Need advice on tuna rods/reels - Boating & Fishing Information and Reports Forum

vettnman · #1 (**permalink**) 11-14-2007, 09:34 PM

what rod/reel would you buy if you had to replace your exsistin rigs while keeping it affordable?
I'm looking at the shimano tld 25's right now for my tuna/wahoo, and dolpin rigs. What do you guys think?

gary240 · #2 (**permalink**) 11-14-2007, 09:57 PM

Should be the ticket! Get the TLD II

Bullshipper · #3 (**permalink**) 11-14-2007, 10:32 PM

TLD25's are fine on tuna up to about 80 lbs.

themasteroffishing · #4 (**permalink**) 11-15-2007, 03:09 AM

May sound crazy but i have had a number of people say the Fin-nor OFS95 is a great reel for tuna and even shark. I have spooled em up for guys who say they have caught some massive sea monsters with them. One guy said he was in a tournament and people told him he was an idiot for using a spinning reel, but he ended up at the top and said his fin-nor amazed everyone.
This isnt really a suggestion, just some information I am passing on. Also the TICA brand is a really great "tough" reel that is gaining lots of users and positive feedback. =)

jimmy's marine service · #5 (**permalink**) 11-15-2007, 08:57 AM

i use penn internationals....they've proven themselves to me after 20yrs of service...those tld's are smooth,problem is the graphite frame will break if it's under a big load....seen them blow apart first hand,while fighting a bft...
best option is to buy used,rebuild the drags so you know you're starting out fresh...stand up rods are definatley the way to go,however,if you're fishing from an outboard powered boat,try to keep the rod length around 6'...the shorter rods make it a little tough to get around the motors...
check around at local tackle shops,and check the sale forums of web sites,you're gonna find what you're looking for...remember,buy the best,it will last you a life time

HeadHunt · #6 (**permalink**) 11-15-2007, 05:55 PM

Dave,
I started out with 25's and they were fine but if it's in your budget, get the TLD-30's. More line capacity, more drag. I am slowly replacing my 25's with these. Now if someone would donate 3000 yards of braid, I would feel real good.

Alan

Capt. Fred · #7 (**permalink**) 11-15-2007, 06:26 PM

I think it comes down to getting the best stuff you can afford. I fished with Penn Senators for the last twenty years. I just switched to Internationals this year. I always wanted them but just couldn't afford them. I never, not once, not ever, lost a fish due to a Senator failing. Caught sharks to 600 lbs and tuna to 250 on them. That having been said I do love the feel of the better reels. They are just better machines period. I've fished with Avets, Tiagras, TLD's, and Penn Internationals and they all are nice pieces of machinery.

The TLD's should handle lots of stuff. If you get that huge marlin or tuna you'll be in trouble but that is an uncommon enough event that I wouldn't let it be the determining factor.

vettnman · #8 (**permalink**) 11-15-2007, 07:15 PM

Thx Alan,
I saw that you recently bought some used 30's on another forum. Congrats on those. They looked good. I'd love to get some 30's , just not sure if it'll be in the budget or not. I was planning on getting around 5 25's and 1 30 2 speed.

offshore · #9 (**permalink**) 11-15-2007, 08:29 PM

The 25s will do well for you. I used them for years and still use them today as backup setups. You can eliminate the frames from cracking by installing a GetStrapped bracket on your set ups. What cracks the frame is the twisting of the frame of the reel. The get strapped bracket mounts below the reel so when you hook a belt to the reel you are not using the lugs on the top of the reel. You are using the GS braket instead. I have never had a frame crack using the GS Bracket. You can also beef up the drags on the 25s and add a new larger power handle. My Tlds will pull 27lbs of drag at full now since the upgrade. They are spooled with 80lb JB Hollow Core. They are awsome reels. Here is a pic with the upgraded handle and the GS Bracket for harness fishing....Mark

HeadHunt · #10 (**permalink**) 11-15-2007, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by offshore

The 25s will do well for you. I used them for years and still use them today as backup setups. You can eliminate the frames from cracking by installing a GetStrapped bracket on your set ups. What cracks the frame is the twisting of the frame of the reel. The get strapped bracket mounts below the reel so when you hook a belt to the reel you are not using the lugs on the top of the reel. You are using the GS braket instead. I have never had a frame crack using the GS Bracket. You can also beef up the drags on the 25s and add a new larger power handle. My Tlds will pull 27lbs of drag at full now since the upgrade. They are spooled with 80lb JB Hollow Core. They are awsome reels. Here is a pic with the upgraded handle and the GS Bracket for harness fishing....Mark

I have one of my 25's "HotRodded" like that with the new drag washer/spacers and it really makes that reel a 30 class. You can get all the parts and instructions from alantani for about $50/reel including the new handle.

Alan