Spinning reel for casting to tuna

[buckman]

The Fin- Nor drag can handle tuna...once. Then the washers need replacing. Saltist are better just don't try reeling under a full load. We stripped the worm gear on a first fish. Big tuna will beat up any reel. Plenty oif smaller fish out there. Funny the undersize fish alwats hit the bait on the big reels but the spinners always hook the larger fish in the school.

[likwid]

Originally Posted by buckman

The Fin- Nor drag can handle tuna...once. Then the washers need replacing. Saltist are better just don't try reeling under a full load. We stripped the worm gear on a first fish. Big tuna will beat up any reel. Plenty oif smaller fish out there. Funny the undersize fish alwats hit the bait on the big reels but the spinners always hook the larger fish in the school.

I blew up a fin-nor.

Replaced it with a Saragosa.

This $100-200 price line on "tuna" reels is really playing russian roulette.

[buckman]

Originally Posted by likwid

I blew up a fin-nor.

Replaced it with a Saragosa.

This $100-200 price line on "tuna" reels is really playing russian roulette.

I agree, but we are in "the worse economy ever inherited". They will get the job done.

[likwid]

Originally Posted by buckman

I agree, but we are in "the worse economy ever inherited". They will get the job done.

If the economy is an excuse to use cheap gear, then you don't belong tuna fishing.

[buckman]

Originally Posted by likwid

If the economy is an excuse to use cheap gear, then you don't belong tuna fishing.

You want to compare fishing seasons??

[massgc]

Fight!! Fight!!

[buckman]

Originally Posted by massgc

Fight!! Fight!!

Nooooo When Likwid comes to the Chiefton I'll buy him a beer and soak in the wisdom.Never to old to learn,although I'm getting close

[nightfighter]

Originally Posted by buckman

Funny the undersize fish alwats hit the bait on the big reels but the spinners always hook the larger fish in the school.

You too, huh?

[Moses]

If you have the money, Shimano Stella & Daiwa Dogfight are top of the line, VS 275 a little less $$ but high quality too ((I don't own any).

Shimano Saragossa 18000 - $299 (own one and have taken tuna)

Shimano Spheros 18000 - $179 (own one and have taken tuna)

Fin Nor 7500 - $159 (own one and have taken tuna)

The 7500 is 6-7 oz lighter than the 8500 which makes a big difference and has plenty of line capacity.

None of these reels have failed me but then again the tuna I'm catching are in the 45" - 62" range, nothing larger yet.

[Fishracks]

Originally Posted by buckman

The Fin- Nor drag can handle tuna...once. Then the washers need replacing. Saltist are better just don't try reeling under a full load. We stripped the worm gear on a first fish. Big tuna will beat up any reel. Plenty oif smaller fish out there. Funny the undersize fish alwats hit the bait on the big reels but the spinners always hook the larger fish in the school.

You need bigger baits 7 to 10 lb blues pick up some nice fish in the 400 to 700 lb range in CCB and the backside My favorite troll rig is a split bill rigged Horse Ballyhoo works awesome

[Mr. Sandman]

All depends on the size of the fish on the other end. For small fish, yes the cheap reels will land you your fish. If on the other hand you hook up with a giant, you stand little to no chance with those cheap reels and you will be running all over the ocean trying to catch up to it.
The drag can not put the pressure you need and will melt down and seize up under long sustained runs. Don't waste your time with surf reels offshore. You need a reel that can put 30-60# of drag and hold up.

The big Stella is my choice for power and comfort and outstanding service. The larger Vanstall/ZeeBaas can do the job as can the Diawa Saltiga (they have a new model this year that looks very nice) and also the twin drag accurate is up to the job. As mentioned above, these are very expensive. If you go 10X per year...IMO you are in the category to get one. They are worth the money and there is a solid market for used ones if you need to unload it.

Some of these reels can put as much drag pressure as a conventional 80 wide.

Every now and again you hear of a breakdown with one of these good reels but it is a rarity. My buddy in Florida had a VanStall seize up after a long run under high drag and the line held for a while but bent the main shaft. The spool wobbled and rubbed on the housing. Basically trashed it. (I think he had a Jewfish or some kind of monster grouper on)

As far as the "fun" factor....While the sound of an 80 wide ripping off line is music to my soul....I love fighting big fish on spinning gear, it is a blast.