Tarpon, Snook gear?

[birdfran09]

Hey Guys!

I'm interested in buying a good reel and rod for tarpon, snook, and other backwater fish.

I will be catching tarpon from 10 - 30 pds.

I was looking at the Shimano Spheros 6000 wich is at a good price. Also the Penn Captiva reels look pretty nice and they are also at a very good price.

What do yall think?

[AndersonS]

Welcome to the forum, birdfran09

[fishbuster]

birdfran09, welcome to the site, You can't go wrong with either reel. I like the peen reels myself, easier to get parts for.. 20 lb powerpro is a good choice for line..

[alsears]

The new shimano 6000 reportedly has better drag system then the original FA which is still decent, i went with 6000FA on a Star DLX 20 Rod, I am Gun shy of Braid (wind Knots) so i went with suffix 20 owing to combination of things havent had a chance to put it to a test.

[fishbuster]

alsears, Welcome to the forum. I've been using braid for years, If you keep the line tight on the reel, wind knots are not a problem. If your using a lite bait and casting a lot, it can ruin your day..For crank baits and bottom fishing you can't go wrong. The best thing about braid is, no line twists.

[alsears]

Fishbuster, Good to find new web site dedicated to fishing, i have only read about braid never tried it yet my self, problem being a tackle store was closing up and I have A couple of boxes of Mono to use up.
Is it in fact true that Rod guides should be braid friendly or is this unproven.
Most of my inshore flats gear is of days gone by equipment, such as the Penn Z reels and Kunnan rods,did upgrade Grouper Gear as again i went looking and found some bargins. Feedback on another web site discusses braid on these older Z models, and from out side looking in one can only wonder is it the braid or the fisherman creating problems.

My Problem of late has been the Weather and a real Nasty Chest Cold some one gave me Free,hope to get out on flats soon

[robert77ftw]

i think the fish is good and i think you're on the right track

[fishbuster]

alsears, The only thing is Z model did not have a bearing on the line roller, the friction of braid on a long run would cut into the roller. That would cut the line over time. But then you could get a new one:laugh:

[robert77ftw]

i noticed that braided line is stronger than normal mono sometimes

[alsears]

77ftw, yes braid has a lot of adavanatges over mono, helps dive trolling lures deeper, can get much more line on a normal spool, doesnt stretch and more, as I told Fishbuster I have two shoe box full of Mono if not more, I suppose I could GIVE it away,how ever Braid isnt cheap,so save money for Braid and take a charter with fishbuster some time. I am not worried above pick up on reels as much as i am guide eyes,how ever do not think average person will do any harm as it would probably take a LOT of Fishing .Catching and every now and then losing one is part of the fun. Al