So I'm trying to figure out what to buy for two rods that I would use the most on a 16-day trip the length and the line rating. Thanks in advance
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2 most used rods on a 16 day trip
- Thread starter Lingking13
- Start date
usually it's good to at least have an extra flyline rig set up for whatever you are targeting in case your line gets abraded or broken landing a fish. I hate trying to re rig during a wide open bite it always stops by the time I'm rigged
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Lots of choices out there. Not sure if you refer to just tuna fishing or also wahoo. From my experience, I would suggest:
1. Tuna 100# rig - Calstar 770 or 775 XXH, or UC Viper 7.5ft with 20 size reel Penn 20 VISX or Mak 20.
2. Tuna 130# rig - Calstar 770 or 775 XXXH, or Viper as above or bump up to UC Invictus at 7 or 7.5 ft. Used typically with 30 or 50 size reels.
You would certainly use a wahoo jig/bomb outfit a lot.
1. Tuna 100# rig - Calstar 770 or 775 XXH, or UC Viper 7.5ft with 20 size reel Penn 20 VISX or Mak 20.
2. Tuna 130# rig - Calstar 770 or 775 XXXH, or Viper as above or bump up to UC Invictus at 7 or 7.5 ft. Used typically with 30 or 50 size reels.
You would certainly use a wahoo jig/bomb outfit a lot.
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He'll I'm trying to figure that out too got a couple of Penns 50 2 sp and 2 fathom 3spd 30s
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Feel I'm way out of my league but I'm not only willing to learn but only have a 4 day under my belt
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I am rethinking this very question as well.
Leaning towards fishing only GPX 76 Invictus with 50VISX. For all my 100 thru 150lb needs.
I really like the lift of the rod at the end game. The tip loads up easy on the rod so I am not concerned with fishing 100 on it.
I had been scaling back on my chunking reel size. Using 30&20 sized reels. Last trip, fished the 50 narrow a great deal with 100-150 fluorocarbon. I forgot how much I like the size of the reel and the reserve drag power the reel has.
Leaning towards fishing only GPX 76 Invictus with 50VISX. For all my 100 thru 150lb needs.
I really like the lift of the rod at the end game. The tip loads up easy on the rod so I am not concerned with fishing 100 on it.
I had been scaling back on my chunking reel size. Using 30&20 sized reels. Last trip, fished the 50 narrow a great deal with 100-150 fluorocarbon. I forgot how much I like the size of the reel and the reserve drag power the reel has.
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strackle99
I Post A Lot But I Can't Edit This
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hagridfish
I Should Upgrade My Account
Talk to the guys at Ken’s Custom Reels in Oceanside. 760-967-7335. Bring it into them, tell Ken what boat you’re going on, how long the trip is, and he will set you straight!!!
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- Feb 26, 2011
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- Jamie
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Good evening LK,
Excellent question. Buying right the first time is worth a bunch of extra monies you might spend on gear that does not fit you or the method by which you learn or like to fish for bigger Yellowfin tuna and Wahoo vs the Bluefin Tuna and maybe Yellowtail/smaller yellowfin you might have done on your 4 day (Just guessing here).
No doubt you can go on your choice of boat for a 16 day and not buy anything other than maybe some terminal tackle, good footwear and the right clothing (Which is fairly easy to figure out). You can use the boat gear for the price of a top shot while some of the boats do not even charge you for that..
BUT since you asked and without me knowing anything about you, your wallet size Physical size, condition, physical limitations if any, experience with other species or so many other questions. The majority of folks I set up under your premise purchase two big rigs and reserve a couple of the boat gear rigs for Wahoo or miscellaneous finned critters that might be targeted towards the end of your trip.. The 2 items I recommend will also be useable should you target the big Bluefin be it at the end of your 16 day or on some shorter trip you decide to take.
Depending on if you want to buy a factory built rod vs starting your custom quiver, with your own colors which make your rigs easier to find in the racks. The custom route is going to probably run about 150 - 200 dollars more than a factory wrap depending on the hardware you go with. For a 16 day I would look at both Calstar and United Composites for your custom blank or factory wrap. The power of the rod is super important so the number of X's or the power rating of the rod is very, very important.. The key is making sure you get a powerful enough rod for big Yellowfin yet not so powerful as it does not really work with the techniques that are reasonably comfortable for you as you develop more and better skills..
