What might I need a larger conventional reel/rod combo for in tampa bay?

[Killer&Griller]

I agree with the above about staying away from the LW reels.

You might find that if you post up a budget that you are wanting to spend, you will probably get more specific options mentioned to you along with deals that other members might see out there.

Good luck with your search.

[tbtball]

Thanks for all the advice. I just picked up a Diawa Sealine 400H almost new on eBay for $85. I'll pair that with an Ugly Stick Big Water Boat Rod. Think that'll work? Still going to pick up a high class tarpon spinning set up one day once I get some $$ saved up, but figure this is a good, versatile set-up for all sorts of fishing.

TBT

[Michael Repper]

I'm an inshore fisherman up here in the Panhandle, so hopefully I'm not derailing too far, but what's wrong with level winds for bottom fishing? I ask because I had a commercial buddy who would go for on trips for weeks at a time digging Grouper and Snapper and we went on a headboat together one time. I just use the conventionals provided since I don't have any of my own. He brought his own conventional level-wind which was much smaller than the ones provided. He used a much smaller hook than most also. I was cutting hand sized chunks of Bonito for bait, and he used half of an entire side of a bonito as his bait with his small hook and small reel. Dude caught the biggest Grouper on the boat.

BTW, he was using braid. I'm just curious because I'd like to have my own set-up next time I go out on a headboat and I always figured his seemed pretty sweet.