Reel Repair by Alan Tani

General Maintenance Tips => General Questions and Trouble Shooting => Topic started by: Mr.Grinta on May 18, 2014, 11:59:53 AM

Title: Reel for Drifting to BlueFin Tuna
Post by: Mr.Grinta on May 18, 2014, 11:59:53 AM
I hope this is the section most appropriate to ask the question.
I Should buy a reel to make drifting to bluefin tuna and I can not spend much money.
Which reel do you recommend?
I have a two-speed TLD30 but I see that already with 8kg (17lbs.) of drag the frame makes some bad moves on the base. I just ordered the cal's drag grease to improve the operation. Now I want to buy a reel for my father, but I can not spend much money. Our Bluefin Tunas weight from 50Kg.(110Lbs.) to 110Kg.(240Lbs.).
I saw the Squal 50VSW 2 speed, the Squall seems a bit more robust than the TLD with a frame designed better, especially at the base with two small crosses diagonal reinforcement. I would prefer a reel with metal frame but do not know which one to buy because here in Italy are very expensive.
Thanks to all the advice in advance.
Leonard
Title: Re: Reel for Drifting to BlueFin Tuna
Post by: TechTeach on May 18, 2014, 12:15:18 PM
On the east coast of the US, the go to reel is any of the 50 wides, Penn, shimano, etc.

Best bang for your buck in my opinion would be a used Penn 50 SW or TW.

You can find them on eBay for 300-400 US$.
Title: Re: Reel for Drifting to BlueFin Tuna
Post by: Alto Mare on May 18, 2014, 12:31:37 PM
If you're not too familiar with the reels mentioned above and you would like a reel that is very easy and cheap to maintain for that type of fishing, I could put a reel together for you for around $400. It  should last you for the rest of your life.
Shipping might be a problem though, unfortunately things don't always make it to my beautiful country :-\
Sal
Title: Re: Reel for Drifting to BlueFin Tuna
Post by: Irish Jigger on May 18, 2014, 01:03:56 PM
Hi Grinta,welcome to the Forum.
Jump at that offer from your fellow countryman Sal, I can highly recommend his Penn conversions.


Title: Re: Reel for Drifting to BlueFin Tuna
Post by: Mr.Grinta on May 18, 2014, 03:01:17 PM
Quote from: Alto Mare on May 18, 2014, 12:31:37 PM
If you're not too familiar with the reels mentioned above and you would like a reel that is very easy and cheap to maintain for that type of fishing, I could put a reel together for you for around $400. It  should last you for the rest of your life.
Shipping might be a problem though, unfortunately things don't always make it to my beautiful country :-\
Sal

Hi,
can you explain more in detail your suggestion?
many thanks
leonard
Title: Re: Reel for Drifting to BlueFin Tuna
Post by: SoCalAngler on May 18, 2014, 03:03:16 PM
If I was you I'd be looking at a 50 sized two speed reel with a all aluminum frame. Check out the Penn VSX, Avet, Accurate and Daiwa.
Title: Re: Reel for Drifting to BlueFin Tuna
Post by: Mr.Grinta on May 18, 2014, 03:14:31 PM
Quote from: SoCalAngler on May 18, 2014, 03:03:16 PM
If I was you I'd be looking at a 50 sized two speed reel with a all aluminum frame. Check out the Penn VSX, Avet, Accurate and Daiwa.
Hi,
you think to best choice, but best choice is not cheap  :(
thanks!
Title: Re: Reel for Drifting to BlueFin Tuna
Post by: alantani on May 18, 2014, 04:46:08 PM
welcome, leonard!  the shimano tld 30 frame is made of graphite and can break at more than 20 pounds (9 kg) of drag.  that much drag will land a 40-50 kg blue fin, but it will take some effort.  if the metal reel seat is loose, you might be able to tighten up the rivets by hammering them tight again.  cal's grease is not necessary for this drag because it already has shimano drag grease on the drag washer.  re-greasing the drag washer is not necessary.  i have a larger handle arm for the reel and it is expensive, but it is a huge improvement over the original handle. 