Unfortunately too many folks, when first shopping for their ultra long range or giant fish trips are intimidated by appropriate strength and recoiling rods thus ending up with Garage queens or selling items that are not specifically appropriate for a 16 day adventure. These big Yellowfin are very different than big Bluefin.. More often than not your hook sizes will be bigger when fly lining and these Y.F. tuna will fight much harder than their BF brothers thus more appropriate rods/reels and better fish fighting techniques will be of extreme value.
If you read some of my other posts, you may realize the mechanics of fishing heavier gear that first seem to be like telephone poles, is of key importance in order to tame them down into very useful, manageable and enjoyable mechanical devices without killing yourself.. They will never feel like a small rig you might have used previously on different species but they will be right for the 16 day application. There are techniques that will make them at least feel better in your hands and on your body.
I would purchase two 20 sized reels, either a Okuma Makaira SEA ii or Penn VISX. If money is no object and you want something very, very cool but costs a bunch more money you can go with the Open Top Accurate 30.. This Accurate option is visually stunning and is as efficient as the Penn and Okuma or maybe a hair more but will require a bit more maintenance after your trip.. The good news is part of the high expense you are paying gives you 2 years free service from Accurate. Warranties differ with each product. but should you take the option I offer below I can discuss the differences with each reel.. There is no right or wrong answer to which reel as All of them will do a great job for you. Additionally, you should use the boat gear both for Kite fishing and trolling. You can also reserve one big 50 size rig if you just want to see what fly lining, big bait fishing or drop jig fishing is like with a 50 or 50W.
Note: Leave your Squalls at home unless you have an appropriate 30/40 pound rod you can make bait with.
AS A NOTE: Once you have your knots and connections down to where you are comfortable with their proper strength, you will be surprised how much efficient drag you can use on a YF Tuna using 100 pound Spectra and the top shot appropriate for each type of 16 day techniques you will employ.. As long as your reels are properly maintained and your Spectra or Plastic top shot is not nicked or abraded, You cannot break 100 pound test Spectra while pulling West Coast, Long range style.
I personally am not a big fan of 50 or 50W reels as they are too big in my hands and feel less technical for live bait fishing, appropriate drop jigs, chunking or even big bait fishing. but that is me. Others, who may be much bigger in stature and hand size (I am by no means small or light but I am no giant either) may still enjoy the bigger reels but to me, I am not worried about some extreme amount of line capacity as some others might be concerned with. To the contrary I much prefer a bit smaller reel yet still Giant Tuna appropriate for those seemingly endless hours at the rail (Endless until the trip ends or you begin the ride up north which oftentimes leaves the angler wanting more time in the big fish zone.... or not). The majority of Long Range folks I set up are almost all going or have gone to these size reels but, to be fair, I work with most all of them to get their fish fighting techniques more efficient so they can land fish faster, more efficiently and with much less energy expelled.
Though these boards are great for information, nothing rivals your own personal experience, as you get better at this game, in determining or answering the questions you asked.. HOWEVER, if you are interested, I take phone calls 7 days a week, working with folks both who come to the shop and especially those who have no long range experience or stocked shops near them or even within a reasonable distance.. If you are interested, You can send me a PM with your name and phone number or you can request mine.. I will spend as much time as you need answering any questions you may have. If You are interested I will go over some posture issues to make your life easier as well as fish fighting techniques you can practice at home with ZERO obligation to purchase anything from us. It is always my pleasure to help in anyway I can... At least fishing wise.
As a note: Bob Sands Tackle specializes in Short range, Long Range and Ultra Long Range big fish fishing..
If you decide to talk by phone I will be asking you a number of questions in order to tailor the choice to your size any physical problems you may have, techniques you might have learned on your 4 day and what to expect on your 16 day. I will discuss the various rod and reel options that now seem insurmountable and I will give you some ideas of what and how to practice techniques and connections well prior to your trip. I will also help you manage your expectations and how to handle the longer boat rides based on your own mental state of mind. It would be my pleasure.
Lastly, Your decision to perhaps go on a 16 day is a great one.. If the fishing is even moderately good, you will come back with a wealth of fishing knowledge you will not believe you can acquire on just one trip.
Very best of luck on your decisions.
