Nearing completion on this rod [www.mudhole.com]. Butt wrap is done and under wraps complete and CPed. Over wraps and final CP next weekend and probably epoxy the following weekend. Hoping to fish it soon after.

I initially went with the recommended guide spacing, followed by a stress test. Ended up adding one extra guide and adjusting spacing for a smoother line flow. Using a 30-20-16-10-8-8-8 double footed setup with an 8 tip top. Will probably be using a 30 lbs braid.

If you have made one of these for yourself, what size reel do you like on it? I am looking at a Spinfisher Live Liner. Unfortunately, they don't make a 5500 LL, so it's either a 4500 or 6500. On that note, do the 5/6 series share a body? I.e. Can I get a 6500 and purchase a 5500 spool for it? The 4500 can apply up to like 20 lbs drag, so that should be plenty sufficient. I have a Fierce 4000 on another rod and looks maybe a tad small for this one, so I was just hoping to hear some opinions from guys who've fished it.

-Randy



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/20/2015 10:54PM by Randy Weakley.

Hello Randy.

I use mine for large Spanish and small king mackerels with live bait using 20# test mono and a light wire leader about 3'.
The reel I use is a 6000 Shimano Baitrunner.
I like the stretch I get with the mono on hard runs and sudden turns, less hook pulls.

Tight Wraps & Tighter Lines.

Bob,

New Bern, NC.

Bob, thanks for the reply. So that size feels comfortable with the rod? That's what I am leaning toward.

Hello Randy.

I use the set-up for live bait slow trolling or float fishing live bait and the rod stays in the holder till I get a strike and the fish are (Hopefully) kind of large for the rod and line so you need lots of line and the 6000 gives me a good amount.

The reel seems a bit big until you start running out of line, I have an old 4500 Baitrunner that I would use if I was using braid but the braid is to low stretch for the hooks vs the power of the target fish (Small hooks to hold small live baits without impeding them to much).

Tight Wraps & Tighter Lines.

Bob,

New Bern, NC.

I didn't realize there was such disparity between the 6000 size Shimano and the 6500 size Penn. The Penn holds 210 of 20 lbs test; the Shimano holds 170 of 16 lbs test. I think the Shimano more closely fits the size I was looking for. My ideal was around 200 of 15 lbs. I think the Penn would be uncomfortably large on this rod.

I have a Penn Pursuit 6000 and a Fierce 4000. I may just take both of those on my next trip and decide which feels better. It looks like the Shimano is right between those two anyways, which is kinda what I was looking for.