Mate,Other than the live stuff I prefer tommy fillets for bait rather than pillies or salmon. They stay on the hook for longer than either (except the salmon skin, its like kevlar) and are oily enough to attract the fish.
I agree, do not use braid without a level wind on an overhead reel. Bad for your fingers.I too use ABU 7000s and a 9000. I have an ABU7000 that I bought 30 years ago. Still on its original level wind. Cost me $120 back then, made in Sweden obviously. I also use a TLD25 with 50lb mono and a 9ft LBG rod on occasion and am always surprised how well the TLD casts. If I want to fish with braid for whatever reason from the beach I use a spinning reel in the 6000 to 8000 range. I hate braid on the beach except for the times when there is absolutely no weed. If you are holding your rod then no worries, but don't put it in a rod holder as any slack when you hook some weed and you will lose most of your braid in an almighty tangle.
Knackers got a reaction from kadava in Fresh Bait for Salt Creek?
Knackers got a reaction from Boyington214 in Overhead reel for beach fishing?