Penn Slammer advice

[vineyard fisher]

Hi All -

I am looking for a new reel to pair up with an 8' two-piece St. Croix Triumph rod that is designed to throw lures from .5 to 2 ounces. I have always fished Penn reels, but have never owned a Slammer. Does anyone recommend them? Is the new metal bodied Penn spinfisher just as good as the Slammer? Also, what model Slammer would you pair with the above-mentioned rod, the 460 (240 yds./12 lb. test) or the 560 (240 yds./15 lb. test)?

I will be using this setup for albie/bonito fishing from shore and jetties on the Vineyard. I normally fish 12-pound test with a 15 or 18 lb. flouro leader, throwing metal up to 2 ounces. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

John

[Ray]

I used a Slammer 460 on that same rod for many years. Plenty of hardtails were caught on it and a few small tunas too. It did give in to pretty hard abuse and probably just needs a new main gear. It was a great reel. The metal body SS reel may be a just as good overall, but I think the SS may have better inner workings.

I have converted over to Shimano Spheros reels which I am very happy with.

[vineyard fisher]

Thanks Ray. I will take a look at the Spheros too. So you would recommend it over the Slammer for hardtail action? If so, why, and which model Spheros would you pair with the 8' Triumph?

John

[Ray]

I would say their pretty equal reels. I do find the Spheros drag to be more smooth though. I use the 8000 model.

[MatthewP]

I hung a 460 on my 8' 6" st. croix premier spin. I have the 560 also, but the 460 was a better balance. Good choice for the 8 footer. The slammers do hold up to a lot of abuse.

[Kuskus68]

The main gear in my 260 were totally gone stripped out I fixed the reel and sold it. I fish only Shimano now never any problems.And I fish all year long so my gear gets plenty of use.

[vineyard fisher]

Thanks for all the advice, gang. I pulled the trigger on the Slammer 460 last week - found a great site on E-bay that sells it much cheaper than big sites and throws in free shipping. Now I just have to pray for a tax refund or some other windfall before I order the rod.

Can't wait for the chance to strip out the main gear on some albies! (Although it would be an expensive badge of honor and may force me to go Shimano like Ray and Kuskus).

John

[Ray]

I think you'll be very happy with the Slammer. Like any reel give it a good freshwater rinse after each use. A good internal overhaul, or even a simple cleaning and lube, will be all you need to keep it ticking.