here in the US, the shimano reels are very inexpensive.  they are a good option, maybe the best option, if you are looking for an inexpensive fishing reel.  it is simply important, (actually, it is critical) that you not exceed 20 pound of drag at strike with this reel or the frame can crack. 
Title: Re: Reel for Drifting to BlueFin Tuna
Post by: Mr.Grinta on May 18, 2014, 05:27:55 PM
Quote from: alantani on May 18, 2014, 04:46:08 PM
welcome, leonard!  the shimano tld 30 frame is made of graphite and can break at more than 20 pounds (9 kg) of drag.  that much drag will land a 40-50 kg blue fin, but it will take some effort.  if the metal reel seat is loose, you might be able to tighten up the rivets by hammering them tight again.  cal's grease is not necessary for this drag because it already has shimano drag grease on the drag washer.  re-greasing the drag washer is not necessary.  i have a larger handle arm for the reel and it is expensive, but it is a huge improvement over the original handle. 

here in the US, the shimano reels are very inexpensive.  they are a good option, maybe the best option, if you are looking for an inexpensive fishing reel.  it is simply important, (actually, it is critical) that you not exceed 20 pound of drag at strike with this reel or the frame can crack. 
Hi Alan,
I'm happy to "meet you"  :)
Whato do you think of Penn Squall 50 VSW (in Italy 200€/273$)? I saw that PENN had inserted two small crosses diagonal reinforcement from lateral midle frame to real seat.
The only conceivable expenditure could be Tyrnos 50 LRS two speeds that here in Italy costs €325 or 445$ (and this is already a lot for me), moreover it's ugly looking.
Makaira 50 II that in Italy can be found to 370€/506$ tha I like much, but It is not cheap. What do you think about Makaira 50 II?
ALUTECNOS, Gladiator and Everol here in Italy cost a lot, maybe too much.
My dream is the Tiagra 50 II but I will not be able to buy it, it costs too much.

many thanks!
Leonard



Title: Re: Reel for Drifting to BlueFin Tuna
Post by: SoCalAngler on May 18, 2014, 05:38:58 PM
Quote from: Grinta on May 18, 2014, 03:14:31 PM
Quote from: SoCalAngler on May 18, 2014, 03:03:16 PM
If I was you I'd be looking at a 50 sized two speed reel with a all aluminum frame. Check out the Penn VSX, Avet, Accurate and Daiwa.
Hi,
you think to best choice, but best choice is not cheap  :(
thanks!


Cheap and big fish never go well together. Look for used but well matained gear and you will pay less sometimes much less than new.

Since you already have have the TLD 30II you may want to look at adding a after market aluminum frame around $200. Then if you want a you can get a aftermarket drag plate and handle as well. Thats what I did to my TLD 30II.
(http://i1372.photobucket.com/albums/ag355/SoCalAngler1/Marks101_zps420fb7cc.jpg)
Title: Re: Reel for Drifting to BlueFin Tuna
Post by: alantani on May 18, 2014, 05:58:06 PM
the makaira 50!!!!  buy once and never worry about it again. 
Title: Re: Reel for Drifting to BlueFin Tuna
Post by: Mr.Grinta on May 18, 2014, 06:06:25 PM
Quote from: alantani on May 18, 2014, 05:58:06 PM
the makaira 50!!!!  buy once and never worry about it again.  
Hi Alan,
certain that if you say it I must believe it!
Alan So what do you think that this reel comes out well from the comparison with the Tiagra and PEN International?
If you tell me that, I can try to put aside money slowly and buy it!
many thanks

leonard
Title: Re: Reel for Drifting to BlueFin Tuna
Post by: johndtuttle on May 18, 2014, 06:23:04 PM
The best bang for your buck is going to be a used Penn International 30 or 50 spooled with 130lb solid braid. Can be found for $300, only reason guys sell them is they don't fish them as much as they would like.

The International series has "looser" tolerances than many brand new reels. This actually makes them more maintenance free and reliable.

