OldSalt

Looking at the NewEnglandSharkfishing website, one of the reels recommended for entry level is the Penn 115. Another recommendation I got was the Penn GLD50 II. Of course, the GLD50 II is a much nicer reel, but also costs more than twice the 115. Just wondering if anyone out there has experience or recommendations on either of these reels?
Thanks.
Steve (OldSalt)

CaptDom

Penn 115 is a oldie but goodie. They are a very good starter reel which will handle surprisingly large sharks. Drawbacks are single speed, and bulky.

I wouldn't use a GLD if you paid me.......Much better reel for the money is a TLD 50 2 speed/ Shimano is the best IMHO for the buck.

Another good alternative on the cheap side is a Diawa 900H........poweful star drag reel similar to 115.

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CAPT. DOM PETRARCA
COASTAL CHARTERS SPORTFISHING
NEWPORT, RI (401)-862-0358
www.coastalcharterssportfishing.com

AlloyToy

I fish (5) of the 115's on my boat on stand up rods. Can't justify the gold yet for the amount of offshore fishing I do. The 115's will handle sharks & tuna no problem. As Capt. Dom said they are big and bulky. We actually use to shark fish with 114's. The Senators are a good stand-by and easy to rebuild.

I hear a lot of people talk about the Shimano TLD's but never fished them.

Good luck.

74Formula233

Used plenty of 115's and Daiwa 900H's before.....

Both will work (and did for me) over the years....

My preference in this level goes to the 900H's....much smoother reel, believe it or not.

I have "traded" my 115's up for 50VSW's, but I still have my 900H's

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OldSalt

Thanks for all the thoughts on these reels. I believe I'll take a look at the DAIWA 900H's and Shimano TLDs; they were not previously on my list; much appreciated.

Steve

gman

Cant go wrong with either the Shimano TLD 30 or 50LRS 2 speeds. Light, cheap and built for heavy drag and sharking

You should be able to get some deals on the 2006 models as they changed for 2007