We use Shimano Symmetre 3000 spinning reels from the boat. If I had it to do over again, I think we would use Symmetre 4000's or Spheros 4000's from the boat. The Spheros is designed as a saltwater reel and has a higher drag to really turn the bulls.
We use Shimano Spheros 5000's and Spheros 6000's from the beach with 40 lb Power Pro. This is an optimal combination of castability, saltwater ruggedness, and the drag to turn the fish when needed.
We've also started to use several beefy level winds (Daiwa 27-LCA and Okuma Convector 45-D) from the boat, spooled with 80 lb power pro. We position the boat so that casting distance is not very important. Both of these are line counter reels originally acquired for precision trolling, but they hold lots of line and their drags exceed their rated specs, so you can turn any fish when needed.
My son is planning on fishing the Ride the Bull tourney, and I bet he picks either the Daiwa or Okuma level winds for the advantages of 80 lb power pro and the stronger drags, especially in Caminada pass where turning big fish around before they get to structure can be very important, but casting distance hardly matters. In the marsh, an 8 ft spinning rod with a Spheros 4000 or 5000 would be my choice with 40-50 lb power pro.
I thought Ride the Bull was the only kayak tourney for bull reds. Which others are there? (If a 14 year old competitor doesn't seem too frightening for you.)
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