Best/Most Popular long range reel?...

[mmafan]

I have never been on a long range 3-10 day trip, but I plan on going on one next year... What reel do you all recomend for taking on the big yellow fin tunas; and what pound test line?... I will greatly appreciate all answers, thanks....

[jerry]

Might be a good thing to ask one of the captains of the boat your going on. IMO nothing beats a 50wide, 2spd, shimano tiagra. I load mine with 130lb powerpro or tuff line and then a 100-150 yd top shot of 80lb or 100lb mono.

[robalo]

If you are an experienced fisherman,the 50 wide would be a good choice,but if you do not have much experience with conventional tackle,let me remind you that many people have difficulty with the wide configuration on big game reels because the torque has a tendency to cause problems with keeping the line evenly distributed accross the spool.Your best bet is to ask the long range charter outfit what they recommend. Make sure and find out if they use stand up gear or a fighting chair. Make sure the rig fits you properly,or those tuna are going to beat up on you pretty badly. Also, you will find that a two speed reel will come in handy. In low gear the reel gives you the power you need to bring a big tuna to the surface.

[bakerboy]

Go Duel 6/0W all the way!! Kill Reel!! :lol:

[Lake]

I fish a lot of long range but your question is too vague. It depends on when you plan on going, and you'll need multiple outfits for most trips. The trips targeting larger tuna are usually at least 10 days(it's only been the last 2 years they've been getting the largers in any numbers, although this year has been and continues to be insane fishing on the 10 day trips). Most years you need a 14-17 day trip to get good shots at big fish. On those trips a 50 size reel is probably the most common used. Most aren't fishing wides since the use of spectra has increased.
The most common reel is probably still Penn. Tiagras have their following. The Penns certainly need work to be up to the task. The Tiagras could use some work. Avets and Accurates seem to do well out of the box. There has been recent issue with an Avet that we're waiting to hear the scoop on.
Most of the midrange trips your main outfit will probably be 40#. I rarely fish less than 40 and never less than 25. If you're going out for the first time the boats or landings have gear that can be rented(or borrowed depending on the boat) and you should consider this before you load up on gear. If you fish long range a lot you have to become a tackle ho because of all the different applications you fish and all of the new specialty gear that keeps popping up.
If you post what time of year and what length of trip you sign up for I could get into specifics. Good luck. Also I could give you suggestions toward which boats to consider- most are pretty good, some are a cut above the rest.