all around combo

I am looking for an all around rod/reel combo.  One that will suffice for bottom fishing and salmon fishing.    I have been looking at the Penn 310 or 320 and the abu 6500 c3 or 7000c3.  Any suggestions.

Abu reels are pretty and (the Swedish ones) very well made, but they're not the best saltwater reels---wonderful choice for rivers/lakes, tho.  Penn 320 old faithful, but for  the money, the Shimano reels (not the Calcutta, short-lived) are excellent, the Tekota is one of the very best all-round reels made, terrific drag and very salt-resistant.  Casts well, too.   The black graphite Shimano  TR100 and TR200 are not high-priced, have a ball-bearing drag, and give good service .

   
   

I agree, I try to keep my Swedish out of the salt.  I am a fan of the Penn, only the ones made in USA though.  Is your combo intended for salt/fresh or types of species combo?
-Scott

Abu's used to be all the rage on NCKA (and still are to some extent).  Many people, including me, have used them quite a bit in the salt.  I haven't seen much in the way of complaints on usage in the salt.  Having serviced mine regularly, I haven't seen anything inside that would be a cause for concern.  I did have one levelwind pawl go out on me, but I don't think that was due to using it in the salt.  Truth be told, I see more issues with the Avet SX's than I do with the Abu's.  I have to service the SX's a lot more often as their design lets a lot more of salt water inside.  Good thing it's easy to service because I love the feel of the SX.

CBS, how much do you want to spend?

-Allen

Abu for me. I have 2 Ambassadors, and 1 Cardinal. 1 is over 17years old and, they have all been used almost exclusively in salt and brackish waster. Just keep up on your reel maintenance and there will be no issues. Pfluger, and Shimano make really nice reels that will handle the salt like a champ, but tend to be a little more pricey than Abu, and I'm not sure you can get them in a combo.

Absolutely nothing wrong with the Abu's, but I am currently LOVING the Avet SX. Yeah, it's more open to salt and sand intrusion, but like P² said, it's really easy to service. (Which will be required if its anywhere near sand.)
The lever drag starts as smooth as butter and will stop a freight train. You gotta have an educated thumb though, as it does not come with a level wind. If you mag it (a super painless process), it'll cast like a dream. If you don't, the ridiculously smooth bearings will turn a full spool of braid into abstract art in a single cast.

On second thought,  most folk are probably better served by the Abu's. The Avet comes in niftier colors though. Seriously though (semi), the little workhorse Avet is a more versatile reel and can handle pretty much anything you encounter in the salt.

Another fan of the Shimano TR series and the Cardiff. I am liking my TR's a lot more recently though. They're really nice reels that can take a hell of a beating.

Z

My Penn 350 leveline served me right this year. I caught lots of rockfish, coho, and was even able to play out a seal that took a liking to one of my salmon. The best part is, I only paid $5 for the reel at a garage sale! I have it on a Diawa Sealine 7ft medium action rod, also $5. Very nice action for both large, and small fish.

I'm looking at spending around 200 for the combo.

Lamiglas 7'9" Cascade Pro BC79HB 15-50 1-8oz.. I see them all the time at Bi-mart for 80ish bucks

Abu 6501c3 loaded with 30lb tuff with a 15ft 25lb test top-shot. With a sale probably a little under a 100 bucks with line

I have caught everything from 25+lb chinook and halibut (lost yakside) and coho to black rockfish.  Only thing I don't like is it's a one piece which makes it trickier to get into the hull

I have an Abu Ambassadeur 6601 C4 that I got 3 or 4 years ago and have used almost exclusively in the salt.  Every year I tear it down and clean it out, then reapply a coat of grease to everything, including the inside of the case.  After the first year of use when I opened it there was no corrosion, and none since.  I like it.  Also have Shimano and Penn spinning reels.  No corrosion on any of them either and they get the same treatment every year. 

I think maintenance is the key to reel longevity.

My TR100 has outlasted all of my Penn saltwater reels with nothing but a wipe-down after use.  Also a big fan of ugly sticks.

Lamiglas 7'9" Cascade Pro BC79HB 15-50 1-8oz.. I see them all the time at Bi-mart for 80ish bucks

+1 for the rod. I had one for a few months and really liked it.. until it was stolen out of my car...

Z

I like my Ugly Stick Catfish Rod and Casting Reel combo. its pretty much perfect for salmon as well as any of the rock fish .

On another note. I havent found a Ugly Stick i have liked


SG

ummmm i think u meant, "you haven't found an ugly stick you haven't liked