This reel will last longer than you will with routine maintenance.

Title: Re: Reel for Drifting to BlueFin Tuna
Post by: alantani on May 18, 2014, 09:00:42 PM
when i service a reel, i pack the non-spool bearings, clean and relube the spool bearings, grease the drags and get a light coat of grease on the inside.  the makaira has all of that already, plus a 5 year warranty.  an old penn international would be great also, but it would have to be serviced first. 
Title: Re: Reel for Drifting to BlueFin Tuna
Post by: Mr.Grinta on May 18, 2014, 09:14:14 PM
Quote from: alantani on May 18, 2014, 09:00:42 PM
when i service a reel, i pack the non-spool bearings, clean and relube the spool bearings, grease the drags and get a light coat of grease on the inside.  the makaira has all of that already, plus a 5 year warranty.  an old penn international would be great also, but it would have to be serviced first. 
Now I understand more!
and 5 year warranty is very interesting thing.
Alan againa a question:
in your post where you do maintenance of Makaira II I saw that it seems that the shields of bearings are ruined to be removed. Do you replace the shields of bearing? or leave without shield? or what do you do?
hello and thank you very much

leonard
Title: Re: Reel for Drifting to BlueFin Tuna
Post by: marc77 on May 18, 2014, 10:27:25 PM


Leonard

What part of Italy do you live in?

The reason that I ask is that I have some aluminum frame 50w reels that I no longer use.  They are in excellent condition and I can drop one off to you for free.  The next time I go to Italy for business or to visit my relatives, if it is not too far from you,  you can meet me at the airport in Rome and I will give you the reel.

Saluti



Title: Re: Reel for Drifting to BlueFin Tuna
Post by: alantani on May 18, 2014, 10:57:13 PM
shields come off and stay off.  nothing you do will make them last forever, unless you re-lube them everytime you fish. 
Title: Re: Reel for Drifting to BlueFin Tuna
Post by: Alto Mare on May 18, 2014, 10:59:02 PM
Scratch my offer Leonard, I thought you wouldn't have been able to get replacement parts there and money was very limited. My reels don't require much to maintain, they don't have the bells and whistles as the ones mentioned, but they would surely get the job done. Good luck on your search, I'm sure you will get what you're looking for, these guys will set you straight.

Nice going Mark.... this only happens here ;)
Title: Re: Reel for Drifting to BlueFin Tuna
Post by: Mr.Grinta on May 19, 2014, 07:40:00 AM
Quote from: marc77 on May 18, 2014, 10:27:25 PM


Leonard

What part of Italy do you live in?

The reason that I ask is that I have some aluminum frame 50w reels that I no longer use.  They are in excellent condition and I can drop one off to you for free.  The next time I go to Italy for business or to visit my relatives, if it is not too far from you,  you can meet me at the airport in Rome and I will give you the reel.

Saluti



Hi Marc77,
What can I say? are struggling for your kindness and generosity!
I live near the airport of Rome (Leonardo Da Vinci Airport).
How can I repay you? I can accompany you from your family or wherever you need to go!
Or can I do something for you.
So I would like to be able to do something for as a sign of gratitude to your generosity.
Can I ask which reel 50W you have?
And Can I ask where you have to go?
Let me know.
Best Regards
Leonard
Title: Re: Reel for Drifting to BlueFin Tuna
Post by: marc77 on May 19, 2014, 01:42:24 PM



Leonard:

The reel I can give you is a Shimano Triton Trolling Series 50W.  It is a one speed lever drag reel.  It has the same line capacity as the Tiagra 50W.  It does the same thing as the Tiagra, except that it is one speed and not two.  I caught many tuna, sharks and swordfish with these reels.  They are very strong and dependable.

You do not have to do anything for me.  The next time I go to Italy, possibly this summer, I will contact you and you can meet me at the airport.

