best reel for planer rods?

[Downunder3]

I want to run two planers with 200lb braid. Need enough drag to get them down 100 feet or so. (maybe 50 lbs of drag?) What's the best reel to use for this purpose?
I would prefer to not spend $600 for an 80 class reel. Is that my only option?
Tried running them off the cleats but it is too messy. Thanks!

[tlasbill]

ive found when pulling big planers on rods, you really need to drags of an 80, the shimano 50 wlrsa might be an option but ive never used one so im not sure. i use a shimano 80 and were either fishing it out of a swivel rod holder, or in the chair. the new avet TR-X would be another great choice lots of drag, but ive never used one so I dont know how the hold up, but the other avets that ive had have been great. goodluck, your now holding one of the greatest offshore fishing tools in your arsenal, the goodole meatstick.

[GOODNYOU]

I run an old salty 32 oz and a tiagra 80 barely gets it done.I forget exactly but its close to 45 lbs drag. Planer puts so much stress on the gear the whole time, not just when youre tight. Also 2 planers at 100 ft could be a disaster. Way too close.

[Delaware Devil]

There any plenty of 'old' 80's for sale on the internet -you will be kicking yourself using anything lighter/smaller - find the most beat up (and cheapest) 80 and have it serviced - you'll be happy with that set-up and it will cheaper than you think.

[John_Madison CT]

I guess a lot depends on how fast you troll too. I use a Penn 70VS with an Old Salty #16 planer up to 7 knots, and it barely works. I can just manage free spool (to trip the planer) and enough drag to hold it from creeping too much.

The bad part is that you have no drag range when the drag is turned up this much. You go from freespool to around 40lbs.

Oh yeah, we're running it inline.

[ncwater-boy]

I used a Tiagra 50 LRS but found it was not quite heavy enough. I switched to an 80 wide International as it is what most of the Carolina coast charter boats use and it has preformed well. I have it set up with 200lb braid on a custom heavy, short, bent butt rod with swivel tip sold by Custom Marine Fabricators in New Bern NC. Works great and I will pull as large as a #24 planner on it.

[Downunder3]

Thank you all for the feedback. Sounds like 80s are the way to go.
I will be on the lookout for used ones.

[BigBite Offshore]

you could always tie the planer to a cleat and run a rubber band down the line...AKA: "Pour Man's Downrigger".. Otherwise, you may find yourself catching a 20 pound king on 80 pound tackle..

[Carolina Pavers]

Originally Posted by ncwater-boy

I have it set up with 200lb braid on a custom heavy, short, bent butt rod with swivel tip sold by Custom Marine Fabricators in New Bern NC. Works great and I will pull as large as a #24 planner on it.

Hey NC, Are these Aftco swivel tips or something they fabricate? How much?

Thanks.

[joemat]

80's would be best, but you can also short-spool your 50W's to artificially increase their drag. That will save some $$$