Another "Reel for Swording" question.

[Trolling-man]

Don't see too much discussion on the Okuma Titus 50 2-speed for sword fishing. Are they likely to get the job done or not?

[Beerman]

Garbage IMO......but some people love them......yes it will probably catch most fish......but under heavy loads (SLOB) they fall apart as do the TLDs......

[quack quack]

If it is all you have :???: But would not go buy them to start with.

[JupiterSailfish]

I know someone that fishes 15 Titus Gold's packed with Power Pro for Swords :lol: They have the line capacity with the braid, I think. Just waiting for them to get spooled when we put it on the long jug :lol:

Use whatcha got though. Just get out there.

[Trolling-man]

Well, not favorable responses so far (just as I suspected). Thanks for your time anyway. :thumright:

Don't have any gear for swordfishing as of yet, but I've had this hair up my a** for a long time to go after them. I've also been doing some research, and watching this forum for tips for quite a while also.

Right now, I'm a hard-core west coast (Florida) fisherman. But one day, I plan on getting a crew together, and pulling my boat over there so we can see what all the fuss is about!!!!! Just trying to line up all of my ducks right now, so that, when I do come over, I have everything I need.

Thanks again.

[quack quack]

I am sure some one could find a spot for you one night so you can see it done first hand.Or wait for the next 201 seminar

[The BEAST]

You could always book a charter with one of the many Captains over here that Swordfish. When all is said and done, the money spent is worthwhile if not for the experience but as a learning tool.

Capt. Jim
The BEAST

[quack quack]

100% right Jim worth every penny

[Flyin By]

I would look into the TLD before Okuma.

[swordfish123]

I had four Okuma Titus 50Ws. Absolute and TOTAL garbage. I spent more time fixing them than I did fishing with em. Go for the Gold, get the Tiagras.

I know they are like 6x more expensive, but think of it as an investment. You can always sell em later, they really hold their value well.

[rafter]

I have three Okumas titus gold 50W's ops: they have worked fine for me until now. Then again I have not hooked into a monster fish yet. I don't have deep pokets and this is what I could afford. So far they have gotten the job done.

[Flyin By]

Pen senator is a better start..

[Trolling-man]

Bit of a mixed review. Interesting.

My issue is not with having or not having deep pockets, it's more of, if, and/or when I do this, it will probably only be a couple of times a year. Knowing that, that's why I was asking about the Okumas.

Not a bad idea about the charter first, at least that will give me a better insight of how the set-ups work.

Flyin By. Are you talking about 4/0, 6/0, or what?

Once again, thanks for the input folks.

[Nick C]

Go with a TLD over the Okuma gold

[Liquid Swords]

I got a set of the 50w and they are alright. For the money they aren't that bad. I've had one of them get the gearing inside get out of line. It was fixed really easy, but then again it probably would have cost me a big fish. I haven't had a problem with them for a long time. My neighbor lets me borrow his set of four international 130's which is a much better reel than the titus gold, but I always end up fishing the Okumas. I want to try to replace the 2 Okumas for better reels, and use the Okumas for lighter applications. One reel that I was looking at was the Tica 80w. Looks pretty good and is very affordable for the size reel it is. I haven't heard of any reviews about the reel, so i'm going to wait and see. Any shared experiences with the Tica reels would be appreciated.

[Flyin By]

I would go with 9/0 or better. A big sword will take alot of line. The last 170 pounder took almost half of by 50W. You may want to be ready for swordzilla. Do what ever these guys are recomending. They have a boat load of knowledge and some have been spooled. I know I am at a disadvantage but I live on the edge. Good luck.

[Fishalways]

I have one Okuma.

I can say without a doubt it is the biggest piece of trash I have ever owned.

I'll stick with my FinNor Tycoons. I wish I could find some more. What I love about them is their simplicity. They have so few parts to break.

I do have one International and although it is a good reel, it has way to many parts for my taste and to me that means more maintenance.

Just my 2c

[Barnacle Bill]

If you have the budget go for the proven Penn International 50tw or 50vsw.I have also heard good things about the Tiagras.

Low budget: Penn Senator 9/0 or the new 114hw 6/0 wide although the line capacity on the 6/0 is not up to really big fish.
Bill

[e-money]

Originally Posted by Trolling-man

Don't see too much discussion on the Okuma Titus 50 2-speed for sword fishing. Are they likely to get the job done or not?

Our general consnesus on Okuma has been as follows.
OKUMA stands for

O
K
Until
Ma Comes
Along

:lol:

[rollin]

this past year - 11 fish on the boat - many more pups released - pulled hooks on a few big girls - a few around 100 and one over 220 in the boat - the big one in the boat inside of 1.5 hours.

all on okuma 50w. never had one break, (yet).

i cant say that the penn, tica, altunica, diawa, whateva, arent better reels - they'd have to be for the $ they cost right?

but i CAN say that if i was getting dumped, (hasnt happened so far - even the biggest one last year only took 2 3rds of the line off) - i'd throw that $238 combo in the water without blinking.

just my .02

R