Saltwater fishing. Is my drag?

Question

Hi guys,

I just got a new saltwater Penn 650ssm reel and I was setting the drag this morning. I cranked it all the way down and it was only able to get about 10lbs of resistance. I was very disappointed as my much smaller freshwater Quantum Catalyst can do 10lbs of drag.

Do you think this is abnormal? I would like to use this setup to catch big fish (i.e Kingfish, Grouper, Snook, etc.)

Could you recommend another nice spinning reel for catching these species of saltwater fish?

Thanks!

Thanks for your answer samuel_adams_99!

About how much drag can you get out of your Boca or Cabo?

How much drag would you recommend for fishing for Kings? (I live in the tampabay area)

As to why I want a spinning reel... Well they are far easier to cast long distances and they are the preferred saltwater reel for most applications (Trolling being an obvious exception).

P.S. I ordered 2 of those Penn 650ssm reels and the second was worse... It only held 7lbs of drag max... Not good!

I think I will be getting a Fin-Nor Offshore Spinning Reel - OFS75 instead...

A lot bigger and it has a HEAVY duty drag system

Answer 1

In theory, 10 pounds of drag should be enough, as the 650ssm is made for 15 pound line, and the general rule of thumb is to set the drag at about a third of the breaking point of the line (5 pounds, in your case).

In actuality, though, I wouldn't trust it if you have to basically button the drag to get to 10 (or 7) pounds. That would mean to me that you don't necessarily have much of a range of drag strengths when you have it set. And if you're trying to horse a fish out of a rocky reef, you might want a heavier drag setting, or if you're using heavier line, you'll need it.

It does sound like there's a problem with the drag -- maybe the washers are loaded in the wrong order or something. That should be an easy thing to check, using the schematic that should have come with the reel.

For comparison, I've been able to button the drag on my Daiwa Sealines (conventional reels) down enough to break the recommended line (20-40# test) on a straight pull when snagged on a rocky bottom, though when doing real fishing I don't button it down anywhere near that amount, and I can tweak it a little while fighting a fish, and not over-tighten or loosen it.

Sorry I can't recommend a spinning reel -- I only use them for freshwater and very light (6-8 lb test) saltwater. And I have had good luck with Penns.

Answer 2

I would return the Penn. Your drag stripped. I was a hardcore loyalist to Penn for 20yrs until several new reels came out. Im sold on the Quantum Cabo 40 as I live in S FLa and fish mainly inshore. I also have the Quantum Boca 50 ( alittle less expensive) for Kings, mahi, small tuna, etc. I will never go back. When fishing from my kayak, I love that Quantum Catalyst 30! Great little reel on a 7' St. Croix.

Answer 3

Shimano Baitrunner 5500. Set it up with 25lb test. When you are going for big saltwater fish like King Mackerels you need a really strong drag system. If not, you'll line will snap like spaghetti if you hook a 50 pound fish on 20 pound test line with the drag poorly set. As far as Penn 6500SS, no where near as good as the Penn 704Z. The Penn SS too many plastic parts. Go with Shimano.

Answer 4

Why are you sold on spinning reels? Those things are crap - I don't use anything but Ambassadeur baitcast reels or Abu Garcia big game reels. Just my two-cents.