Penn spinfisher V spinning reel size? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Tuff guy · 04-15-2014, 11:22 AM

I am looking to buy a new spinning reel to match my diawa saltwater spinning rod. I don't have the rod in front of me but I think it was a 12-25 line capacity. I have done my homework and it seems that the consensus is that the penn spinfisher v is the best value. That being said, what model should I go with? I was thinking the 6500 with 40 or 50lb braid? I will be using it primarily in la jolla for rockfish and (when I get lucky) larger fish like yellowtail. Is the 6500 model the correct reel for this application? Any others I should be considering? I broke the handle off my last cheap ass reel at the rockfish derby, and don't want to repeat the experience using inferior gear. Thanks!

LawDog · 04-15-2014, 12:00 PM

It all depends on your budget. Personaly for bottom fishing and yellowtail i would recommend a conventional reel with a clicker, and use that rod with a spinning reel for cast and retrieve fishing. There is definately a place in every fishermans arsenal for a spinning reel though. For around the $100 mark the Penn battle is hard to beat. but if you want to go cheaper always make sure it has a rubber seal under the drag adjuster. Dont get a freshwater spinner or you will regret it after 2-3 trips when you find out you need to dissassemble it every time it gets wet to clean it.

I have seen guys use spinner rod/reel jig sticks pretty successfully though.

Chuck D · 04-15-2014, 12:38 PM

I use a 5500 with 65 lb braid for casting surface Irons at the yellows, works like a charm.

Tuff guy · 04-15-2014, 04:34 PM

Any particular reason to go with the 5500 over the 6500? Want to make sure I only have to buy it once. I will get another conventional setup eventually but for now I'll have this spinning setup and an ugly stick tiger with a pfluger reel that should do well until I can afford something fancier

Chuck D · 04-15-2014, 06:40 PM

The 5500 is smaller and lighter, those saltwater spinning reels can get too big to mess with. It has the power to handle anything out here as well.

Tuff guy · 04-16-2014, 07:52 AM

Ok thanks, I think that's what I'll go with, looks like 65lb braid is popular.

04-15-2014, 11:22 AM	#1
Tuff guy Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 137	Penn spinfisher V spinning reel size? I am looking to buy a new spinning reel to match my diawa saltwater spinning rod. I don't have the rod in front of me but I think it was a 12-25 line capacity. I have done my homework and it seems that the consensus is that the penn spinfisher v is the best value. That being said, what model should I go with? I was thinking the 6500 with 40 or 50lb braid? I will be using it primarily in la jolla for rockfish and (when I get lucky) larger fish like yellowtail. Is the 6500 model the correct reel for this application? Any others I should be considering? I broke the handle off my last cheap ass reel at the rockfish derby, and don't want to repeat the experience using inferior gear. Thanks!

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04-15-2014, 12:00 PM	#2
LawDog Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 143	It all depends on your budget. Personaly for bottom fishing and yellowtail i would recommend a conventional reel with a clicker, and use that rod with a spinning reel for cast and retrieve fishing. There is definately a place in every fishermans arsenal for a spinning reel though. For around the $100 mark the Penn battle is hard to beat. but if you want to go cheaper always make sure it has a rubber seal under the drag adjuster. Dont get a freshwater spinner or you will regret it after 2-3 trips when you find out you need to dissassemble it every time it gets wet to clean it. I have seen guys use spinner rod/reel jig sticks pretty successfully though.

04-15-2014, 12:38 PM	#3
Chuck D Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Bay Park Posts: 559	I use a 5500 with 65 lb braid for casting surface Irons at the yellows, works like a charm.

04-15-2014, 04:34 PM	#4
Tuff guy Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 137	Any particular reason to go with the 5500 over the 6500? Want to make sure I only have to buy it once. I will get another conventional setup eventually but for now I'll have this spinning setup and an ugly stick tiger with a pfluger reel that should do well until I can afford something fancier

04-15-2014, 06:40 PM	#5
Chuck D Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Bay Park Posts: 559	The 5500 is smaller and lighter, those saltwater spinning reels can get too big to mess with. It has the power to handle anything out here as well.

04-16-2014, 07:52 AM	#6
Tuff guy Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 137	Ok thanks, I think that's what I'll go with, looks like 65lb braid is popular.