Penn Squall 16VSW for Chesapeake Bay Rockfish?

[cletus9000]

I believe it is of a comparable size to the Penn International 16 class reels. Which is to say it's a still a pretty large reel. Were I going to spend that kind of dough, I would get an Avet MX two speed (like here the 6/4 version: http://www.meltontackle.com/products/avet-mx-reels.html). It's a smaller and lighter reel that fits in the palm of your hand with plenty of drag capacity for any rockfish you'll catch. Load it up with 50 lb braid and she'll be good to go. FWIW, my guess is part of her problem may be fighting larger rods/reels as much as the fish. If so, two speeds may not be necessary, in which case the less expensive regular MX reel would be fine.

[mark1234]

I have Avet sx's and Jx. The sx has plenty of power to handle the trophy fish and is a small reel that will fit in a child's hand well. Mine is the most used reel I have, flounder, live lining, trolling, bottom fishing... It is available in a two speed, but not sure if it's necessary. She will probably just use the low gear to pull in a trophy fish. Not sure a fast gear will have much use.