go with the tedota 500 it's the best

+1 on the penn 209. ive had one for over 30 years and havnt had a single issue with it. just picked up another for $60.00. cant go wrong.

The Tekota 600LC is too big, go with the 500, and if you use braid the 300 will work. I use braid with 30ft of 30lb mono to the flasher on a 500LC and could easily get by with the 300.

The LC version is only a few bucks more and makes the reel more versatile.

Hank normally I wouldnt reply to you because you seem like a grumpy old fart, but now that Ive seen your hawg and how good-looking Aunty thinks you are...perhaps its time. I like the lc you threw up in that pic. You now pull weight with me.



That looks like a big game reel TJ? Who is high, me or them...



im leaning in that direction J. Im tired of hearing that everything i have is too big.


and Phil has me looking at that charter sp too. tho itll take away from the HDS 7

Islander MR2....or 3

Sounds like your rod is setup for a baitcaster... I am a huge fan of mooching, that is the way I was taught to fish for Nooks. When I am mooching the MR2 all the way (the much cheaper Shimano or Daiwa is not bad at all for downrigging), but if I have people on my boat that can't handle a knucklebuster I use the tekota 300. Man I love that reel, so smooth!
I also use the Bantam 1000 plus, which is another one of my favs!

Haven't put any downriggers on the DB yet, and probably won't. But I like Ross reels.

Since I'm on a fairly tight budget, all of my DR rods are set up with Abu 6501s since I'm a lefty. The Penns are great but I like a faster gear ratio, the Abus are 5.3:1 which I need to keep up with a coho that decides to make a torpedo run. I've been running them for 4 or 5 years and never a problem. I have one Abu Record, which is my newest that was given to me as a return on a favor, it is a nice reel too plus it has a 6.3:1 gear ratio. I can fit 300 yards of 65# braid on them no problem, never needed more than that, in fact probably only ever got down to half a spool.

No need for line counters for me, my Cannons have a good line counter. Don't do any moochin', but if I did, I'd have a line counter for sure.

+1 for the tekota 500lc.

+1 for the Penn 209

The Charter Special, The Tekota 300 or 500 as far as Shimano goes. As far as Penn, I like the 320 GTI or the Internationals. These are all great reels, but as far as i'm concerned, their is better. Although not a level wind, the smaller tuna sized Avets work sweet on riggers rods. You will not beat the ratio or drag on those reels. They are hands down the smoothest drag and fastest cranking reels you could ever want. NOT cheap by any means, but worth it. You are stuck good to those fish every time with that cranker.

decisions...now i cant make up my mind.
anyone ever use a Penn 320 lever drag?