Recommend a proven, durable saltwater spinning reel combo

[Mongo Johnson]

On spinner vs conventional... a lot of what I've read is noted in this thread. Most So Cal guys have suggested conventional. http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/s...ead.php?t=9027

The fear of backlash/bird nests as a noob had me looking at a spinner.

But, SO often, I'm seeing the Sealine recommended.

Do most use the standard convention version of the Sealine or levelwind or counter? I'm guesting the first.

[skrilla]

Standard version. Its cheaper, less moving parts, less to maintain, lighter weight...

Backlashes are gonna happen even with cast control and a trained thumb. Less often as you gain a better feel for your gear. Hell even with spinners I get the occasional wind knot or tripped bail. Go out and practice, don't worry about your gear... you will have bloopers. And don't forget to take pics... I'm one of the few who finds beauty in birdnests.

[alanw]

You need more than one setup so plan on eventually getting both. I use a spinner for casting lighter lures/bait, and use a conventional for dropping bait straight down to the bottom and for casting heavier lures/baits.

For conventional you might want to look at a reel with a mag brake to minimize backlash. As far as level-wind, I never needed one but definitely worthwhile if you fish with lures a lot.