Tuna Rig Questions & Penn 15LD & 15KG vs Shimano TLD25 & TLD30II

[HDGWJOE]

Sorry if this shows up twice...just tried to post it and it never made it...might be a server problem at my end.

I'm trying to get setup for tuna next summer(first time novice)in the 100-200lb range. Thanks to comments from you guys I did pick up a couple of Penn 114H's. I'd also like to pick up a couple of lever drag reels....can any of you compare the reels listed above based on your own experience?
Are the two speeds worth the extra $$$. Am I limiting myself with these reels? Should I go for larger capacity? These only list 30# capacity of 600yds....that should be around 300-350 of 50# test line which most of you recommended I spool with. If I happen to hit a big one I want some kind of chance (of course I'm not talking 500lb'ers)...but maybe 250 -300.
I have no idea what line capacity I will need or should have???
ALso...most of you guys recommended rods rated 30-80lbs.....is 50-130lbs overkill???

$$$ are an issue....want to keep these rigs under $400. Some of the combo's in Offshore Angler(BassPro) and Boaters World(Outer Banks) look pretty good...some have real decent combo discounts and that may be the way to go.

For rods on these reels I'm considering the Bass Pro Ocean Master OMSU4A (6' 50-80#)($119...these are combo'd with the 114H's in BassPro for $199),Penn Formula's 6' (50-100# or 30-80#) ($129), the Boaters World Custom Power stick cs3080ar or cs50130ar (all roller 6'30-80# and 50-130#)($159), Penn Tuna Stick 2260ars (6' 50-130#)($229). I need all the comments I can get on what I'm doing here...

Thanks,
Joe

[This message was edited by HDGWJOE on 11-26-02 at 09:57 AM.

[This message was edited by HDGWJOE on 11-26-02 at 09:58 AM.]

[Codfisher]

Check out Power Pro lines. 80lb power pro has the diameter of 17lb so you can get a lot more on your reels. I think the TLDII-30 will hold about 800yds of 80 lb Power Pro.

[John957]

30lb and under you really don't need two speed reels unless your going to load them with PP and push them high.

15KG vs. TLD30II, not much difference. Both perform well and are about the same size.

15LD vs. TLD 25, big difference. TLD 25 is a smaller lighter reel, not a one speed version of the TLD30. The 15LD is a one version of the 15KG. Bigger and tougher than the TLD25. I'd base it on what you plan to target. Kings, dolphin, small tuna - TLD 25. Larger tuna - 15LD.

I'd also look into the Everol Waterproof 20/30, better than both the 15LD and the TLD25 and gold not graphite.

[BLFTUNA]

You can take this for what it's worth, and I'm sure I'll get slammed here. I wouldn't own another Penn reel, too many problems with sticky drags and warped drag plates on lever drag reels, ditto the star drag reels. We switched to Shimano years ago, and never looked back. I personally don't like the single speed TLD's, the ratio is too high and makes cranking hard. We chunk with TLD 30 two speeds, and love them. When targeting fish over 50#, or when the party isn't up to stand-up fishing, we use Tiagra 50w on trolling rods. Out of a dozen + Shimano's, since 1990, at 70+ offshore trips a season, and thousands of tuna, the only thing we ever replaced was drag washers about every 2-3 seasons! The trolling rods are Lamiglass customs, the chunking rods are All Star Hybrid customs. Last year I bought 4 budget outfits for my son to take our little boat out for tuna, mako, whatever. I got Bass Pro Shops Powerstick stand-up rods (on sale now for $40) in the 30-80 class, and Daiwa 600H Sealine reels. The reels are bullet proof, the drags hold up well, and no corosion. The reels are about the same size as a 6/0 Senator. The rods have done well, better than I ever expected, and I don't hesitate to recommend them. Now I'm not suggesting they are top of the line rods, but good for the money. A good friend of mine is using Okuma lever drags and loves them, I have no experience with them, but he lands lots of fish, some very large.

[swordfish]

ok for those that haven't caught a fish near 200# you need to check out Dragoon's post. Nice pic of a LARGE Yellowfin.

As to reels. I agree with BLFTUNA regarding Penns, the older Penns had drag issues, though SOME of the newer ones appear to be better. IMHO Okuma reels are cheap and unreliable. Too many people around here have trashed em on big YF. No experience with Diawa's and don't know anyone who has used them. My best advice for 100-200# Tuna... buy the biggest capacity reel you can afford and a rod will a FULL roller setup... go out to the edge drop or drag your baits and hold on. You probably want to put some money in a standup harness or you are gonna be real sore if you get into 100-200# fish. Good Luck!

[HDGWJOE]

Thanks Guy's....all this helps. A lot. I saw a post earlier on another thread that more or less said "get the right stuff from the start...because you'll end up with it anyway and you won't waste money on stuff you'll end up leaving in the closet"...and that I can't afford to do.

Joe

[HDGWJOE]

One other thing...thanks for the Daiwa suggestion.
I've had Daiwa Sealine's on my fresh water downrigger rods for over 10 years and never had a problem.
Joe

[Glenn]

If I had the money and was doing this for the long haul, I'd get the two speeders. Penn or Shimano? That is up to you. Personally, I am leaning toward Shimano for all of my reels...inshore and offshore. Have had 330 GTI and some 6500 Spinners fail after a couple of seasons...very unhappy...especially the 6500's - always seem to be something wrong with them. The 330 blew up and is not worth repairing.

I use mainly Penn Senators for offshore since they were included with my boat or handed down to me from Father/Grandfather. Senators are bulletproof...my 6/0 and 10/0 are 30+ years old and still going strong. The 9/0's are great reels and we handled some 100-125 pound BFT's this year on them and were never close to being in trouble...BUT those fish kicked our asses when they went straight down...could not move them...plus fighting stand up with no harness I was whooped...don't get me wrong, it was a blast but 2-speeds (and a harness) would have made life much easier! I also have two TLD 25's for trolling, Chunking offshore, AJ's/Cobia inshore and they are workhorses...still smooth and have never had one hiccup. My plan is to upgrade the 9/0's to TLD 30 and 50's...might look at the Formulas when the time comes...I like the idea of loading the TLD 30 with powerpro then a topshot...plenty of capacity with a super reel, two speeds and light enough to handle around the cockpit no problem.

Hope this rambling helps.

GP

[marlinmike]

My vote after using, Diawa's (good), Penn gold (heavy over priced) and Okuma's (cheap, whobbles)

Is Shimano TLD 30 2 speed, absolutely nice smooth stuff, real light and can handle a 80lb YF perfectly.
Get a 300lb, start your engines! Yahooo!

[Ken354]

What RODS are you using with your Shimano TLD 30 2 speeds for stand up fishing?