Respectfully,
Jamie
Excellent question. Buying right the first time is worth a bunch of extra monies you might spend on gear that does not fit you or the method by which you learn or like to fish for bigger Yellowfin tuna and Wahoo vs the Bluefin Tuna and maybe Yellowtail/smaller yellowfin you might have done on your 4 day (Just guessing here).
No doubt you can go on your choice of boat for a 16 day and not buy anything other than maybe some terminal tackle, good footwear and the right clothing (Which is fairly easy to figure out). You can use the boat gear for the price of a top shot while some of the boats do not even charge you for that..
BUT since you asked and without me knowing anything about you, your wallet size Physical size, condition, physical limitations if any, experience with other species or so many other questions. The majority of folks I set up under your premise purchase two big rigs and reserve a couple of the boat gear rigs for Wahoo or miscellaneous finned critters that might be targeted towards the end of your trip.. The 2 items I recommend will also be useable should you target the big Bluefin be it at the end of your 16 day or on some shorter trip you decide to take.
Depending on if you want to buy a factory built rod vs starting your custom quiver, with your own colors which make your rigs easier to find in the racks. The custom route is going to probably run about 150 - 200 dollars more than a factory wrap depending on the hardware you go with. For a 16 day I would look at both Calstar and United Composites for your custom blank or factory wrap. The power of the rod is super important so the number of X's or the power rating of the rod is very, very important.. The key is making sure you get a powerful enough rod for big Yellowfin yet not so powerful as it does not really work with the techniques that are reasonably comfortable for you as you develop more and better skills..
Unfortunately too many folks, when first shopping for their ultra long range or giant fish trips are intimidated by appropriate strength and recoiling rods thus ending up with Garage queens or selling items that are not specifically appropriate for a 16 day adventure. These big Yellowfin are very different than big Bluefin.. More often than not your hook sizes will be bigger when fly lining and these Y.F. tuna will fight much harder than their BF brothers thus more appropriate rods/reels and better fish fighting techniques will be of extreme value.
If you read some of my other posts, you may realize the mechanics of fishing heavier gear that first seem to be like telephone poles, is of key importance in order to tame them down into very useful, manageable and enjoyable mechanical devices without killing yourself.. They will never feel like a small rig you might have used previously on different species but they will be right for the 16 day application. There are techniques that will make them at least feel better in your hands and on your body.
I would purchase two 20 sized reels, either a Okuma Makaira SEA ii or Penn VISX. If money is no object and you want something very, very cool but costs a bunch more money you can go with the Open Top Accurate 30.. This Accurate option is visually stunning and is as efficient as the Penn and Okuma or maybe a hair more but will require a bit more maintenance after your trip.. The good news is part of the high expense you are paying gives you 2 years free service from Accurate. Warranties differ with each product. but should you take the option I offer below I can discuss the differences with each reel.. There is no right or wrong answer to which reel as All of them will do a great job for you. Additionally, you should use the boat gear both for Kite fishing and trolling. You can also reserve one big 50 size rig if you just want to see what fly lining, big bait fishing or drop jig fishing is like with a 50 or 50W.
Note: Leave your Squalls at home unless you have an appropriate 30/40 pound rod you can make bait with.
AS A NOTE: Once you have your knots and connections down to where you are comfortable with their proper strength, you will be surprised how much efficient drag you can use on a YF Tuna using 100 pound Spectra and the top shot appropriate for each type of 16 day techniques you will employ.. As long as your reels are properly maintained and your Spectra or Plastic top shot is not nicked or abraded, You cannot break 100 pound test Spectra while pulling West Coast, Long range style.
I personally am not a big fan of 50 or 50W reels as they are too big in my hands and feel less technical for live bait fishing, appropriate drop jigs, chunking or even big bait fishing. but that is me. Others, who may be much bigger in stature and hand size (I am by no means small or light but I am no giant either) may still enjoy the bigger reels but to me, I am not worried about some extreme amount of line capacity as some others might be concerned with. To the contrary I much prefer a bit smaller reel yet still Giant Tuna appropriate for those seemingly endless hours at the rail (Endless until the trip ends or you begin the ride up north which oftentimes leaves the angler wanting more time in the big fish zone.... or not). The majority of Long Range folks I set up are almost all going or have gone to these size reels but, to be fair, I work with most all of them to get their fish fighting techniques more efficient so they can land fish faster, more efficiently and with much less energy expelled.
