REALITY BITES

I am looking for a new bottom rod and reel and would like your imput on what works best for you and why. I have been looking at the Shimano TOR30 and would like any feedback you have on this reel also.

Thanks

Lucas

Chasin' Tales

I use an Avet EX 4/02 for bottom fishing. I found this was the only lever drag reel that can handle bottom fishing for big grouper and ajs.

Dr. Fish

Torium 30's are great and versatile. I have caught just about everything on mine. Torium 30, 65lb power pro, Shimano Tallous rod - great combo. The high speed retrieve is awesome for fishing up to 300'. Have caught big snapper, grouper, yellow fin tuna, black fin tuna with no problems. Liked it so much, bought my wife a Torium 20 to use. I sold my Penn 6/0 and 4/0 because they have been sitting in the garage.

Steve

Chris V

The torium 30 is a great all around reel for the money. I've caught tuna up to 115 pounds on them and the 6.2:1 gear ratio is good for getting that grouper out of his hole quickly. Just make sure you back your drags off after fishingbecause the toriums have thinner drag washers than some of the more expensive models. I've never had a problem but I've heard of them wearing out quickly. Probably more human error than equipment error. If you don't mind forking out a couple more dollars, you should look at the new shimano tyrnos 12's and 16's. They are around the same size as the torium 30 but produce over 30 pounds of drag. They also make the same models in two speed versions.

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Brant Peacher

Ima Penn guy... I guess I kind of have to be but I have several suggestions for you if you just want it for bottom fishing.

If you want something simple then you can always go with the special senators. The 114h which holds 475yds of 50mono and has 2.9:1 gear ratio giving you about 28in of line per crank. Also the 114HLW which is the same reel as the 114H except it holds 600yds of 50lb mono. These are two very good choices that you can beat around and they will still hold up. You can get them at a very reasonable price too.

If your looking for somthing thats a little more expensive then you can go with Penn torque reels with the integrated side plates. Not just because I work somewith Penn fishing tackle but I personally think these are one ofthe greatest offshore reels ever made. The Torque300 holds 300yds of 30lb mono but I would go with braid if I had it. It has a 6.3:1 gear ratio, 5 stainless steal ball bearings, and gives you over 4feet of line per crank. Its faster and more powerful than the TOR30. I do like the TOR30 though and you cant go wrong with any of these reels. Penn also just came out with the Torque 300 lever dragreelif you prefer a lever drag over a star drag.

Brant Peacher

Fishing Tackle Rep

850-450-3878

bpeacher08@aol.com

JoshH

torium 16. No reason to have a 30, it just has a bigger capacity, and is much heavier. Get the 16 and spool it with 65 or 80 Power pro.

BigFishKB

If you want to save a little money buy a shimano speedmaster. They have a 6:1 ratio and are tough as nails. I have used them for at least 15 years and have had no problems with them.

grouper22

If you have folks aboard from time to time that dont know how to level the reels then go with the Tekota 800's. Basically the same as the Torium but w/ a level wind. Some folks say that levelwinds just have more parts to break but they are worth it for ease w/ less experienced anglers. I have both Toriums and Tekotas. No problems in 5 years.

Have a good one,

Mike

Freespool

For stictly bottom fishing, you can't beata 4/0 or 6/0IMO. I am a shimano guy, but Iuse these for bottom fishing. You can beat the heck out of them and they still work, look at the charter boat and almost all of them use 4/0's for snapper fishing and 6/0's for grouper fishing.

JOHNJOHN205

agreed i am a shimano guy aswell and for around $100 you can not beat a 4/0 or 6/0 for bottom fishing.