Thread: Penn Z Series

What are the benefits to not having a bell? I have never used a reel like this. Had someone tell me it’s easer and quicker to let Kings free line and get away from sharks. Didn’t know if there was truth to that! Any help would be appreciated. I’m in the market for a reel set up just for the Octi and Kings. I have a program at my work that we get points on and I have Amit of options for Penn, Abu Garcia and a few others that I can choose from. I already own a penn Battle 2 that i use redfishing a d love. It’s a 4000. I was going to go with it again but a 6000 till A friend told me about this Z series. I also like the Spinfisher. I know a lot of it is personal preference but any opinions on those 3 for a king set up would be appreciated, or any other brands and models that y’all like. Thanks.

A bail-less reel allows you to feed line to a running fish or allow slack for your bait to swim, or to set the hook with just the movement of your index finger.
Kindof like "wax on. wax off." but different and better ;-)

King fishing is a matter of personal preference and what fits your hand and your style best as you will often be holding that reel for hours waiting on a bite.

A manual reel is kind of like a language, if you grew up using it, it's not foreign. In other words, stay with a bailed reel being that's what your used to. The Battle 6000 spooled with 300yds of 20lb braid then topped off with around 200yds of 15 or 16lb mono would be a great choice.

I still prefer a bailed reel, but trying to learn the manual, I will king fish and live bait fish for spanish with a manual (706 & 306) but could due the same with a bailed reel and loose drag (that the manuals have anyway) till a fish makes it's first run, or the sharks are present in force.
Foreign to me ,but learning

The manuals were designed for pluggers who cast large lures and heavy spoons from the surf. There is no risk of a bail slamming shut on the forward motion and watching a high dollar lure go sailing out to sea. I have both a 704Z and 710Z with PUM's.
The other dozen have been been tuned so the handle is DOWN when in the casting position so inertia will not cause it to move and inadvertently close the bell.

Just popped a new addition to the family this morning. A good cleaning is in order but she will be making the trip!