reel strength

I have what would be considered a heavier duty setup and its only used for carp. I am not familiar with the rod you mentioned but in carp fishing the strength of the rod is usually in the test curve which mine is 3.5lbtc and I use a 12 foot rod and a 9 foot for stalking. As far as the reel goes I had a base model shimano and upgraded to a higher end shimano baitrunner and there are quite a few differences. The line lay will be much greater with a more expensive model which allows farther casting, the gearing is a lot smoother and the overall design seems to be made for harder abuse from larger fish. I would have to ask what is the usual distance you plan to fish at and what is the most you will fish at? Also there are two baitrunner styles. A rear drag baitrunner simply has to turn the handle for it to engage and a front drag baitrunner means you have to turn the front manually by hand to engage but its a small turn to engage the main drag. These are referred to as quick drags. I used to use 65lbs test braid but I fish 50lb now and it handles the job just fine. Its a TON easier on casting than the 65lb. When shopping also search for how much the reels hold. My bigger ones hold 600 yards of line on them a piece.When you said a bigger model of the same brand do you mean the same model or a totally different model that is larger? Can you post a link to which ones you were checking out and maybe I can give better feedback on them.

A buddy of mine uses inexpensive gear when catfishing due to losing a few setups. This was broke by a 17# channel cat, but it did last ~2 years and land several larger fish than the one that broke it.

just my $.02
Chris

I was going to say if you don't plan on getting them until next year maybe I can meet up with you at twin lakes in the spring or something and show you a few in person so you can see what you are getting if you want. One thing most people think braid will handle rocks. It does not at all. If you fish in heavy rock braid is not a good line to have. I watched a video a few years back that changed my ideas on this. Take a piece of mono and rub it on a rock with your hands and it will last a long time take a piece of braid and you get 3 strokes out of it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-SqIsZaE6s

To me, the pros outweigh the cons when it comes to braid. Casting distance, lack of resistance in current and smooth handling all keep me coming back to braid. I use it from 3lb up to 50 and it works great for nearly everything. I already own 5 different bait runners but they're all 40 and 45's I've never had much experience w the larger bait runners. I guess ill just get her a 50 series then huh? Assuming the line capacity is good enough. Thanks for the input.

Thanks a bunch wrighter that helps a lot, although kinda indirectly... I own a 40 series saltstriker that I run 20lb power pro on and I almost blew it up on a 12lb James river blue in heavy current. There was very serious flex in the body if the reel with a visible gap between the body and sideplate under the load of the fish. If 65s are,working perfect for you in tourneys then I should be fine w just a larger bodied reel. Thanks for all the input.