Saluti

Title: Re: Reel for Drifting to BlueFin Tuna
Post by: Mr.Grinta on May 19, 2014, 03:35:49 PM
Quote from: marc77 on May 19, 2014, 01:42:24 PM



Leonard:

The reel I can give you is a Shimano Triton Trolling Series 50W.  It is a one speed lever drag reel.  It has the same line capacity as the Tiagra 50W.  It does the same thing as the Tiagra, except that it is one speed and not two.  I caught many tuna, sharks and swordfish with these reels.  They are very strong and dependable.

You do not have to do anything for me.  The next time I go to Italy, possibly this summer, I will contact you and you can meet me at the airport.

Saluti



Hi Marc77,
many thanks! I'll accept the gift and I'll do something for you  ;)
Now I'll still search one reel for next June 15, when in Italy opening tuna fishing.
best regards
leonard
Title: Re: Reel for Drifting to BlueFin Tuna
Post by: marc77 on May 19, 2014, 07:43:48 PM


Leonard:

Do you have any relatives in the U.S. that will be going to Italy within the next couple of months?  If so, I can send my reel to your relatives and they can bring it to you.

If I knew that the reel would get to you, I would mail it.  However, I know from past experience that if I mail it, you will not receive it.

With regard to your TLD 30, I would not use it for medium bluefin tuna.  The frame will break.  Also, if you intend to use straight mono line, you will probably get spooled.  If you need a reel right away, and if you are bait fishing, buy a good 6/0 wide or 9/0 star drag reel.  For bait fishing, the older Penn Senator 114HLW with the aluminum full or one-half frame is a good choice.  The are inexpensive, light weight (compared to a 50W lever drag), dependable and hold plenty of 80 or 100# mono line.  Over the past 34 years, I used many reels for bait fishing medium bluefins.  The 114HLW is still my favorite.

If you are jigging them, you will need a lighter reel.  The Penn Senator 114 (black side plates with an aluminum, topless, after market frame) is good.

Medium bluefins are strong fish.  They usually make a long first run.  Unlike yellowfin, bigeye and albacore, bluefins will give up at the end of the fight.  But before you get them to that point, they will have stressed your tackle.  You need a good reel with at least 250 meters of 80 or 100 # test line.  

Saluti








Title: Re: Reel for Drifting to BlueFin Tuna
Post by: Mr.Grinta on May 19, 2014, 09:05:26 PM
Quote from: marc77 on May 19, 2014, 07:43:48 PM


Leonard:

Do you have any relatives in the U.S. that will be going to Italy within the next couple of months?  If so, I can send my reel to your relatives and they can bring it to you.

If I knew that the reel would get to you, I would mail it.  However, I know from past experience that if I mail it, you will not receive it.

With regard to your TLD 30, I would not use it for medium bluefin tuna.  The frame will break.  Also, if you intend to use straight mono line, you will probably get spooled.  If you need a reel right away, and if you are bait fishing, buy a good 6/0 wide or 9/0 star drag reel.  For bait fishing, the older Penn Senator 114HLW with the aluminum full or one-half frame is a good choice.  The are inexpensive, light weight (compared to a 50W lever drag), dependable and hold plenty of 80 or 100# mono line.  Over the past 34 years, I used many reels for bait fishing medium bluefins.  The 114HLW is still my favorite.

If you are jigging them, you will need a lighter reel.  The Penn Senator 114 (black side plates with an aluminum, topless, after market frame) is good.

Medium bluefins are strong fish.  They usually make a long first run.  Unlike yellowfin, bigeye and albacore, bluefins will give up at the end of the fight.  But before you get them to that point, they will have stressed your tackle.  You need a good reel with at least 250 meters of 80 or 100 # test line.  

Saluti


Hi Marc77,
I'll ask to my sister, she work in Alitalia. She will find her colleague that go in U.S.A.
Where you live?

In your opinion how is the Penn Squall 50 VSW? Here many peoples talk about it very well.
Therefore many many thanks! I'll find who came from U.S.A. and I'll tell you.
So...it is incredible!
But I say to you that now you have a friend in Italy in Rome. This friend is called Leonard.

best regards
leonard
Title: Re: Reel for Drifting to BlueFin Tuna
Post by: marc77 on May 19, 2014, 11:51:11 PM


Leonard

I live in Connecticut.  It is a small state located between New York and Boston.

