Reel for t-sharks/big tuna?

FishStalker · May-20-2005, 11:36 AM

I'm looking to get an 80# reel that I can use t-sharking or for bigger models of tuna for when I finally pull the trigger on a 5-7 dayer.

I was thinking about getting an avet 5/02 but since they are about $500, I could get a tiagra 30 or 50 for a little more.

The question is, what should I get? Ti30, Ti30W, Ti50, Ti50W?

Looks like Branman and others are fishing 80-100 on the Ti30W? Can I use the smaller reel or should I be getting the 50? Any opinions on wide versus narrow (other than line capacity)?

If I get the 30, do I need to get it blueprinted for this line class? How about the 50?

How much spectra should I be looking to fill this reel with?

Any input would be great.

FishStalker · May-23-2005, 10:23 AM

Wow, all these views and noone has a fucking opinion??

Fuck it, getting an avet 5/02 topless San Diego special.... :FU:

Matrix · May-23-2005, 10:51 AM

Avet, American made and bullet proof out of the box, plus topless. And who does not like anything topless

Saving up for mine, not that I need it but my collection must never stop growing.

Tim

oubearjinx · May-23-2005, 10:54 AM

I have a mint condition Tiagra 30WLRS, full of spectras. Interest???

FishStalker · May-23-2005, 11:01 AM

What # spectra, how much? Has it been blueprinted?

**MR Limpet** · May-23-2005, 03:09 PM

a 30W LRS will get 28-30lbs of drag at strike out of the box and will hold 600yds of 135lb spectra with a 75 yd 100lbs top shot . and i am pretty sure Brad/ZZZ took a few of those on his trip.

Double Z · Jun-08-2005, 09:09 AM

SLT 50W (close to $500) for a big one or a SLD 30w(around $300) for a smaller one.

ZZZZZ · Jun-08-2005, 09:58 AM

Just saw this but yah I got a few.

I think a TI30 is a wonderful 60-100# reel. This is how mine is set up. Went to Kens and had him do the bearing and sleeve upgrade which is very reasonable cost. The TI30 has enough drag to fish 80-100# out of the box but it will not give you free spool for fly lining with drag set for 80-100# out of the box. So you need to do the bearing and sleeve upgrade which will give you phenomenal free spool with heavy drag. Next you need line capacity for heavy string and big fish. I packed ALLOT of 80# JB hollow, toped it off with about 50 yards of 130# JB hollow done with a hollow splice which is 100% strong and clean. The reason I packed so much 80# JB hollow is for capacity and the 50 yards of 130 # JB hollow is for strength as most of the extreme pressure is down at the fish so the 80# JB hollow will not snap. I then fish 80-100# short top shots. Bingo small reel, big fish, no problem. I think I got 3 160-180# Yellow Fin Tuna on the TI30 tits out.

If its mainly a 80# reel I personally would get the TI30. I have the TI30WLRS too but would fish 80# on my TI30.

Mi Tiagras performed very well for the Largers.

Look at Penns too. I personally would not get a Avet for big fish but thats just me. No track record yet. Meaning years and years and years and years.

FishStalker · Jun-08-2005, 10:13 AM

What consitutes "very reasonable cost"?

The only problem that I have with the TI30 is that in order to fish it at 80#, I have to spend money over and above the $500 for the reel to have it blueprinted. According to everyone that I have spoken too, the Avet 5/02 and 4/02 have great freespool at the high drag settings out of the box. Besides, blueprinting voids the warranty on a $500 reel.

Any reason to not just fill the whole reel with 130# spectra? How much could you get on a TI30 and a TI30WLRS?

ZZZZZ · Jun-08-2005, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FishStalker

What consitutes "very reasonable cost"?

The only problem that I have with the TI30 is that in order to fish it at 80#, I have to spend money over and above the $500 for the reel to have it blueprinted. According to everyone that I have spoken too, the Avet 5/02 and 4/02 have great freespool at the high drag settings out of the box. Besides, blueprinting voids the warranty on a $500 reel.

Any reason to not just fill the whole reel with 130# spectra? How much could you get on a TI30 and a TI30WLRS?

I think it was like $40 but give him a call and inquire. No blue printing needed for TI30 just bearing and sleeve upgrade. Keep old parts for warranty.

Not sure on capacity I have never been good at that shit and i dont have a line counter. But I do know for TI30 you need capacity for heavy string and 80# is much thinner then 130#.

For TI30WLRS sure go straight 130# it will give you plenty of capacity as it is, with the wider spool.

Iam not saying avets are bad. If you are not going to fish the reel allot each season it might not be a bad way to go but for me I need confidence. Been speaking with allot of heavy people and Penn, Shimano, Accurate is a good road for big gear, personal preferance too. I think Avet is upgrading thier reels too so if you are going to purchase maybe check to make sure upgrades are not right around the corner unless they can just be installed.

**sdangler** · Jun-08-2005, 12:37 PM

Avet 5/0 2-speed 50# drag out of the box. 700 yards of JB hollow 130# and 75 yard top shot of 80# mono. Tiagra 30 WLRS cannot pull anywhere near that kind of drag.

American made and built like a tank.

Mark