I know I'm gonna get blasted for this..
but I would look at the Okuma TG-50W-II. Okuma has really listened to the fishermen and improved their quality over the past few years. They have a patented drag system, double dog anti-reverse, and silent retrieve system that is pretty slick. I was at a tackle show recently and was able to compare the internal parts of all of the top big game reels, and I was impressed how much beefier the Okuma's gears are than the Penns or Shimanos. All of the reels out there are great, but for $100+ less money, I would go with the Okuma.
My $0.02.
Steve