Need advice on which Penn Reel

[steadagolf]

I'll be fishing from my boat. Trolling and bait fishing off Gloucester, Ma.
I have a 7' medium - heavy Tiger Ugly stick. I've been looking into buying a new reel and am wondering what you guys think of lever drags.
I'm considering either the Penn GT 330 or the 330 LD. I've never used a lever drag. Actually haven't done much of any fishing in quite a while and am just trying to get back into it. I have an old Penn Spinning reel and an old Penn Long Beach reel. they held up well so I figured I'd stick with Penn, but if you think something else would be better (in the same price range), I'm open to suggestions
Thanks!
John

[Sudsy]

This one is right down Roc's alley

[jidigill]

I have a gt 330 and have had no problems bring them in. make sure u keep it well oiled.

[steadagolf]

Is yours the star drag or lever drag?

[buttinhead]

Lever drags are great imo. It's alot easier to put the wood to 'em and drag 'em outta the rocks. Personaly I stay away from the new Penn reels since they are now made by Shakespere. Just my opinion.

[Striperjim]

Buttinhead. - As far as I know the reels are still made by Penn. Product and development is still Penn.
Lets hope it stays that way.

[steadagolf]

I'm thinking of going with a spinning reel instead. I was in a tackle shop and ran into an old friend (hadn't seen him in almost 20 years). He does a lot of fishing and suggested that I buy a Shimano baitrunner 6500 instead of a conventional reel. Said I'd want to be able to cast as well as troll off my boat. So now I'm rethinking what I should buy. Unfortunately I recently got an Ugly Stick "Tiger" boat rod - I guess I'll need a spinning type rod if I go with the baitrunner.

[Striperjim]

I would put the conventional on the boat rod and get another spinning outfit for the shimano 6500.
Boat Rods are cheap.

[steadagolf]

I have a Penn Long Beach reel that is in good shape - maybe I'll put that on the Tiger Ugly Stick. If I do buy the Baitrunner 6500, can anyone suggest a rod to go with it. I'll be using it from my boat - hopefully for Stripers

[Striperjim]

I would say a 7 footer. But the boat guys might chime in with a good matchup for you.
The shimano btr is great for livelining. IMO for what its worth anyway

[steadagolf]

Do any of you guys like the Ugly Sticks? I'm wondering about a 7' medium action for spinning reel.
Thanks!

[STRESST]

I personaly stay away from the new penn reels,thats just me. For about 120 you can get a shimano tld and it has a lever drag. I used to have them, they where great, from 30 lb. stripers to 60 lb. tuna. And about uglystiks for the money there great.60-80.00. For 100.oo go check out the new shimano trevala rods. I bought one I like it better than any of my lami or loomis rods. Good luck

[kayakman1]

penn is good but the shimano TLD is a good lever drag reel if your interested. Also look into the 5star rods very inexpensive and yet very nice. i love mine and itsa great boat rod.