I cannot give you an opinion regarding the Penn Squall, because I do not have one. 

Of the two speed 50 size lever drag reels, I have Tiagra and Fin-Nor.  I used them for many years and both are excellent.  I have friends which use Penn Internationals and Alutecnos and they are also fine. 

Buy what you like.  But make sure that it has an aluminum frame and that you can get parts to service the reel.

Let me know who you want me to send or bring this Shimano TTS so they can bring it to you.

Saluti

Title: Re: Reel for Drifting to BlueFin Tuna
Post by: marc77 on May 20, 2014, 01:34:35 AM


Leonard

I just went to the Penn website and saw the specifications for the Penn Squall reels.  It has a graphite frame.  I never liked graphite frames on big game reels. 

Save your money.  Wait until you get the reel that I will send you.  It is more than you will need for medium blue fins.  Today, I lubricated it and installed a new titanium drag washer.  It has a reel colors strong arm handle and an accurate rod clamp.

If after you get my reel, you still want a two speed reel, get a Tiagra.

Saluti





Title: Re: Reel for Drifting to BlueFin Tuna
Post by: Mr.Grinta on May 20, 2014, 07:39:18 AM
Quote from: alantani on May 18, 2014, 10:57:13 PM
shields come off and stay off.  nothing you do will make them last forever, unless you re-lube them everytime you fish. 
Hi Alan,
so if I understand correctly, the shields are removed and then leave the bearings without shields?
Also, in your opinion, which rell has the best mechanical?
Thanks Alan

leonard
Title: Re: Reel for Drifting to BlueFin Tuna
Post by: Reinaard van der Vossen on May 20, 2014, 06:03:42 PM
Grinta,

You live in alutecnos and everoll country. If you need the reel fast and cannot wait for the reel to arrive from the usa there must be a way to borrow one or find an old one which is serviceable.

I was tempted to look for an old everoll in italy but don't speak italian and that made searching difficult.

I bought an Okuma makaira 50 w instead and hope to test it on bft
Title: Re: Reel for Drifting to BlueFin Tuna
Post by: Rivverrat on March 11, 2018, 05:24:33 PM
Leonard, it's great to have you here. What ever reel you end up with be sure to post pics of your outings using it. Very nice of you Mark... Jeff
Title: Re: Reel for Drifting to BlueFin Tuna
Post by: Donnyboat on March 12, 2018, 01:50:36 AM
Leonardo, a Penn Senator 114H, will hold 500 M of 80Lbs braid & still have room for plenty of mono leader, the parts in a 114H are the same as a 9/0, but the 114 is easier to wind, cheers Don. & welcome to the forum.
Title: Re: Reel for Drifting to BlueFin Tuna
Post by: Jim Fujitani on March 12, 2018, 04:59:00 PM
Leonard,

If you are familiar with servicing your TLD30II reel, I would consider the the metal frame upgrade.  Upgrading the frame, drags, and drag plate, should cost less than a new reel (maybe around $250?).

Good luck with your search, your decisions, and your fishing! 
Title: Re: Reel for Drifting to BlueFin Tuna
Post by: thorhammer on March 12, 2018, 05:00:13 PM
Note this thread is from 2014
Title: Re: Reel for Drifting to BlueFin Tuna
Post by: bhale1 on March 12, 2018, 06:01:52 PM
....and he was last active on the site12/2015....
Title: Re: Reel for Drifting to BlueFin Tuna
Post by: Rivverrat on March 12, 2018, 09:05:40 PM
Some times I'm just to poor to pay attention... Jeff
Title: Re: Reel for Drifting to BlueFin Tuna
Post by: Jim Fujitani on March 13, 2018, 03:01:35 PM
Hey, me too!!

Usually I check before I toss my two cents into the pot, but not this time.......