Reel for Kite fishing big bluefin?

[Cole418]

Hey guys -

been doing a lot of research and trying to see if I need a 50 size reel (like the Penn 50 VISX) or if the 30 is big enough.

what’s your guys’ input and recommendation?

 

[SouthBayKiller]

50 for sure. Some run 50W or even 80s.

 

[gecsr1]

yes a 50 or 50 wide

 

[afraser]

Need? no. 30 and 30w will work fine. We got a 250 this past week on a 30w but it took longer. The 50 and 80 reels definitely give you more torque and the ability to use 200# test, maybe cut the fight time down 50%.

 

[Cole418]

Need? no. 30 and 30w will work fine. We got a 250 this past week on a 30w but it took longer. The 50 and 80 reels definitely give you more torque and the ability to use 200# test, maybe cut the fight time down 50%.

Awesome thanks. So it seems like it’s less of a concern for mine capacity and more about gear ratio... right?

 

[tunanorth]

One of the most efficient kite-fishing crews is the Vagabond and Captain Mike Lackey. Here is his lineup.

 

[SouthBayKiller]

We normally have about half the line on a 50 out when skipping the yummy. I’m not sure if that’s how everyone does it, but we put it out far...

 

[Brad I]

Awesome thanks. So it seems like it’s less of a concern for mine capacity and more about gear ratio... right?

Line capacity matters too. Not just that you want to be sure to have enough line (especially if you hook a big fish that goes on a long run), but its also the familiar story that a fuller reel will gain line at a faster rate per crank than an emptier spool, and that's real useful not only when fighting the fish, but also when reeling like a madman to come tight to a fish that's taken your bait.

The line capacity of 30w and a 50 is usually pretty similar, but I'll take a 50 over a 30w any day of the week.

 

[Cole418]

Line capacity matters too. Not just that you want to be sure to have enough line (especially if you hook a big fish that goes on a long run), but its also the familiar story that a fuller reel will gain line at a faster rate per crank than an emptier spool, and that's real useful not only when fighting the fish, but also when reeling like a madman to come tight to a fish that's taken your bait.

The line capacity of 30w and a 50 is usually pretty similar, but I'll take a 50 over a 30w any day of the week.

Awesome - another great point. That's why I posted

Whats your "50" sized reel of choice?

 

[I hate seals]

We fish the Accurate Valiant 1000's
Nice and light if your holding the setup for a long time.
No issues with line capacity.

 

[Tugboat64]

If you are looking for a "kite specific" reel, go a 50w all the way. I say 50W because if you plan on flying a yummie flyer, you want that 1000 yards or close to 1000 yards of 200lb test or even 1500 yards of 130 lb test. Although, if you buy a 50w, that reel will be one heavy mf, so it might become your kite reel only. If you want a fishing capable, but kite capable reel, go a 30 or a 30w if offered in the brand your looking at. I say go 50w because I've heard of guys spooled on 50's, I heard that even one of the LR boats got spooled a few weeks ago on a 50W on the kite... And think of it this way, if you hook a fish of a life time, would you rather cheap out or go 90% of the way with the gear or go 100% and put the money in for the 50w? Look around on BD, lots of good 50's and 50w's, I picked up a tiagra 50w, with a graphtech rail rod 80-200 for 600$. Way cheaper than brand new.

 

[Brad I]

Awesome - another great point. That's why I posted

Whats your "50" sized reel of choice?

If I had could choose any reel I'd use a Tiburon SST 50W with the 4:1 and 1:1 gear ratio; the fast gears useful for when you're reeling to come tight and if the fish is charging, the slow gear for the grind. But good luck finding one, they haven't been made in years and most had a more standard 3.6 and 1.2 gears. (still good, but not as good).

Barring that, I don't think that I had a particular choice as long as its a well maintained 50w with gear ratios coming as close to that as possible.

 

[SouthBayKiller]

Reels I’ve used and have been happy with on private boats:
Mak 50
Mak 50W
VISX 50
Tiagra 50W
Avet 80