Question for my saltwater/tarpon peeps - recently got into tarpon fishing this last season and was using the grandfathers ol’ penn 750ss on whatever pole was sold back 15 years ago… went to upgrade the setup for next season and am wanting your thoughts.

With price in mind, I ended up going with the penn battle 3 8000 “high speed” on a offshore angler power stick 7’ heavy. I know there are hundreds of other options/better gear out there… and at this rate will most likely end up getting another setup before next season lol. So don’t hesitate to give your honest opinions/any bad experiences with these specific rod/reel.

We float pass crabs in current toward the bridge so that is our current method targeting tarpon if that gives you a better understanding of our process - aka not sight casting or shallow trolling due to having a higher draft center console, not a bay/flats boat.

What do you recommend for backing, lb-test braid and color of braid, lb-test leader and leader length?

I’ve already been eyeballing the 8000 Saragosa, also like the daiwa BG 6000. Let me know your opinions on those as well, or anything you recommend.

Thanks in advance!