Which 20# reel for YT, DoDo & Schoolie Tuna?

[JHJ32883]

I'm looking to spool the reel with 50# MaxCuatro to the top. So, I'm comfortable with the capacity.

I'm really concerned with casting and flylining smaller/weaker baits when fishing requires dropping down in line just to get a bite.

 

[Chum_slicker]

Fathom 12 or tesoro 5ns. Both great options.

 

[mutu0069]

You don’t have it listed but I use a Trinidad 12A

 

[hucklongfin]

I use a Fathom 12 or 525 Mag. I wouldn’t use my SX Raptor for 20#… it’s disrespectful.

 

[HighWildFree]

If it’s a dedicated 20lb rig I’d go 40lb or even 30lb braid with a 50 yard mono top shot that gets changed every trip.

 

[mike garrahan]

You left out every reel that I actually use for 20lb, Daiwa Sealine sl20sh, gold Trinidad 14 and a Newell P220. If I want a 2 speed I will sometimes use my Talica 10 for 20lb but usually I use it for 25lb or 30lb.

 

[cortezpirasea]

3500 Shimano Baitrunner...

 

[pacificscout]

Saltist 15

 

[LesNessman]

Not on your list but think about an Avet MXL or MXJ 5.8, G1. I've caught 80# marlin & 45# yellowfin on MXL (but those was on a private not a party boat). Max strike is 9#, so perfect for 20# line. Liked the MXL so much for light line I bought a MXJ.

 

[Fins in the Bin]

Lexa 300 or 400 if you want more line capacity.

 

[af dreamer]

Sorry,none of the above,for small weak bait a SL30 with the grafite spool only for those size fish.JMHO,Tom

 

[F.I.S.H.Y]

Baitcaster. New lexa tw's are sweet sweet reels of you got the money for them, they are made for west coast fishing.

Fullsize reels seem weird to use when handling light bait.

 

[flyliner]

The Trinidad 12a is hands down my favorite conventional reel. I have lots of 30 pound class yellows with it and tuna to 60 pounds.

 

[Jiggermeister]

Daiwa SL20SH

 

[Amadeus]

Penn 27 and 970.

Daiwa 30H/SMF 170H

All upgraded to fish up to 40lbs. The newest of the four was probably made in the '80s...

 

[HighWildFree]

Ditch the baitcasters boys. They are not for light line, small and/or weak bait. No matter what you think.

 

[Amadeus]

It is interesting that for all the bluster thru the years about how level winds are not suitable for offshore once the large, low profile baitcasters (i.e., level winds) showed up they suddenly became the cat's meow...

 

[TOTW]

It is interesting that for all the bluster thru the years about how level winds are not suitable for offshore once the large, low profile baitcasters (i.e., level winds) showed up they suddenly became the cat's meow...

Back in the ‘80s before the return of the sardine, I used to flyline anchovies on a Shimano Bantam Mag 10XSG. I guess I was on the leading edge of all this, lol! In any event, in the decades since them, I’ve learned that a level wind reel is NOT the best reel for fishing bait, especially flyline. Baitcasters have their place, of course.
And, similarly, when Shimano came out with the TLD series, I just HAD to have that, too. Caught lots of fish with my TLD5 until I accidentally threw it in the drink—even with those dinky anchovies. That said, over the years I’ve learned that the BEST 20-lb bait reel will have a light spool and a star drag. A damn close second in the running: Penn Fathom 15 LD2.