Anyone fish the Penn Squall?

[Pete D.]

The Penn Squall looks like a pretty nice reel, and priced right for me to start with a fleet of 4 or 6.

I have fished okuma madgas, and after the drag washer and clicker upgrade I am very happy with them. I also have Abu Garcia 6500 and 7000's. I just LOVE the 7000's for big stripers and BIG catfish. 

There is one problem though............ They are only rated for freshwater.

I want a reel that has a big enough spool for big catfish. I also want to be able to take them to the bay and be able to fish for stripers with them. And lastly, something that I can add to my SML rod and reel fleet.

If anyone has other reel suggestions, please let me know. I am not a HUGE fan of Penn, but they are reliable, affordable, and you can find parts for them. I can get the SQL20 for under $100 each. Thanks guys!!!!

[ncsportfisher]

I have a few of the Penn Squalls and i love them. (I use them in the salt as that is alot of my fishing and they hold up well) I also have some of the pre Squalls (they are the 525 mag) and they hold up well. The diawa sealines work well too! Good luck

[Pete D.]

Thanks NC. I know you dont post a lot buy I value your opinions!!

Do the clickers on those reels have some good resistance?

What is the biggest fish you have caught? Any heavy fighters? I want a reel that can pull in the potential VA state record Blue Catfish.

[ncsportfisher]

I try to post when i can, unfortunately i do not get to the lake much but i will be there this weekend (hopefully)!
The clickers are decent, I have caught everything from kings on them to the striper's in the bay. (two years ago we caught a 54#) Also, check out the Avet's.. They are great as well, a little bit pricey but they have an amazing drag curve and it is smooth. I run the Avet's, Penns and Sealines in the salt. I also use the Penn's up at the lake with some Abu's.

[ncsportfisher]

Forgot to mention: Sharks! Lots of them, they love to come and destroy your trolling gear! I have caught quite a few of them in the 6' plus range which is well over 100 pounds on them.

[Pete D.]

Wow that's awesome!! Thanks man I am going to seriously consider this reel for the future. Just need to find a store that has em out on display so I can play with em.