just curious what all you guys use for butt reels? i'm going to be putting together 2 set ups for this spring and dont want to spend a ton on them, but want a decent set up. any help would be nice. thanks

penn 321 gt

The Penn 320 or 321 can cover most of the fishing in the Strait. Might want to upsize to the 330 for more line capacity, especially if running 80# or higher braid.

Two speed reels are nice as are lever drag set-ups. A levelwind is nice as you don't have to make sure your thumb is distributing the incoming line evenly across the spool.

A GOOD roller tip on the rod is nice. Watch out for the cheap ones that can let the braid get hung up.

Okuma T 20 II ...........2 speed........lever drag........on a custom Rainshadow..........ready for the big one

sounds like a little pain managment right there....

saw a pretty sweet rainshadow set up this spring in la push waiting to launch.... also know its out of my price range.
i will check out the penns thanks

I am old school on the reel, an old Penn 49 able to go direct drive. The rod is a Rainshadow/ Forecast E-glass TS66MH 20-40lb. It put the hurt on the butts and lings out at La Push last year.

My thoughts exactly. I've built a lot of butt rods, some prefer TS66MH, but the guys who really know what they are doing prefer a SWB70XH with 80lb. class roller stripper and top. As far as a manual reel goes, Avet's and shimano's are going to be at the top. Followed up by the Okuma titus 20II Lever drag. As far as budget reels the Penn 330gti works just fine, but the 340 or 345 would be more suitable. Penn Senator in 4/0 or 6/0 would also be suitable. Some crazy sh!t happens and when ya break off at the cleat of for some reason, ya want to have enough line to keep fishing and the 320 or 321 isn't going to have it. Besides that, i've seen the drags on them go tits up after one season and a few big butts. Cheap rod, ugly sticks 7' 20-40 hands down. Penn Mariners a close second.

I've learned the hard way that the penn GTI's are not up to fishing in 500'.
The Penn 113H2 does it but no levelwind can be a problem for some of the more challenged crewmembers

thanks for the break down Chris....

so what would a rain shadow done up cost Chris???
wasn't the one i saw last like 4-500 for blank and components?

maybe i will have to expand the budget im not looking to be replacing gear in a year after purchase.

What are you trying to say Chris??

Karry is the one who recommended the TS66MH....He is more than in the know.

If you want a reel that will do the job and not break the bank it's hard to beat the Penn 49.It's been around forever and there's a reason for that.

ok i am ganna get these.
Okuma T 20 II

taking it you want the back one not the gold? or t 20 not tg20?

The one you pointed out at 185 is the reel I have......no probs.........my rod is the T 566 MH........tied up with roll over guides..........I was lucky and won the rod in the Kitsap Chapter CCA Banquet and Auction two years ago, my fishing partner won a matching rod last year at the auction as well along with one of our red/orange hats. Banquet will be 30 April 2011..........just have to see what year three brings.....