Lee:
The Budget I am not really worried about more of having good quality gear. I will fish more flatheads on a normal basis, but I want to be able to fish for blues or in saltwater with this reel.
I have been looking at heavy action Big Cat Fever rods but haven’t really researched any rods in depth yet. I am okay with changing my line, and rod to target a saltwater fish. But for catching the monster cats is what I would prefer to set my rod, reel, and line up with first.
I am okay with being over geared in the understanding of the small catfish (10 lbs.) hits the line and it’s not really a fight to get him in the boat. But what I will have a hard time with is when the monster hits and my gear is not right for the fish I really want to catch.
I like the Penn Fathom but does it have a line alarm? Whats the equivalent to the Penn Fathom with a line alarm and a line counter?
Also would like this reel to have a bait clicker (line alarm), and a line counter. The line counter isn’t a deal breaker but I believe it would be nice.
Blake:
What gear are you using now and what problems have you found?
There are a number of options available so I would suggest visiting a well-stocked retailer
( especially one with saltwater fishing tackle ) and try some rods and reels for yourself.
I have one of the newer Abu C3 7000 models and it is an excellent reel and would probably do the job for 90 % of the fishing you would encounter and I consider it alot of reel for as low as $124.00 and is your best bargain for a large levelwind baitcaster ( not a trolling reel ) and will hold plenty of 80 pound braid or 30 pound mono.
Me personally...I like the new generation of smaller but incredibly-powerful, low-profile reels that are using stainless steel for gears and other internal parts and are designed saltwater-tough.
If I lived in your part of the country...I would be seriously looking at a 10000/12000 size saltwater spinning reel with a baitfeeder feature which could handle blues, flatheads and saltwater fishing.
Good luck with your search.