I'm ready to buy a new salt water spinning rod & reel.  My old Penn 105 spinning reel with the Penn Mariner model 3070s, 7' 20 to 40 lb. line rod has caught several hundred fish for me & I want to upgrade a little. (besides the fact I want a new toy)  I had about 250 yds. of 65 lb line on her and she caught anything I hooked, including a 54 in. Rock.  Several repairs have been done to keep her in shape.  I totaled the drag landing (after almost 2 hours) a 74 lb. Catfish on the Mississippi.  I couldn't blame the reel, she was out-torqued!

I'm looking very hard at a Shimano Spheros SP18000FB for $179.00.  I want to load it up with 65 lb. braided line.  Any ideas on a good rod for my uses?  Any problems with my choice of reels?  It has 44lbs. of drag & lots of new features. 

Any advise you can give will be helpfull. 

Thank you. 

i think the best reel you can ever get is the 850 penn reel ssm spinning

on a ugly stick 7" heavy duty, is a perfect combo and is good for inshore or

offshore, have fun and enjoy you new reel.