:

No matter how cheep you got the 704 for,its still a 704.Unless you change out the rotor cup and the spool it's still a 704.The conversion kit isn't nothing more than the bail wire cut off.

[quote author=tater73 link=topic=815.msg7715#msg7715 date=1332613694]
Oh I know the modern reels are adequate but I wanted a classic. I love the mechanics and how the reel feels. Much the same as I jump in my K5 and step back in time. [/quote]

Plenty of guys want to hunt with bows and black powder too.