Best Lever Drag 30# Reel

[Paddler]

Looking for a nice trolling reel to use for our PNW albacore.  I will be using straight 50# or 60# mono, so something like a Shimano Tiagra or Penn 30VSW seems reasonable.  Don't want a braid reel with a steep drag curve.  Thanks!

[Keta]

Hi Paddler, nice to see you here.  Did you forget the gold color or change your "needs"?

Paddler is an acquaintance and a good guy that needs advice.

[conchydong]

I know nothing about your fishery, but since your are in cold water and do not have to worry about Marlin or large Tunas, I would think a Shimano TLD would be sufficient. Depending on line capacity you may need a 25 or 30(2speed). I have used the TLDs for light trolling for over 20 years with minimal problems and minimal upkeep. Penn has a similar model but I forgot the name. No need for heavier aluminum framed trolling reels for the size fish you are targeting.

[Keta]

The TLD is a good choice but they are not on his "list" and we do occasionally get spooled by something, twice for me.  It's probably BFT but I've seen stripped marlin, thresher, mako, great white and salmon sharks up here and I saw photos of a large swordfish recently caught by a dragger out of Garibaldi, OR.  And three weeks ago we were in 65°-68° water with warmer water only a few more miles out.


Paddler is looking for a 30 size reel, he mentioned gold to match his other gear and he does not like to use Spectra.  I'd look for a good used solid frame Penn 30SW, or a 30S if he does not want a 2 speed.

[Dr. Jekyll - AKA MeL B]

just in gold? if not. makaira 20 or 30 SEa's. in gold colors i would suggest avet EX 30-2 30-3(if available in gold) or penn 30VS...

[Paddler]

Just gold, to match my Daiwa SLT 50Ws.  Awesome reels.  Would love to buy the same reel in 30s but they're no longer made.

[thorhammer]

We mainly pull 30 stw's and vsx's with an occasional 50. Dunno how much line you need but the tube frame 30 Int's are my preferred trolling reel. Avets, accurate's, Shimano, Makeira all great but when you get down to serviceability, parts support etc Imma take the Penn.  Pretty sure at some level that's why this site exists.

J

[conchydong]

Just gold, to match my Daiwa SLT 50Ws.  Awesome reels.  Would love to buy the same reel in 30s but they're no longer made.

If you are looking for a match, instead of a "best" recommendation, than there are generally always SLT 30s on e-bay. I think there are a few on there now.
Good luck with your quest.

[gstours]

It is of my opinion that a Tiagra 30 would fill your needs...... period.  they can be purchased used fairly reasonably and in wiide if you want the extra capacity.  The drag is available, great shifting, and very dependable and in   not too bright of Gaudy Gold!   all that is my two cents worth.

[Tightlines667]

...Gaudy Gold!...

Easily taken care of with a bit of black paint 

[Paddler]

It is of my opinion that a Tiagra 30 would fill your needs...... period.  they can be purchased used fairly reasonably and in wiide if you want the extra capacity.  The drag is available, great shifting, and very dependable and in   not too bright of Gaudy Gold!   all that is my two cents worth.

I'm leaning towards the 30W Tiagra.  Every Penn I own seems just a bit clunky, the Shimanos are reputedly a little finer.  And the anodizing is a close match to my Daiwas.  Anybody have an opinion on the Alutecnos?

[Dr. Jekyll - AKA MeL B]

my concern with the alutecnos is parts. i know some northeast tackle shops carry carry some reel models

[Tightlines667]

They seem like very high quality reels, built to tighter tollerances.  I am not so sure, I like the ARB bearing on large offshore reels though.  I believe there are at least a few US-based parts distributors.  

[Dr. Jekyll - AKA MeL B]

i think some boats in this show "wicked tuna", if i'm not mistaken, use alutecnos.

[Big Tim]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Daiwa-Sealine-Tournament-SLT30-Big-Game-Reel-Dual-Lever-Drag-/361366204681?hash=item54231ab109