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....

[Deep_Sea_Gull]

The longer the trip the bigger the reel. 10 day trips out of San Diego have been seeing fish over 300 lbs on occasion. Many over 200 lbs.
I would want a 50W International, Tiagra or Accurate for fishing cow YFT. Pack a good load of Jerry Brown 130 lb spectra on and use as heavy a windon as I could get a bite on.
Many of the better long range boats have websites that list the reccomended gear.
http://www.royalpolaris.com/info/tackle/index.html

[Captain Mike Ellis]

The guys in California are pretty touchy as to what gear they use. Your best bet is to go to the website of the boat you are going to book and use what they reccomend. Or maybe check www.allcoastsportfishing.com. If I were to do it a Tiagra 50W with 130 Jerry Brown to a 130 topshot. I would fish the drag at 28lbs. at strike.
Capt. Mike

[mmafan]

Thanks for the info... Have you guys heard anything about the Avet EX 50's or T-rx 50's?.. I wonder if they are as good or reliable as the Tiagra 50 wides... Of course, my concern would be losing that 200-300 pound tuna because of mechanical errors...

[Deep_Sea_Gull]

I have only had an Avet in my hand once. It weren't my cup of tea. It was too different from my usual Penns. I want my reels to be alike so that I can find the controls without looking.
Click on the link and search through the topics here:
http://www.allcoastsportfishing.com/...pics&forum=313
You'll find a wealth of info about Avets there.

You might consider booking that trip soon. Many of the best dates are already filling for next year. Cow fishing has been on fire this year.

Good point about the drag settings there Capt Mike.

[Captain Mike Ellis]

I personaly don't like the Avets clicker. It is to small for my taste. I have also seen some lightly used Avets with spool corrision. I am not saying they are bad reels. But if you stick with the Tiagra's you wont be disappointed. Like I said by a good drag scale and check your reel before every trip.
Capt. Mike

[mmafan]

What about the Penn 70VS?... Have you guys tried this one out?... I've always wondered if it has the exact same drag system as the Penn 50vsw---only with a larger frame...

[Captain Mike Ellis]

I can't comment on the 70VSW I don't have any experience with Penn. I Believe Deep_Sea_Gull knows a charter captain that tested the 80VSW's.

[Deep_Sea_Gull]

The parts diagrams for the 50vsw and 70vs show that they use some common parts in the drags. Take a look for yourself at...
http://www.pennreels.com/01_products...t_big_game.htm
Download the parts diagrams and compare for yourself.

Capt Johnny Greene out of Orange Beach, AL used 2 of the new 80vsw's this summer aboard The Intimidator.
www.fishorangebeach.com