[Nicky L]

Yo Fellas, I just purchased an 8 ft STAR Stellar Lite surf rod that I intend to use for plugging and jigging in the surf. I love the rod and for now, I have it matched up with a Stradic 4000 or Penn 560 but I'm looking to upgrade the reel. I'm in the market for a Shimano Sustain but I'm also thinking about a Saragosa. Here are some questions if anyone can help me come up with a choice. If I go with the Sustain, do you think 4000 is enough or should I bump it up to the 5000? Same goes for the Saragosa. Now I'm told that while the Sustain doesn't change too much when you go from the 4000 to the 5000, slightly larger body but not by much. On the other hand, I'm told the Saragosa is a bigger jump when you go from the 4000 to the 5000... I suppose a larger body/bigger spool. So, anyone have any info to offer? Suggestions, recommendations, or even if you have another reel that you'd throw in the mix, please do. I'm pretty stuck on the Sustain just because it is ultra-silky-smoothe but the tackle shops seemed to push the Saragosa last year as more geared for the surf. One thing I do know is that the Saragosa has a stronger drag so that may be one reason they geared it for the surf. So, who wants to talk gear? I get crazy sometimes, as if one reel will catch me more fish than the other but when things slow down on the beach I have to keep myself occupied with fishing... as if I actually really need another reel! But alas, I'm obsessed and I like to support local commerce (bait & tackle shops) although I'm sure I could find what I'm looking for on-line (ebay) for alot cheaper than what the shops sell them for... but their hands are usually tied by the MSRP and then possibly then can skim a little off the top. Sorry to ramble, I'm a little bored. I was gonna go toggin' on the Big Mohawk this week but I gotta work my side job in order to pay for the new reel... HA! Ok then, hopefully somebody out there can help me out.
As always, tight lines... and STAY SAFE!! :thumbsup:
Nicky

 

[striper2278]

if you are only using for the surf...get a Van Staal! a 150 with a bail should match that rod nice.

 

[Dick_O'D]

I have the 2 Sustain 4000 FB on a 8' Tidemaster, I find it a little light for the shore I use it on the boat with great results. A 20 lb bass in the surf would be its limit. I see U list a 560 is that the Slammer I would think a 460 would be perfect match - love the slammers by Pen

 

[Nicky L]

Striper, of course I would love to get a Van Staal but I can't afford THAT!! Dick, a 20 lb striper as my limit on that outfit with a 4000/5000? I think you're way off, no disrespect. I'm confident that if I did have a cow on, 30 lb + and I fought the fish the right way, I could def. beach it. Thanks Fellas

 

[mawjlj]

I have two saragosas 5000 & 6000 good reels

 

[striper2278]

Striper, of course I would love to get a Van Staal but I can't afford THAT!! Dick, a 20 lb striper as my limit on that outfit with a 4000/5000? I think you're way off, no disrespect. I'm confident that if I did have a cow on, 30 lb + and I fought the fish the right way, I could def. beach it. Thanks Fellas

I don't think your gonna see much difference in price between the Stella and Van S.

 

[IgotWORMS]

I'd also take a look at the Shimano Spheros. Retails for around $120. Has a sick drag (22 lbs. yes I looked it up) which is also waterproof. I don't do much surf fishing but do alot of bridge, sod bank, and wader fishing. I beat the piss out of my gear and this reel has held up really well so far. I am fishing the 3000 but with 22 lbs. of drag I don't think you can beat it. I've stopped bass up to 38" with this reel. Just my two cents good luck.