Recommend a proven, durable saltwater spinning reel combo

[Fishwhisperer619]

This may be a little lighter than what you are looking for but I have a penn fierce on a 7' st. Croix mojo bass rod (idk the # rating I'm not at home, think its 10-17). Its beem good to me at tossing light stuff as well as my smaller swimbaits. Biggest I've caught with it was an almost legal halubit and a 7# sandbass. The penn fierce is a durable and inexpensive reel. So it won't kill you if you lose it on the water
EDIT: this is my bay class btw (san diego bay). And you can also use braid on this reel which I would suggest in the kelp

[alanw]

We've been using a Penn Battle reel for a while now and I'd recommend it as an inexpensive (around $100) durable reel. It's all metal, ready for braid, has sealed stainless bearings, and has a decent drag. I've never had a problem with it. http://www.pennreels.com/products/re...g-reels/battle

[ctfphoto]

I bought a really nice saltwater Penn spinning reel. Used it some. Found I was using a conventional reel way more often as they are such nicer reels for saltwater, IMO. I ended up losing the set up as I hate leashes. Never replaced it, as I never have had the need. Go conventional .......

[Fishwhisperer619]

Originally Posted by ctfphoto

I bought a really nice saltwater Penn spinning reel. Used it some. Found I was using a conventional reel way more often as they are such nicer reels for saltwater, IMO. I ended up losing the set up as I hate leashes. Never replaced it, as I never have had the need. Go conventional .......

Agree with conventional, but he's looking for a spinner.
Back to the original post: if you have the money, a penn spinfisher V is the goods. Indestructable and probably the most proven. But the penn fierce I mentioned earlier is bulletproof too but not as fancy, at $60 its solid and has done everything I've asked it too. I have the 3000 size

[Iceman]

no

[Mongo Johnson]

I'm not locked onto a spinner as to WHAT I HAVE to get.

'Just a little scared off by all the birds nest comments over time and looking for a good first rig.

[Bowrider3]

Daiwa saltist 4500. You can catch anything on that reel and the drag is superior it has a super smooth drag on bigger grade fish (caught many tuna, wsb and yt on it). If you want a baitfeeder and to spend a bit less try the penn spinner fishers.

[Mongo Johnson]

On spinner vs conventional... a lot of what I've read is noted in this thread. Most So Cal guys have suggested conventional. http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/s...ead.php?t=9027

The fear of backlash/bird nests as a noob had me looking at a spinner.

But, SO often, I'm seeing the Sealine recommended.

Do most use the standard convention version of the Sealine or levelwind or counter? I'm guesting the first.

[skrilla]

Standard version. Its cheaper, less moving parts, less to maintain, lighter weight...

Backlashes are gonna happen even with cast control and a trained thumb. Less often as you gain a better feel for your gear. Hell even with spinners I get the occasional wind knot or tripped bail. Go out and practice, don't worry about your gear... you will have bloopers. And don't forget to take pics... I'm one of the few who finds beauty in birdnests.

[alanw]

You need more than one setup so plan on eventually getting both. I use a spinner for casting lighter lures/bait, and use a conventional for dropping bait straight down to the bottom and for casting heavier lures/baits.

For conventional you might want to look at a reel with a mag brake to minimize backlash. As far as level-wind, I never needed one but definitely worthwhile if you fish with lures a lot.