Recommend a proven, durable saltwater spinning reel combo

[Iceman]

no

[Mongo Johnson]

I'm not locked onto a spinner as to WHAT I HAVE to get.

'Just a little scared off by all the birds nest comments over time and looking for a good first rig.

[Bowrider3]

Daiwa saltist 4500. You can catch anything on that reel and the drag is superior it has a super smooth drag on bigger grade fish (caught many tuna, wsb and yt on it). If you want a baitfeeder and to spend a bit less try the penn spinner fishers.

[buddha]

I grew up on the east coast and they use a lot of spinning gear in saltwater even for tarpon.

I have used the shimano baitrunner which is very reasonable and the baitrunner feature is nice when using live bait.

http://www.basspro.com/Shimano-Baitr...b0_34348535431

[buddha]

Originally Posted by Bowrider3

Daiwa saltist 4500. You can catch anything on that reel and the drag is superior it has a super smooth drag on bigger grade fish (caught many tuna, wsb and yt on it). If you want a baitfeeder and to spend a bit less try the penn spinner fishers.

The Daiwa Saltiga is one of the best reels ever but at over 1000 dollars is certainly out of my budget.

How does the Saltist compare if at all?

[Mongo Johnson]

On spinner vs conventional... a lot of what I've read is noted in this thread. Most So Cal guys have suggested conventional. http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/s...ead.php?t=9027

The fear of backlash/bird nests as a noob had me looking at a spinner.

But, SO often, I'm seeing the Sealine recommended.

Do most use the standard convention version of the Sealine or levelwind or counter? I'm guesting the first.

[skrilla]

Standard version. Its cheaper, less moving parts, less to maintain, lighter weight...

Backlashes are gonna happen even with cast control and a trained thumb. Less often as you gain a better feel for your gear. Hell even with spinners I get the occasional wind knot or tripped bail. Go out and practice, don't worry about your gear... you will have bloopers. And don't forget to take pics... I'm one of the few who finds beauty in birdnests.

[alanw]

You need more than one setup so plan on eventually getting both. I use a spinner for casting lighter lures/bait, and use a conventional for dropping bait straight down to the bottom and for casting heavier lures/baits.

For conventional you might want to look at a reel with a mag brake to minimize backlash. As far as level-wind, I never needed one but definitely worthwhile if you fish with lures a lot.