2 Speed Reel Help ?

[OneLuv1979]

Would like to hear some feedback im looking at the Okuma Titus 15 they offer a 2 speed and single ...

Im trolling and drifting 200'-100' is the 2speed worth the extra money or are they a waste ...

The diference in cost is $20 ...

Any help would be highly appreciated !

[Cutler]

if the price difference is only $20..then there is no question.
2 speed for sure

[WhItEoUt 23]

[OneLuv1979]

Thanks....So im taking it the 2 speed is a Low & High , High for fast retrieve & Low to pull up the fish ?
Is this correct ?

[Harry Klauber]

Two speed reels allow you to operate the reel at two different retrieve ratios - one high and the other lower. The main purpose of low speed is that instead of a fast, low power, retrieve you can go into low and get a slow, high power, retrieve. This is where you want to be if you are fighting a big fish (tuna, marlin, sword, shark) and the fish goes deep and you cannot raise it. You then put the reel into LOW and crank away now being able to gain line where in high you could not. If you plan to load this reel with light line low speed is going to be useless to you. I would not buy a 2 speed reel unless my intention was to put 50#, or higher, line test on it. Of course that's just my opinion but if you are never going to use the low speed feature why add something to the reel that can only break? Keeping things simple is often the best way to go. Harry

[OneLuv1979]

Thanks very much , that advice is very helpful !!

I might decide to go with a slightly bigger reel that can hold 50lb line ....
Any suggestions on a good quality rod ??

[Harry Klauber]

I Like Star rods. They are reasonably priced and get the job done. It's not what they look like (raises the cost as in custom built) but if they are adequate for your needs. In just starting out Star will give you the most for your $$. Harry

[OneLuv1979]

Thanks that is actually the rod i have picked out it's $149 which i think is reasonable considering how much use it will recieve .....

[OneLuv1979]

I just purchased the Okuma Titus TL15 II , Im thinking of going with some braided line so i can fit 50-60lb braid ...

Any prefered braid color or brand i should be looking at ....
The reel holds 30#/330 line so im hoping i could squeeze at least 50#/300 braid into it...maybe even 60#/300

Any advice ?

[Robs]

You should have no problem packing on that amout of braid onto that reel. Color and brand of braid is a personal choice. I prefer JB hollow core because of it's advantage when attaching a wind on leader. TEK (Jahmussa) is in Lighthouse Point, and he has filled several of my reels with JB. Send him a pm and he will tell you how much braid will fit on that reel.

[Capt. JJ]

make sure the reel can handle braid. it is unforgiving.

[Harry Klauber]

TEK knows. He will give you the right answer. Harry

[bajakian]

No one has mentioned this but in my opinion Okuma is a second rate reel. I would look at Shimano TLDs if its not too late.

[OneLuv1979]

I always used Shimano Calcuttas for Bass/Snook Fishing , so i know Shimano makes quality stuff but after talking to a buddy who has a few of the okuma titus TL15 II Gold Reels he said the reel is awesome , his is not a 2spd though .....

I figured a 2-Spd Gold Reel for under $200 was a deal ....
I will look into better options when my business picks back up in the winter ....

Guess i should send TEK a pm and see what he says ...
Thanks Guys ....

[d-a]

Originally Posted by bajakian

No one has mentioned this but in my opinion Okuma is a second rate reel. I would look at Shimano TLDs if its not too late.

Might even have to suggest an non graphite framed reel too. Braid is a wonderful line, but it will show you your weaknesses quickly.

d-a

[bajakian]

Originally Posted by d-a

Might even have to suggest an non graphite framed reel too. Braid is a wonderful line, but it will show you your weaknesses quickly.

d-a

I have fished TLD 50 LRS reels with 130 braid for over ten years without any problems. Also have 65 lb braid on some TLD 25's and 15's. So far so good

[d-a]

Originally Posted by bajakian

I have fished TLD 50 LRS reels with 130 braid for over ten years without any problems. Also have 65 lb braid on some TLD 25's and 15's. So far so good

Glad you havent had any problems, but i have seen a frame crack on a tld 30 2 speed using braid on a smallish(65 lb) yellowfin tuna last summer. After that trip I started down the tiagra road.

d-a

[WhItEoUt 23]

I have 2 Okuma TG 30'S 2 speed and havent had any problems with them and i have put them threw hell.

[CaptJP2]

Go with the 2 speed. They are very versatile. I've used my Avet JX 6/3 and LX 6/3 for everything from Tuna to Cod to deep-dropping for Tilefish in the Northeast Canyons. Low gear is a arm saver.

[OneLuv1979]

I was not to sure about the TLD's , after i read a few articles and saw this picture ...
I decided to go with something without a graphite frame ....

My other poles are graphite reels (okuma) that have been doing the job .....

[Capt. JJ]

I've seen several TLD's both 30's and 50's with the reel seats broken. A boat I was on in '06 upgraded to Tiagras for pitch-baiting marlin after having that problem.

[OneLuv1979]

JJ i will be just off boynton trolling wed , hope to see ya on the water.....

I think i will be spooling it in 80lb Power Pro , i was talking with a buddy about it , and he was saying i should use mono then use a uni knot to keep the braid from spinning he also said i could use tape ..... do you think this is a good idea ?