I have not Salt water fished much as I am too far inland. I have done some and had/have folks more into Saltwater.
WE all prefer the OLDer Penn Reels. All my Penns are the OLDer all metal. The new ones are graphite and metal that I have seen locally - I am guessing the Saltwater models are also graphite and metal.
I would look for an OLDer one. That is what I and my friends do. Like firearms , folks have to have the lastest and greatest, they trade in the OLDer classics for the new models. I would see whom is the nearest Authorized Rod and Reel Repair Service near you, especially if they do Penns.
Here Locally I use Arkansas Rod & Reel. Many times they have something, or secure for me and others the Classics. Perhaps someone trades one in. Perhaps someone does not want to pay the service bill and instead of getting a great reel gone thru...trade it in on a new reel. Penns, ABU Garcia 5000s and 5500s, Shimanos, Pflugers...the old workhorses that always work.
I would contact the nearest Authorized Dealer and tell them what you want and get an idea of Price. They can keep eyes and ears open for you. These Authorized Dealers do work with other ADs, so they have a AD stay on the alert as well. Some attend Estate Sales and Auctions too. Just like firearms, there are some sweet deals to be had.
If I did not do Penn, I'd use Shimano. Shimano has a known history of gears in and such in other applications such as bicycles. They also had some proprietary designs and metallurgy. Translated - Shimano makes great reels. I still prefer the Older ones with less bells and whistles.
Long skirted spools were to provide less line twist due to memory and to aid in casting distance, If you notice most of these have rear drag. Most rear drag has less surface area for the drag. Drags can get hot, and be erratic. About this time the "pop off" spool became popular. Well yes having a spare spool is wise. Smart to have backup line, and backup drag ( see below). Kinda handy to have two different line weights to make things more versatile.
Regular skirts - of old anyway - had the Front Drag. Larger Drag surface and so much more reliable and smoother, did not get as hot and fail either. Personally I am in the camp the Regular Spool with the Front Drag is the most reliable and smooth - also a lot easier to adjust the drag and get a more sensitive setting than having to fiddle with the rear ones...espeically if "game on".
Some of the newer Regular skirts have the pop off feature with a front drag. It really depends on the model as to the quality of the drag. I never really worried about "pop off" - I mean I gotta run the guides and all anyway. If I use the reel correctly I lessen the chance/ need to undo a gimped up line of the reel.
Internal Skirted.
WEll I was skeptical at first. Then again as usual my elders and mentors were right. I first used these as a kid with freshwater. Hard to explain, I was transitioning from a Zebco 33
Internal has a "balance", that is hard to describe. It casts veeerry smooth. The Drag is different in the way it seems to be smoother as well. Now this part is what got me. I was taught to use the hands / finger "on the reel". More sensitive to nibbles and such, able to assist the line in casting, and to aid in reeling in ( no rats nest). Internal is "right there" - one has more control of the features of the reel.
That make any sense?
I like the Internal. Sometimes because of this feature alone one can steal a great reel for little monies.
Understand last time in the Keys I was showing Florida folks how a cane pole worked and how us Dumb Arkies use a throw net. Not sure what the "baitfish" were called - kept catching them with pole and net. I also hold the record for catching the most "Sloppy Joe's" hats with a throw net...dang women, she kept having her hat get in the drink and I kept having to cast the net to retrieve it. Wind kicked up ...uh huh...that sixth time I caught out of the corner of my eye her flinging it into the waves...The Record is six btw...
