Deep Sea Tackle Question for Bottom Fishing and Trolling

[redfishhunter]

I have Bay and Flats fished all my life but have decided to try a little deep sea fishing for Grouper, Snapper, Cobia, etc... I could use some help in selecting an appropriate Rod, Reel and Line.

I was considering buying a Penn 321-LH GTi level wind and spooling it with 60lb test Power Pro line and using circle hooks and deep trolling plugs like the Stretch 30. I have no idea what kind of rod would be best for this rig.

I was also considering a Diawa BG-90 Spinning reel 225/30 lb. with a 7' 20-40 lb class rod also spooled with 60lb Power Pro line.

I am open to any of you experts ideas.

Thanks for any information !

[Chalk]

Not an expert....But, I have a similar setup...My rod is a 6' Penn OceanMaster...Don't think they make them anymore....I will check it tonight to see what it's rated at.

[dstockwell]

Welcome aboard redfishhunter, your about to open a huge can of worms with this one.

Current setup is 6.0 MH Okuma Blue Diamond w/320 GTI and 65# Stren Braid. Spinning is a PENN Slammer rod w/Penn 6500 and 65# Stren Braid. Now there are people who will say that a 320, 21 etc (3.0 size)Levelwind Penn is not good for bottom fishing. Well this is what we currently use and has so far worked fine, I plan on getting two more 3.0 size PENNS for bottom for freelining, or whatever fishing is at the time. So there is no need to believe that you have to spend high $$$ to bottom fish cause its not true.

[Sea Fox]

I have a Penn 330GTI on a 7' Ugly Stick that I always seem to wind up useing, they are a good match and the drag on the GTIs are very smooth. I use 50lb ande and 80 or 100lb flourocarbin leaders normally. Good Luck and post some reports.