Gear setup for 5-6 day trips to Guadalupe

[joelgame]

Hey guys I am new to the forum, and new to long range fishing. Looking to go on a couple long range trips next year starting in the Summer. Have done a bunch of 1-2 day offshore trips, but have yet to pull on any tuna over 50lbs or bigger yellowtail over 30lbs. This is what I have for gear, any input is appreciated.

1. calstar GF 700 ML w/ progear 255 (20# bait)

2. calstar GF 700 MH w/ progear CS625 (30# bait)

3. calstar GF 700 H w/ progear albacore special 282 (40# bait)

4. calstar 90j w/ progear CS600 (Jig stick)

I am guessing I need a bigger bait setup for 50-60 #test. Going to get a custom bait stick wrapped. Any suggestions on reels, I am thinking an Avet JX 6/3. As you might be able to tell I am big on function not looks or gimmics.

Am I covering my bases? Thanks

[NorthShore41]

50/60 sounds like something that may double as a yoyo/ dropper loop/ whatever bigger setup. If you really like avet and two speed get the HX for that size (unless you were looking at a Raptor) and another consideration that I love is the Baja Special by Peee

[Cast Gold]

A small Makaira, big Tallica, or Accurate BX 400/500 may offer more versatility than the JX 6/3 in the 50 lb+ application. There are others that I have not personally fished with that would be worth consideration here as well (Penn Torque, Avet HX/HX Raptor, etc.)

I have a JX 6/3 that I have not fished with since 2006, but I keep it as a 40# backup rig. I use an BX2-400 for 50# and a B2-600N for 60#. If I had to start from scratch right now, I'd look to the Makairas first.

K

[BigfishDM]

Dont bother bringing a 20# setup, I would double up on your 40# though

[tunanorth]

Most often at Guadalupe, you will fish bait on 40, but when they are biting, you can go to 50. Ultra-short fluoro topshots are often key.
For 40- upcoming Penn TRQ25NLD-2 [classic 501 size] on 800H rod.
For 50- upcoming Penn TRQ30LD-2 [classic 99 size] on 800XH rod.
If you may graduate to longer Alijos Rocks trips, consider bumping up to the Penn 12VSX for the 50 [and even 60]; the extra line capacity may be helpful when you hook one of the "mini cows" that occasionally lurk there.
Photo is 92.5 pounder aboard Searcher at Guadalupe last month on TRQ25NLD2.

[whammy]

Dont bother bringing a 20# setup, I would double up on your 40# though

exactly what he said! you will be fishing 40# 80% of the time, dont waste your time on 20# but definitely bring doubles of 40# and bring a 60-80# outfit just in case you want to do some night time dropper loop stuff for the yellows. also I would personally run short top shots on all your rigs that way if you really need a 50# reel you can just run a short topshot of 50 # flouro on your 40# rig and use that.

[joelgame]

Anyone fish a Saltist 40 2 speed? I went by Kens reels the other day and he recommended I use that reel for 50# test

[saltwaterfish]

I use a sx & jx raptor 99% of the time for bait or yo-yo
someone mentioned hx = way too big
if you dont want raptor - jx is a great choice

[okie man]

a makaira 10 for 40-50# and a 15 for 60#. no other small 2 speed reel has the cranking power of these reels. remember you"ll be playing beat the white sharks and being able to keep turning the handle is what wins!

[matrixx611]

Bring the JX for another #40 setup!