I'm heading out for some Surf fishing for stripers on Friday. I've don this a few times and know there getting big fish right now. Were going on the Calfornia Dawn, I've never been on this boat but I know the Skipper "James Smith" knows what he's doing. Have any of you been on his boat? My real question is what gear to bring. I'm bringing my normal Halibut rod with a Catala 300, but I'd like to get some Stripers on my new Castaic reel, since we'll be tossing weightless Anchovies. Do you guys think the Castaic can handle a 25lb Striper.

Thanks, Jerry

The Castaic may handle it with a wing and a prayer, but why chance it when you have the Catala there ready for action? With the Castaic you may well lose a nice fish that will be doomed to trail close to 100 yards (figuring 20# line) of line to its death. What a waste! With the Catala you should be able to put enough of a hurt on one that it will most certainly come in, but you will still get a good fight out of it.
Tight lines,
Wade

I agree with Wade, I have several castaics, they are great reels, but with their high gears and small spool diameter the catala is a much better choice for fish that size.