I have had a tekota 600 for about 5 years now. I have not used it on the west coast yet. But i fished alot with it from Boston all the way down the coast the Forida Keys. Have not have a single probelm. Have caught 50 plus pount striper and 100 plus pound tarpon in the keys. i would buy another on in a heartbeat. Also try looking into the Penn 555MAG. A great real. Used to have the world record for baitcasting, only downfall is that it is not a leverwind. Good luck