What size

UKChris · #1 (**permalink**) 06-07-2002, 05:12 AM

Simply, is an 80W big enough (with 500 of 130 dacron and 200 of mono on top) or should I pick a 130 for an extra 300 yards of dacron but at the cost of greater weight?

Target is fish of 500 plus and location is various in the world.

I'd value your opinions on the size issue. Thanks,
Chris

Apiwat · #2 (**permalink**) 06-07-2002, 09:32 AM

I think it depend on who and where you fish. In places like Mauritius the skipper don't manouver the boat at all but 80W should be plenty to handle a 500 # from a dead boat. I remember fishing in Mauritius and a 4 - 500 # marlin can nearly spool a 50W without manouvering. If you're on a good boat with good crew you can catch a 500 # marlin with 2 pound line - but that's not fishing in my book.

Mono/dacron topshot will be up to your personnal preference. I stick with 100% mono when possible.

Capt. Bart Miller · #3 (**permalink**) 06-07-2002, 11:47 AM

Aloha Chris,
I.M.O. you are always better off with the 130 reel, over the 80 for the application your speaking of. More line, stronger drag, less stress to the reel, faster retrieve, longer lasting.

I use to fish my 130 reels with 130, 80lb line, and 50lb. adjusting the presets for each line class, no problems, today 80lb. reels can be bought with heavier duty cams which will handle 500 lb. fish nicely, but not as nice as a solid 130lb. reel.

Accurate reels are developing an unlimited reel which will be the largest reel in the market place, line capacity will be an additional 500 yards, sporting the new "super drag system" fast retrieve, greater pulling power, look for this new innovation, to show up some time next spring. papa

dustin · #4 (**permalink**) 06-07-2002, 11:47 AM

Chris I really think quality tackle in this class should be supplied as standard on any reputable charter boat fishing for fish in this class. If the boat you are thinking of fishing on doesn't have quality gear odds are you should think twice about fishing it for fish like that. ~Besides what good is just one heavy outfit gonna do you- unless you are exclusively live baiting - you will need four and possibly five and if you want to fish BOTH 80# and 130# you will need a minimum of four or five reels (assuming you are changing spools) and eight or ten rods.

As for the capacity issue: It depends really on the skippers and boats you are fishing with. If as Apiwat mentioned your skipper isn't skilled in getting after fish you will want the extra line. Today we saw Margarita hook up on an 800 plus off Riberia Brava that at one stage was gleefully jumping away at least 700 yards from the boat while they were backing down on it, I've never seen a fish get so far from the boat (it was pretty scary to imagine all the line dragging in the water with a fish moving fast on the other end)whereas the way Ron turns and recovers line whenever we are down to half spool we usually get line back quickly and stay on the topshot most of the time. We use Tiagra 80Ws backed with dacron and Suffix hi vis mono topshot.

cheers Dustin

Marko · #5 (**permalink**) 06-07-2002, 01:01 PM

Dustin & Pa Pa

Hola, talking about reel capacity and more...
fishing with live bait for marlin ... do you make long drop back? ... big bait need long drop back and motor pull helping at hook set?...long drop back mind less line to start the fight..
Live bait is not my normal /favorite spread

saludos

Marko

Chip · #6 (**permalink**) 06-07-2002, 05:52 PM

Hey Chris,

The 80w will work but I much prefer using 130 line on 130 gear. It's much more balanced, you have better cranking power to help minimize the amount of belly when running down or backing and when you get down and dirty you'll have the rod and the drag to change the fishes mind. IMHO of course.

Aloha,
Chip

Apiwat · #7 (**permalink**) 06-08-2002, 12:38 AM

I forgot to mention that I usually travel with my own tackle and the weight issue is quite considerable when you travel with 4 rods and reels. When not flying to or from the US, one is quite limited on the amount of check-in luggages and it's weight.

As mentioned by Dustin, I now also look for a charter boat with good equipments as one of the priority in choosing a boat. Life is so much easier when you don't have to lug your equipment around. A rod case alone can overwhelm a small taxi in most part of the world. Only exception is sometime you don't have a choice, all boats with bad or old equipment! x(

UKChris · #8 (**permalink**) 06-10-2002, 05:00 AM

Thank you all for your views. Whilst ideally one would always book a boat with crews and gear up to the job, it is an unfortunate fact that sometimes the reality doesn't match the promises and you end up with a "tourist" boat, or no fishing. It's the difficulty and reality of adding fishing into the family holiday. Bitter experience... but I'm keen to learn!

Chris

Jon Petterssen · #9 (**permalink**) 06-11-2002, 03:45 AM

Hello Chris

If you are based in UK maybe I can help with your fishing.Email me.

You are often a bit of a target if you just turn up on a dock looking for a boat.

Reels well the guys have said it all.As a travelling blue water nomad I can only tell you transporting gear can be a nightmare without going into the realms of excess baggage and special cases.My largest travelling reels are 50's some rigged to fish 80lb line on stand-up rods.Duels & Tiagra LRS series are designed to do this.The boats I fish on have suitable trolling outfits aboard in higher line classes.It would appear you have had a bad experience somewhere along the line???Would maybe help to know where as you are talking good average size fish in this day and age??Whatever there are guys here who can help you...........

Take care & be lucky JP