Budget overhead combo - reel suggestions?

[Chamelion]

Hello,

Setting up a budget overhead combo. I've bought myself a 5'6" 10-15kg Ugly Stik and she feels a little bit too much of a boat rod for my 6000 sized PENN eggbeater. I'm looking at options for a cheap but not too shoddy overhead reel to match.

I'm eying off PENN 330GTI's and Shimano charter specials on ebay at the moment.. Are these a good choice? What sized mono should I use with it? Looking to tackle whatever I can find close to shore around Mooloolaba area.

It's a little out of my zone of knowledge as I've always been shore based in rivers tagetting the usual suspects with 7-8ft spinning combos.

Cheers

Matt.

[NormC]

Charter Specials are a good reel and built pretty tough. The lever drag is very handy and it has level wind.

Only downside is the only way to 'free spool' is to flick the drag lever down to zero and there is no cast control. So casting more than 10 or 15 metres is a bit difficult. If casting is not a priority, I'd recommend it as a good budget priced reel.

We have 2 of them. Wife and I use them mostly for live baiting for Barra etc when we head North.

Norm C

[trueblue]

Go for a TLD 15. A.naconda have the for $169 at the moment for members.

You just have to learn to lay the line on with your thumb but that is a skill that is beneficial to learn.



Something to check there though - you mentioned overhead reel in the same sentence as a spin reel? What is the rod, a spin rod, or an overhead rod?

cheers

Mick

[Chamelion]

She's an overhead rod, as far as I am aware. She's just a cheap ugly stik. I've got a spinning reel on it at the moment.

[trueblue]

She's just a cheap ugly stik.

Nothing wrong with Ugly sticks, you don't need to spend mega bucks on a rod for it to catch fish...

cheers

Mick

[Custaro]

TLD 15 would be perfect with 15kg line. Don't be put off if you haven't used an overhead without a level winder. I was thinking this as you mentioned the charter special. You could use that for trolling, floating baits, livies and even bottom bashing. Maybe you could go lighter line strength but cobia should be on your hit list and 15kg give you much more advantage.

[honda900]

Chamelion,

As Trueblue says nothing wrong with the rod you have, couple of suggestions,

1. Either the TLD 15 or the charter special will serve you well, the charter special does have the level wind.
2. Or keep your eye out for an ABU 7000, nice reel holds up well, does have level wind and also star drag, but also has the spool friction knob to allow you to adjust for casting overuns.

Regards
HOnda

[diabolical]

Daiwa LD50h is a better reel than the TLD15 for an extra $20. Not just my opinion.