Looking for recommendations on a large saltwater spinning reel. Must be able to handle large amounts of heavy line, around 30-40 pound test. This is going on a stout, heavy action 9 foot rod for bottomfishing. Don't want to spend more than $70, will consider any brand except Quantum (biggest POS reel I ever bought was a Quantum, but that's another story). I've got several models I'm looking at, but I want to get some recommendations before I make my decision.

Just curious - what kind of bottom fishing are you planning, i.e., how deep and for what kind of fish, with a nine-foot rod and a spinning reel? Are you talking about fishing from the bank or shore, as with a surf rod?

I fish from piers. This rig would be for lings.

I'd think you'd be fine with a 4000 Series Shimano spooled up with one of the braided lines.

Not a big braided line fan, but at least this way you could get a good quantity of 50-60lb braided on your spool.

I've been using the Penn 7500SS for years, bullet proof, corrosion resistant and will hold about 250 yds of 25# line, they make the whole series from light tackle to an 8500SS, don't buy in a local store(I know, it sucks), because the catalogs(Cabelas, etc) will often offer for about $100, usually much less than the local shops. Good luck! Mine has taken, Kings, Coho, Lings, King fish, barracuda, grouper, just looking for a Marlin or a Great White now!

Check out an Okuma. I have a few from fly reel to big spinning for sturgeon. No problems so far.

Well good luck in your pursuit, for a bottom fishin spinning reel,....... I would first want a saltwater reel. I have no experience with the penn spinning reel, but would think it is a good choice. My experience is this:
The reel I have used for the last few years with great luck is.......you guessed it Quantam , it is a blue runner, been used in salt and fresh for lots of fishies.........BUT!!.. I switched to Okumas , as I like the 10 ball bearings in my metaloid.Now all of my newest spinning reels are Okuma!
They are bar none the best for the price! (IMO)
The quantam held up nicely, and still use it for sturgeon , and back up heavy set up!

So on that note I can tell you I would rate in this order.... from experience ..other than quantam (know you dont want one)
1. Okuma (metaloid,epix)
2. Shimano (alot of good reels)
3. Unnamed reel

Hope that helps
Woodsy Wayne

The POS Quantum I had was a Blue Runner, the largest size one. On my third trip out, it seized up and I had to hand line the fish in. This was after the warranty period was up, and I couldn't return it. So I just tossed it into a box and left it there for a couple of years. When I moved, I found it again and started to go over it to see if I could fix it, and the line holder clip on the side of the spool just broke and popped off. That pretty much did it, and I threw it in the garbage. No more Quantums for me.

As for the Okumas, I have a smaller Okuma spinning reel for my trout setup, and a Okuma salmon rod. For the price, they are quite good. I was really impressed with both of them. I don't think the Metaloid ones come large enough, though. The Okuma models I was considering were the Azul and Coranado.

Ya your probably right on the capacity(metaloid), just re-read your post, my bad...did not realize you were using that heavy of line.
I have okumas but nothing near big enough for that rope.

Anyways good luck!

On the quantam, I guess I have just had good luck, because I don't normally like them myself, but mine has been a trooper....so far...

I won't buy another quantam either though after discovering okumas, and there are many new reels out that are much better.

Woodsy Wayne

I fish nothing but spinning and I would have to recomend the penns for what you are doing.I do not own one the size you are looking for but I will say that it will be the last reel you will buy.

I also love the diawa regal x series of reels.I do not know if they make one at your line capacity but I have fished them hard for ten years or so both salt and fresh with little maintenance and have had no problems.

The big week spot in spinning reels are the bail springs so which ever you decide order some xtras right away and it will be nothing but a couple of minutes to put ya back to fishing.I emailed diawa and they sent me 12 for free.