I'm looking for some rod/reel recommendations as I plan to start taking 10-16 day LR trips. So far, it's been mostly 6-8 day trips, and I'm in good shape as far as single and two-speed outfits up to a pair of 30's. I'm looking at Shimano, Penn and Avet for 50's, leaning toward the Penn's. I see alot of Shimano 50WLRS's on the boats so I'm thinking they're a good option and I have a 30WLRS that's been a great reel. Never fished Avet. I also have a Penn16VSX and love it, so I'm leaning toward Penn - question is: if I go with Penn, should I go with the "traditional" 50VSW or the new 50VSX? Drag curve aside, I like the topless frame on the VSX, but it has considerably less line capacity than the VSW. Everyone has their favorites and tend to stick with 'um, but I'd appreciate some input from a wider range of experienced LR anglers. As for rods, I do have a couple all-roller rods (Seekers): BSC663XXH, BSC6460XH and G6463XXH - I've taken up to 160#YFT with um and I like the sticks, just not sure if they're suitable for handling something that could be 100# heavier than what I've caught before ... ? Appreciate the recommendations guys!
bowfisher, you pretty much have whats needed for a longer range fishing, as for the 50 penn, i would stick with the 50 vsw , its a stronger frame for the hardcore stuff, the 50 vsx is also good , if your thumbing your bait alot. my personal opinion if i was to buy , it would be a penn 50 vsx w/ accurate frame or and accurate it self.i have always done good with both manufacturers.
Hi Louie, thanks for your reply - good point about the frame on the VSX (never thought of that) ... I do like what Penn's done with the VSX, but after I get done accu-framing it, I could be within casting distance of Accurate's 50 (price wise)! I'm fishing with the 870/665/665-2 and 30-2sp from Accurate and they're fantastic reels ... guess I should take a longer look at their 50 ... appreciate the input! Tight lines ...
