Penn114h, okuma slr20, shaman0 tld 25's which one?

[Suchter]

I am currently thinking of getting all new reels on my boat. I was finally set on the Penn 114h2 reels for the money and reliability. Only to find out that the 114h2's are now made in china. I hear they probably do not perform like the old 114h reels that were made in the USA. So I'm torn between reels now. I'm not at all worried about level winds as I mark my lines during the trophy rockfish season anyhow. I like a star drag because that's what I'm used to. Kinda not wanting to change. Guess what I need is a bunch of feedback from some fellow anglers on the bay that can enlighten me with their experience with these reels. I just don't want to make a mistake. Only want to do this once. I appreciate all the advice hopefully I can get this figured out.

[tenchi_the_fish]

I would personally get some Shimano Tekota or Torium Reels. I have a few and they are great workhorses. Or you can look at some Avet Reels. They cost more but are true Quality made in the USA reels.

[Seahunter]

The 114H is overkill by a factor of 2. Okuma are notorious for not having parts support. Try getting parts for an Okuma TL20 one time. I'm not a fan of Shimano because of their spares policy, although of those 3 reels, I'd take the TLD in a heartbeat.
Personally, I run “pumped up” Penn 320 and 330 GTi

[alantani]

sad to say, the chinese penn senators are actually better reels than the old ones. it would be easy enough, though, to find a set of used penn senators that were made in the us. ebay would be your best bet. they are also easy to service. here is the post on how to field strip the reel. http://alantani.com/index.php?topic=208.0

[Jerry P]

Shimano Tekota 700 or 800 all the way. I run 15 of the 800's and absolutely love them. They are extremely smooth. Talk to George @ Tylers tackle as he has some good deals on these rod and reel combos.

[pipewrench]

TLD 25 for pulling big umbrellas is the ticket. Look at some of the smaller reels like Avet SX on one of the newer jigging rods. These rods are compact, light and got plenty of fight for a rockfish, heck, people catch big azz tuna on these things! I have used beefed up Penn 320-330 series reels for wire lining for ever down here in lower Chesapeake. Check out Alantani's tutorials on how to make reels mo better, lotsa good stuff, ask him about his TLD handles, the absolute BEST! Good luck! now, quit screwin around and go catch a Feeesh!

[fishbill]

320's, senators, or shimano