Though these boards are great for information, nothing rivals your own personal experience, as you get better at this game, in determining or answering the questions you asked.. HOWEVER, if you are interested, I take phone calls 7 days a week, working with folks both who come to the shop and especially those who have no long range experience or stocked shops near them or even within a reasonable distance.. If you are interested, You can send me a PM with your name and phone number or you can request mine.. I will spend as much time as you need answering any questions you may have. If You are interested I will go over some posture issues to make your life easier as well as fish fighting techniques you can practice at home with ZERO obligation to purchase anything from us. It is always my pleasure to help in anyway I can... At least fishing wise.
As a note: Bob Sands Tackle specializes in Short range, Long Range and Ultra Long Range big fish fishing..
If you decide to talk by phone I will be asking you a number of questions in order to tailor the choice to your size any physical problems you may have, techniques you might have learned on your 4 day and what to expect on your 16 day. I will discuss the various rod and reel options that now seem insurmountable and I will give you some ideas of what and how to practice techniques and connections well prior to your trip. I will also help you manage your expectations and how to handle the longer boat rides based on your own mental state of mind. It would be my pleasure.
Lastly, Your decision to perhaps go on a 16 day is a great one.. If the fishing is even moderately good, you will come back with a wealth of fishing knowledge you will not believe you can acquire on just one trip.
Very best of luck on your decisions.
Respectfully,
Jamie
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Tedward2020
Autistic fisherman
Whenever I do my 16day trip taking my mak80wiisea with uc7’6 deviant unlimited and mak16iisea uc 7’6 centaur .. with borrowing a 50 or 30 if needed be.. with a penn 40nld2 for smaller fish
Yes I know 80w is overkill but plan to fight it with as much drag as possible to lower the fight time..just my 2cents
Yes I know 80w is overkill but plan to fight it with as much drag as possible to lower the fight time..just my 2cents
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hucklongfin
Deep release specialist
Hooks are matched to the size of the bait, not the amount of drag. Don't use so much drag that you rip the hook out!
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Would appreciate more of your input, I'll have a year to figure this all out, more time than money Jamie. I definitely would like to call and thank you for the beginning info.
Robby
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Drag pressure doesnt kill fish. Rod technique does. YFT we encounter at the lower banks, hurricane and bluefin we see up north, can pull most drag we set.
You need to keep the rod loaded after the bite. I have become less concerned with the line rating on the blank for bigger fish.
100lb line at 25lbs of drag is going to load up most railrods easily. Keeping it loaded is the key.
Jamie points out in his post about body type and physical abilites. Very accurate statements.
On my trip ending last week - too many people wanting to use the rail with the wrong rod based on their skill, physical dimensions (height being the big one). Not understanding the mechanics of rail rodding had them in discomfort until they gladly gave the rod to the deckhand to finish the fish off.
I have a great friend Rick Iwatsubo. He is 72 years old Is 5'3". In great physical shape.
He lands more big fish than most people hook. Doesnt break a sweat. Doesnt get excited. A methodical beatdown.
He fishes a Seeker 2x4 (Long Beach) and a UC Viper. He has developed a railroding and harness technique that is exceptional.
When he gets bit, calmly asks or walks to his tackle box and gets his plate. If the fish is on top, he's clipped in with the foregrip on the rail bending the entire 7'6" length of the rods to maximum deflection.
When the fish is moving around the boat - out of the harness walking normally.
When the fish in the circles - rod is on the rail and he is applying max pressure for the end game.
It is the best technique I have seen for the following -
Tall fisherpeople
Older individuals
People out of shape
Novices with limited understanding of well - anything
It is something that as I get older I will be sure to adapt.
You need to keep the rod loaded after the bite. I have become less concerned with the line rating on the blank for bigger fish.
100lb line at 25lbs of drag is going to load up most railrods easily. Keeping it loaded is the key.
Jamie points out in his post about body type and physical abilites. Very accurate statements.
On my trip ending last week - too many people wanting to use the rail with the wrong rod based on their skill, physical dimensions (height being the big one). Not understanding the mechanics of rail rodding had them in discomfort until they gladly gave the rod to the deckhand to finish the fish off.
