Reels: Any baitcaster that has an adjustable drag and can hold at least 100 yds minimum of 20 to 30 lb test, good quality line. Any Penn from the Long Beach 60 on up will work. The Penn Jigmaster is an ideal choice for all around use.

Line: Any major brand line such as Stren or Berkeley can be spooled by your dealer or purchased in 1/4 lb spools that will fill most reels. A few layers of Dacron applied first will be a good backing to absorb the pressure of tightly wound line.

About Abalone

Eight species of abalone are found in California.

Haliotis rufescens: Red abalone reach 1.0 to 2.0 inches in length after a year, and begin to feed on-larger algae and kelp. Bull Kelp, Nereocystis luetkeana, and giant kelp, Macrocystis , are more important food items although other shorter growing :brown and red algae also are utilized. Growth after the first year is extremely irregular and varies according to abundance and type of food and number of abalone on a bed. Given similar conditions of food and habitat, growth generally is faster in areas that are regularly harvested. On the Point Estero beds near Morro Bay, red abalone normally will reach commercial size, 7.75 inches, in 5 to 8 years. Growth slows considerably after reaching 8.0 inches although 11.5 inch specimens have been taken.