John, big order recommendation Mahi/Tuna/Sails/Hoo - The Hull Truth

sigfla · 05-13-2007, 11:52 AM

John I need a tackle recommendation as I hate to order without seeing them in person. My primary targets are Mahi, Tuna (Blackfins/Yellows), Sails, Wahoo. I run a 6 line spread now with 4 TLD 25's and 2 TLD 30 2 speeds. I want to replace all my tackle with 4 green Avet EXW4/02's w/30lb test on Crowder EHD 6050's and 2 Penn International II 30S reels w/50lb test on Crowder EHD 5680. I am buying the Avets based on recommendations here but want to ensure my tackle choices are sized properly for my target species as I am not familiar with Avet sizing. I don't mind the Avets being a bit bigger class reel than the TLD 25's but I don't want to jump too much in tackle class size away from the TLD's as the majority of my fishing is for Mahi and these 4 rods will compromise the tackle used most often.

Also, will I be able to get the lb test I want spooled on those reels? The Avet has an option for 40lb and the Penn 30lb on your web site. My preference has always been to run 2 larger reels in my spread since I regularly get hits from Tuna/Hoos while dolphin fishing and like the extra insurance from the TLD 30's. Do I need the 30VSW's or is the 30S sized correctly for what I want? The 30VSW seems like it might be a bit too big but without seeing one in person, I dunno. I don't mind running all heavy 30lb class gear for Mahi but like having the option of running a heavier spread for Wahoo when I am targeting that species only. I currently do that with a 3 line spread made up of the TLD 30 2 speeds and 1 Accurate 30 on a shotgun line. I would like to do the same with the new Penn's but don't want to go too big b/c I still use them for Dolphin.

Please let me know as I would like to order next week.

sigfla · 05-14-2007, 03:22 AM

Lemme clarify one or 2 other issues. I am located in the East Central Florida area. Most of my fishing with these reels will be in the Bahamas and trips to the stream off of the East Central Fla. coast. We do not ever target sails but do catch them while looking for dolphin. I never Kingfish. Large phins are common as is the potential for Blackfins, Yellows, Wahoo. My primary target being dolphin however I do not want to run too big a line class reel compared to my TLD 25's (a little sport is always fun). I also am concerned about the overall size as my TLD 25's just fit in my launcher. If the green EXW4/02's are too wide can I get the EX 4/02 in green also? The non-wide might be better suited for my purpose anyway. I will be keeping all of my TLD's so I will still have the option to run smaller tackle of the Avets are just too much tackle. My feeling is the 4/0 Avets will work well in the Bahamas and jaunts out to the stream.

John @ TackleDirect · 05-14-2007, 12:55 PM

Before I come back with any pricing or recommendations..I want to clarify one thing and get your thoughts....The 4/02 Avets are discontinued and replaced with the pro EXW 30/2 for $469. Green 4/02s are all gone.......I have silver and black EXW 4/02s for $349.....normally $410.

I am pretty sure this will throw in a kink in things, just want to hear your thoughts..

sigfla · 05-14-2007, 02:18 PM

John, I just called you and left a message. Just in case you don't get a chance to call me back. The coloring isn't too big an issue. I wasn't sure from your response if it is all 4/02's that were discontinued or just the wide ones? The more I research, I suspect the narrow reel is probably what I want but I want to hear from you first. If the wide will work then, all the better. I could go with a green EXW 30/2 instead of the Penn, just for aesthetics sake but neither reel is a must have. Another nice looking setup for me would be 2 silver EXW30/2's and 4 gold EX4/02's. Since I am replacing existing tackle I am trying to match my new setup with my Accurate 30/2 speed, either green and silver or Gold and silver would work and match my boat well.

If I could go 6 rods and reels all close in physical size and line class to my TLD 30/2's that would make me happy.

John @ TackleDirect · 05-14-2007, 05:22 PM

All of the 4/02s narrow or wide are done....I could do the wide EXW 4/02s in silver or black for $349, everything else is gone....

EXW 3/02 would take awhile to fill because Avet has to anodize them in green for us.

I noticed you mentioned 30S'....Those are discontinued....either 30TW(single speed) or 30VSW(2spd with dura drag system) or 30VSX(built for the big doggs!!!!!!!)

Maybe Avet LX 2spds would be good for you...the Avet exw 30/2 is overkill for what you are going after I'd think...Maybe something by Alutecnos would be good for you, you familiar with that line?

Sorry I havent gotten a chance to call you yet, im weeded bad especially for a monday...

sigfla · 05-14-2007, 11:45 PM

Ok John how about this 4 Shimano Tiagra Ti30A's spooled with 30lb mono on 4 Crowder EHD6050's. 2 Silver Avet Pro EXW 30/2's w/50lb on Crowder EHD 5680's. I should still be in the same class line cap as my TLD 25's with the Tiagras AND the EXW 30/2's will give me the power I need for trips to the Bahamas and Tuna trips. Make sense or no? Please try to give me a call tomorrow as I would like to replace my broken rods asap.. The reason for the new tackle purchase has to do with a trailer accident and rods in the launcher. I snapped several of my rods last weekend. I was gonna fish a tourney on the 25th but I don't think I will be able to b/c of the broken rods. Nonetheless I want to get back into the action soon as it is hot down here now.

sigfla · 05-15-2007, 03:33 AM

I hate to beat a dead horse but after much research on drag ratings/freespool/strike and full drag I am thinking the LX 2 speed might be the way to go for 30lb class gear as you suggest. I was trying hard to match my spool capacity on the TLD's but I should have been looking more at strike and full drag settings in relation to the line. Assuming I go with the LX's then my next issue is the 2 larger reels. perhaps that is where the Ti30A's or the Avet pro EXW 30/2's should be. That would give me a regular 30lb class 4 line spread with the ability to run 2 additional heavier 50lb setups in the Bahamas and tuna trips to the stream for a total of 6 lines. What do you say John do you have 4 LX's in gold and 2 30 EXW's in silver?