Saltwater Reel Recommendations & Rod/Reel Setup for 11 Year Old

I forgot about the TR. Great price under a $100. I have one myself which I keep as a backup. The only thing about the TR reel that I don't like is that the clicker cannot be turned off. Can be annoying.

Thanks everyone for the replies and advice... I went to Fisherman's Warehouse here in Sacramento on Sunday. Just now getting to my replies... So, after looking at everything, I liked the Abu C3 and the Shimano Cardiff, and Penn Squall 12...After doing some number crunching, I think we are likely both going to go for the Shimano TR 100 or 200. I can't justify the cost given we are both new and likely going to be hard on the reels.  My logic is that I should get something similar and of the same brand, for my son and I.

The Abu and Cardiff, and the Penn were all great reels (not sure why, but the Penn had a huge bling factor to me).  If anyone has a reason why you don't think we should go the route of the Shimano TR, I would love to hear...

Sorry for the delays folks...Crazy week!

I've been rockfishing with a Shimano TR100 for 8salt seasons now. The drag washers will wear out eventually, but can be upgraded with Carbon Washers to turn it into a $$$ reel at minimal costs. Keep it clean and it will last!
The levelwinder was getting sticky after a few years, so I removed it. Gooped the two holes closed and now it is a regular reel.

You are correct in your choice of keeping it cheap and simple,,,,,,they will get salty and keeping them clean, with a once a year maintainence(depending on use) will ensure it not freezing up due to corrosion/salt sand. 

A couple of reels that are well built and will hold up well, won't break the budget:
Shimano TR 100 about $70 Graphite frame low maintenace
Abu 6500 C3 series the newer ones are even narrower than the old ones and are made in sweden again, won't wear his arm out jigging
Penn:  I love my Sufmaster 100,it is a great reel, but I doubt you will find a new one, and the condition of the reel will vary greatly.  The newer Penns, while I don't have expierence with them, I have heard good things about them.

Here is a decent rod to go with it:  http://www.uglystik.com/Ugly-Stik%C2%AE-Inshore-Select-Rod/1285724,default,pd.html#prefn1=ZZSUBCAT&prefv1=Casting%252520Rods&start=7

http://www.abugarcia.com/Abu-Garcia%C2%AE-Ambassadeur%C2%AE-C3-Round-Reel/1315357,default,pd.html

These two would not break the budget, give him a quality rod and reel.

The Shimano TR200G and TR100G are excellent reels for the price. Light in the hand, comfortable size and perfect for salmon, striper, Cal halibut and light rockfish. They can be a little light for bigger rockfish/lingcod, especially larger lings with their power dives into the rocks.

A great all-around light saltwater reel.

I use a Shimano Triton 8' extra heavy rod (15-30 lb) for the 200G and a Triton 8' heavy (12-25 lb) down rigger rod for the 100G.



 

My all time fav. is the Shimano Charter Specials if you can find them.  Lever Drag, level wind.  Strong & lite!

Thanks again everyone. I sincerely appreciate the input. We are going out for  the buy this weekend. I like the ugly stik inshore rod. I think it is what Fisherman's warehouse recommended as a nice alt to the ugly stik tiger. I still am leaning towards the shimano. We shall see if the cool color combo will win out for the reel. Abu and Penn make pretty reels...I will still be pushing for the more functional

Thanks everyone!

Wanted to follow up and say thank you to everyone for the advice. Ended up with the following setup:
My son:  Shimano TR200 Reel on a Ugly Tiger Lite Medium Heavy 6'6. Great rod and perfectly suited to his size.

Me: Same reel on an Ugly Tiger Medium Heavy 7'

We are taking them out this weekend to break them in on a party boat out of monterey. Looking forward to getting them wet!

By the way, nothing but great experiences at Fishermans Warehouse in Sacramento. Those are some right on guys and will be getting my business.

-Quinn