New Rod and Reels.

[sprtsracer]

OK, just purchased an OM 12 Cape Point as well as a Penn Baja 113 HN and a Penn Torque. I will be placing my Penn 525 Mag on the Cape and will be using the Torque and Baja for Shark Fishing. Planning on something between 65-80 lb Power Pro. Haven't put the line on the Torque or Baja yet, but in going over the reels, both seem pretty sweet. I will probably mag the Baja; maybe even mag the Torque. Has anyone had any experience with these two reels? I picked up the Torque and the Baja New in the box for $329 and $145 respectively, so it was hard to turn down. Will primarily fish them off Sunglow Pier, and am trying to find a "broomstick" 7' rod, fast heavy, at least rated 80 lb, or even up to 130. Looked at BP and Harleerod and found nothing. Any suggestions? Tips from anyone who has fished these reels would be appreciated. (The 525 and Cape Point will be fished off the beach in front of my condo). Interested primarily in tips on rods, etc, for the Baja and Torque. Thanks guys!

[Don B]

Here's a post I made in August 2006 on the Torque 300. Hope it's helpful.

This morning I spent some quality time test casting the Torque.

From another message board it was reported that the reel was too heavy. I did not find this to be the case as the weight did not interfere with my casting.

Another report was that the back spacer bar (frame) needed to be cut down, like the 113HLW to allow access to the spool for thumbing. I had no problems in this area. I was also able to easily lock the spool with my thumb for casting.

What is a problem for me is thumbing the metal spool as the exposed end is narrow and hard to reach. I had to thumb the line.

The power handle caught me off guard on the first cast. It swung around and distracted me from the cast. This resulted in a break-off. After getting used to, it was OK. I would prefer a counter balanced handle.

The spool was filled with 50# mono and I added a 80# shock leader. The reel is extremely fast and difficult to control. The amount of control that was required significantly reduced the casting distance. I cast both 6 and 8 ounce sinkers on two different rods. The casting distances were in the 125-130 yard range. Less thumb control would have resulted in greater distances. I do not know how this reel is set up. Perhaps a heavier oil in the bearings would provide the necessary control. Otherwise, some type of mag adjuster would be beneficial.

So, durability, drags and maintenance are top notch.
The spool is of square format (equal width and height) which adds to casting performance.

The weak areas (for surf casting) are:
The inability to thumb the spool. I had to thumb the line.
The lack of spool controls such as centrifugal brakes or magnets.
And my preference for a counter balanced handle.

And it needs to be remembered that this is a boat reel. With a little work, it could become a very good surf reel.

Don