I have a great friend Rick Iwatsubo. He is 72 years old Is 5'3". In great physical shape.
He lands more big fish than most people hook. Doesnt break a sweat. Doesnt get excited. A methodical beatdown.
He fishes a Seeker 2x4 (Long Beach) and a UC Viper. He has developed a railroding and harness technique that is exceptional.
When he gets bit, calmly asks or walks to his tackle box and gets his plate. If the fish is on top, he's clipped in with the foregrip on the rail bending the entire 7'6" length of the rods to maximum deflection.
When the fish is moving around the boat - out of the harness walking normally.
When the fish in the circles - rod is on the rail and he is applying max pressure for the end game.
It is the best technique I have seen for the following -
Tall fisherpeople
Older individuals
People out of shape
Novices with limited understanding of well - anything
It is something that as I get older I will be sure to adapt.
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I like the Calstar 775 XH for 100lb and 775 XXH for 130lb. Before you decide you should go down to your local shop and pull on a XH, XXH and XXXH to see what suits you. As for reels, Makaira 20 is pretty versatile, I fish 100 and 130lb on mine. Also have a 20 and 30 VIXS are great reels too.
The Squalls would probably be ok for trolling for wahoo and fishing 100 lb grade tuna but I think for the cows you want aluminum frame reel. I would talk with Ken at Ken's Custom Reels or Cal at Cals Reels at get their opinion the Squalls. I have heard Cal say the TLD 30s spool spindle will flex a bit and then the frame cracks under heavy drag pressure when you try fishing it with 100lb. You can listen to them on Lets Talk Hookup archives.
The Squalls would probably be ok for trolling for wahoo and fishing 100 lb grade tuna but I think for the cows you want aluminum frame reel. I would talk with Ken at Ken's Custom Reels or Cal at Cals Reels at get their opinion the Squalls. I have heard Cal say the TLD 30s spool spindle will flex a bit and then the frame cracks under heavy drag pressure when you try fishing it with 100lb. You can listen to them on Lets Talk Hookup archives.
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Okay. Looks like you purchased the least expensive 50 size reels you could find. First recommendation is to return them if possible to replace with something more suitable. Pretty sure John Nappo has some experience with your reels, you might send him a message or call the shop.
Tuna Fish Tackle - Home Page - a Tackle shop in West Babylon, New York
Tuna Fish Tackle specializes in the wide-ranging fishing tackle needs of saltwater anglers covering everything inshore to offshore...
www.tunafishtackle.com
I see, you’re in the Pacific Northwest? If at all possible you would benefit from attending either the Bart Hall show in Long Beach or the PCS Show in Orange County. If you can make it, look for Jamie at the Bob Sands booth.
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vegasandre
I Should Upgrade My Account
this is a great question that many have answered above..
you will see many similar responses with
thousands of days combined on long trips..
take that as a good indication of what to go with on a LR 16 day.
if I had 2 choices:
1- your "go to" will be a 20 size reel (mak or Visx) I would put that on a UC viper (imo the best and most versailtile rod around. ) this will be your 100 lb rod.
2- a 20 or 30 size reel for a 130 lb setup. I like the UC invictus for this or a xxxh..
the 50 size reels I will only use on the kite. use the boats gear.
next two rods for me :
1-will be a Wahoo rod setup that can cast well. 50-60lb type
2- an 80 lb setup on a 16 size reel . mak or visx.. you can still use a viper(or similar) for this setup as well (very dynamic rod)
then the rod setups get out of hand for me after that.. lol
you will see many similar responses with
thousands of days combined on long trips..
take that as a good indication of what to go with on a LR 16 day.
if I had 2 choices:
1- your "go to" will be a 20 size reel (mak or Visx) I would put that on a UC viper (imo the best and most versailtile rod around. ) this will be your 100 lb rod.
2- a 20 or 30 size reel for a 130 lb setup. I like the UC invictus for this or a xxxh..
the 50 size reels I will only use on the kite. use the boats gear.
next two rods for me :
1-will be a Wahoo rod setup that can cast well. 50-60lb type
2- an 80 lb setup on a 16 size reel . mak or visx.. you can still use a viper(or similar) for this setup as well (very dynamic rod)
then the rod setups get out of hand for me after that.. lol
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