"Small Tuna" Rod selection for Shimano TLD-25

NewMoon · 06-25-2002, 07:44 AM

I picked up a couple of Shimano TLD-25 reels to try a crack at some smaller school Tuna in the Northeast, I think these run in the 30-50lb range.

I'd like to know what type of Rods I should be looking at, and what brand and size of line should I have the reels filled with.

Money is a consideration, so top of the line rods are out.

202 Scout Sportfisher, mainly fish Point Judith, Block Island, and Charlestown.

kennethk · 06-25-2002, 08:47 AM

Look at the combos Bass Pro has. Ther are Ocean Master rods that I heard are made by Star. I have about 6 of the rods and like them a lot. Biggest I have is a 15-30 pound so can't help with one for the 25

Ken

Capt. Dan · 06-25-2002, 08:50 AM

I have my TLD's on Chaos Rods. Not sure of the model off-hand, but they have a roller stripper and tip and I couldn't be happier with the set-up. I think they run around $150.

Doghouse2 · 06-25-2002, 12:21 PM

I'll second the Chaos rods. I've got 3 for the TLD's and 2 Customs for 30TW's. Anyway, agree with the above on getting the aftco roller stripper and tip. The models without them are slightly cheaper, but I like the rollers and hate seeing people not paying attention reel small swivels through my glass tips! [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif[/img] One thing to think about is how you are fishing for those tuna, i.e. pulling baits or chunking. I've got 2 of the 30-50's and 1 15-30 class rods and actually prefer the 15-30. LOve the feel and lift of the 15-30 and it seems to be a better match for the TLD's. However I haven't had the 15-30 long enough for very much trolling expereince but suspect that the soft tip may not set the hook very well when pulling large skip baits or swimming plugs. Therefore will have to be careful with lure selection. I normally put about 470 yds of Trilene 40# big game on the 25's. Good Luck.

bonefish · 06-25-2002, 02:47 PM

I have a pair of Ocean Master stand-up rods for sale that are perfect for the TLD25's. They cost me $149.99 each, sell for $99 each, shipping's about 8 bucks for the two rods.

Capt. Dan · 06-25-2002, 05:51 PM

I have the same ones Doghouse was refering to, the 30-50 class. I also have a pair of the 15-30 class rods, but they are way to light for tuna trolling. I use them at times with my Calcutta 700 to pitch baits at dolphin, but primarily they are good stripper rods. I plan to put some TLD15s on them to use as stripper rods on a downrigger.

nomad · 06-25-2002, 06:04 PM

Ever since I bought my 1st Ugly Stick 2 years ago I have never bought another Rod brand since!!

NightFisher · 06-25-2002, 06:06 PM

I purchased a Sea Striker BillFisher SU2040RS for my standup rig. It has a roller stripper and a roller tip and seems to be a well made rod. Haven't had the chance to try it out yet but the price was right at $95.00.

Uncle Dick · 06-25-2002, 06:34 PM

I have two TLD 25s on Berkley sea strike rods, with roller tips. They are pretty good offshore outfits, esp for gaffer dolphin and white marlin. I ran into some 80 lb bluefins onetime that way overmatched them. I put 60lb test on them because I like to be able to really lean on a fish when I think he is giving up. The real issue for you in the northeast is that you are as likely to run into a big tuna as a small one, in which case you might get your butt kicked with TLD 25s. I solved that problem by getting some Diawa sealine 900s. great reels and only about 150 bucks apeice at bass pro. The TLDs are awesome reels, I own a 5, a 10, two 15s, and 2 25s, but I'm not sure they are really what you want for hardcore offshore fishing. On the other hand my 25s come in real handy when the big winter stripers are around.

Jetmech88 · 06-25-2002, 09:55 PM

Yesterday a buddy of mine boated a 140lb bluefin tuna with a TLD25 on a Penn Mariner standup stick.
It took 5 hours to win the battle but the TLD25 held up just fine. It is spooled with 40lb Quattro Cammo line. About 4 hours into the war, he broke the mariner rod at the 2nd from top guide but landed the fish.

We have both been using TLD25's on 30-80lb stnadup sticks for a few years now, and have landed our fair share of 50-60 lb tuna and a few heavier now and then.
AWESOME reels.
By the way, he is not insane. He did have four 50TW golds out and the one TLD25 but of course the tank bit the 25.

gw204 · 06-26-2002, 07:07 AM

I have my TLD mounted on a Penn 3960RCSS Tuna Stick. That rod has since been discontinued by Penn but you can find them on ebay all the time for $100 or less. At 6' it works well for both trolling and chunking. Great combo. I actually just bought two more for my 114H reels. Hope to give them all thorough workouts this summer.

Brian