Need some San Diego overnight/2 day boat tackle advice

[Nox]

The last time I took an overnight boat to the Coronados from H&M Landing was back in the late 80’s… Back then, I used Sabre/Seeker/Calstar eGlass poles and usually took a Daiwa Sealine 30, 40, a Shimano TLD 20, and a Daiwa 600 (trolling) to land the Tuna and Dorado we’d get in… My lines were generally 20 to 50 pound mono.

Fast forward 30+ years, and I decided I would like to start again after doing mostly inshore kayak fishing all this time. I still have all my glass poles, but recently acquired an Avet SX Raptor, LX Raptor, and HX Raptor.

I was wondering if anyone with recent experience could tell me if they think an SX, LX, and HX would do for a 2 to 3 day trip out of San Diego, and maybe give me some line recommendations. I’m going to go with braid and a mono topshot.

 

[DiversionFishing]

I think you should be good! I would put 25-30lb izorline XXX string on the sx backed with 50lb braid for fly lining baits, 40-50lb for the LX with 65lb braid to flyline or jig, and 60-80lb string for the HX with 80lb braid for a sinker rig or jig.

You most likely will be kelping but things change quick. I’d say those three setups would work just fine with what’s going on. Maybe the MXL on 30lb string If you’re an avet guy if you want to splurge. Good luck bro.

 

[IronMikeAC]

The last time I took an overnight boat to the Coronados from H&M Landing was back in the late 80’s… Back then, I used Sabre/Seeker/Calstar eGlass poles and usually took a Daiwa Sealine 30, 40, a Shimano TLD 20, and a Daiwa 600 (trolling) to land the Tuna and Dorado we’d get in… My lines were generally 20 to 50 pound mono.

Fast forward 30+ years, and I decided I would like to start again after doing mostly inshore kayak fishing all this time. I still have all my glass poles, but recently acquired an Avet SX Raptor, LX Raptor, and HX Raptor.

I was wondering if anyone with recent experience could tell me if they think an SX, LX, and HX would do for a 2 to 3 day trip out of San Diego, and maybe give me some line recommendations. I’m going to go with braid and a mono topshot.

The HX should raptor. You need a legit 80 to 100lb rig

 

[DiversionFishing]

The HX should raptor. You need a legit 80 to 100lb rig

Yes 2 day trip for sure rent or borrow a rail rod type set up. Big fish at tanner right now.

 

[Nox]

Yes 2 day trip for sure rent or borrow a rail rod type set up. Big fish at tanner right now.

So assuming I have a rail rod, you think an HX Raptor spooled with 80 or 100# is enough or do I need a bigger reel?

 

[kuyamonster]

So assuming I have a rail rod, you think an HX Raptor spooled with 80 or 100# is enough or do I need a bigger reel?

That reel is a beast! You'll be fine on big tuna. You have options on picking a really good railrod to match it, even on the heavier rod rating side...

 

[Nox]

That reel is a beast! You'll be fine on big tuna. You have options on picking a really good railrod to match it, even on the heavier rod rating side...

What I have currently is the Avet HW Raptor coupled with an Okuma PCH Custom 4X. I am thinking of spooling the reel with 100 pound hollow core. That will be my heavy rail set up. For my lighter rigs, I will have a Avet SX Raptor (50# braid) and Avet LX Raptor (65# braid).

 

[kuyamonster]

What I have currently is the Avet HW Raptor coupled with an Okuma PCH Custom 4X. I am thinking of spooling the reel with 100 pound hollow core. That will be my heavy rail set up. For my lighter rigs, I will have a Avet SX Raptor (50# braid) and Avet LX Raptor (65# braid).

Not sure if that's a typo on model # but either HX or HXW Raptor is a solid big fish reel. I have an SX and LX as well with 40 and 65 braid, respectively. Easy to change out varying topshots as the situation dictates. You'll definitely be using those two setups the most. A 60-80 lb combo would round out your arsenal even better. Then you're all set! Yaks are way fun to fish on but try not to wait another 30+ years before hopping offshore. SD has the best sportfishing fleet! Have fun out there and mucho bendo to you...

 

[Nox]

Not sure if that's a typo on model # but either HX or HXW Raptor is a solid big fish reel. I have an SX and LX as well with 40 and 65 braid, respectively. Easy to change out varying topshots as the situation dictates. You'll definitely be using those two setups the most. A 60-80 lb combo would round out your arsenal even better. Then you're all set! Yaks are way fun to fish on but try not to wait another 30+ years before hopping offshore. SD has the best sportfishing fleet! Have fun out there and mucho bendo to you...

Yes, that was a typo. What I have is an HW 5/2 Raptor… it’s currently sitting on an Okuma PCH Custom 4X rod.

I quit going on the boats 30 years ago, because I got tired of the crowds and fighting for the stern. I find peace when I am kayak Fishing inshore, but lately, I’ve had the itch to go out for for big ones.

 

[surfgoose]

Welcome back to the offshore game! You will do very well, you have excellent taste in tackle. I have 80# braid on my HX5/2 not a Raptor, and it does VERY well on tuna. If I had a Raptor on a 4X rod I probably would go to 100# braid.

If you have the bucks to buy all of that new equipment, and don't like crowds, then you should go out on one of the many excellent 4-pack and 6-pack charter boats available now, that weren't around 30 years ago. It's a totally different game for them now. They have more electronics than the destroyers of most of the navies of the world, and fly kites, and troll high-speed expensive lures, and CATCH BIG TUNA.

If a few days on the water with a dozen to two dozen serious fishermen is acceptable, then there are a lot of outstanding boats taking those limited numbers out, with excellent food and very decent accommodations and crewmen who are smart and experienced and really want you to be successful.