BD's own Let 'em eat74 landed this beautiful 197 pounder recently using his PENN International 16VISX, with 100-pound solid and 130 fluoro. Congratulations!
The crew watched it up about 6 pounds of squid trying anything to make the tractor beam (16visx and 30# of drag) stop. 10-15 minutes was all it took. Quite the hit list this reel has accumulated so far. First, a 360.4# YFT last year and then backing that feat with a near 200# BFT this year. To say I’m a happy owner and PENN customer would be an understatement.
Got my 16 VISX ready for my next trip!!! Too bad the BFT didn't cooperate on my last trip! But I had a ton of fun dropping flatfalls for an hour or two every day with that sweet reel!
An hour or two? I only slept that long for 3 days and nights total. I came home a zombie, but I came home a zombie with a fish. It is a damn good reel, hope you get to pull on a really good one to truly enjoy it!
Congrats Kevin! 2 unbelievable fish in less than a year, good on you! That VISX 16 is a work horse. I find my 775xh starts feeling too light after more than 30lbs of drag, though I have gone higher with it. I still like it and it casts 100lb quite well but I have other rods that fit me better. But, it is my go too when a longer cast is a must. Maybe next year we can actually fish together instead of just breaking the boat...
I sure hope so Rick. I like the give to be in the rod part of the equation. It’s the main reason I use longer rods to match my short topshot preference. I know what you mean though, I’ve been close to bottoming out the rod. There is video of the short fight I’m trying to get my hands on. If I can manage to post it up, you’ll see why I need the flex.
How do you like those fathom 40ld2 reels if that's what I'm looking at? On my 3 day last week I was fishing bait on my Talica 12ii with 400 yards of #80 Pro Spec. I was really surprised and somewhat disappointed to find that the shop didn't put the line on tight enough and I really could've gotten probably 50 more yards easily. On some of those long soaks, oh boy, I didn't think I had enough line left to fight a 200 pound fish. Starting to think I maybe should pick up a Fathom 40ld2 for bait. Should be able to get around 550 yards or more of #80 Pro Spec on the reel. Should hold up to at least a couple of 200-270 lb. BFT, I'd think...
I tend to fish the same way, it's why I like my 7'6" Vipers, but the 775xh does cast better, just doesn't provide the lift the UC's do. I just had a 7' extended 4" because that's what I prefer. Again, Congrats!
For sure Rick. The moment I book a longer trip than 10 days, I’ll definitely get another (maybe a couple) heavier sticks and a 50 and 20 VISX Ideally 16 VISX - 775xh heavy 80 or finesse 100# flyline 20 VISX - 775xxh 100# dedicated, maybe chunk 130 50 VISX - 775xxxh 130-150# big bait and jig To answer 520’s question. I do feel the 40nld2 is a very capable reel and I even think I could land a good fish with it. That being said, I would not use it on purpose for fish over 150#. Accidental hookup on a cow or bigger? Pull like hell and like you are not afraid to lose it and maybe Lady Luck will smile upon you.
A point to consider, if a Talica is already in your budget, be sure to give the Torque TRQ40NLD2 a look in this line capacity category.
Thanks Kevin and Tunanorth. Hmmm yeah, I’ve been looking at some of the old threads about the differences between the torque 40ld2 and the 12visx. I might just have to re-rig my 16 visx as needed on the water to pull double duty depending on which way the bite goes (bait or flat falls). Not entirely ideal but it can be done quickly enough.
It’s not hard at all. It’s pretty rare they are eating both at the same time. Either it’s bait or flatfalls. So fishing a bait during the day, then clipping off the hook and tieing on your flatfall and your set for night/dark.
My setup with the bridled flat fall allowed me quick changes without changing leaders as long as there was a big Mac available or my weighted squid rig. Sardines wouldnt work however due to my hook size.
