Jiggin Master and Maxel Reels

[redsetta]

Just a personal anecdote, but I've been lucky enough to take a number of 150lb+ fish on dedicated jigging reels (JM Power Spell initially, but mostly Accurate Obsidian). Never had a problem...

[sciaenops]

Ha good discussion. I'm way too cheap to own a JM or Maxel but fish regularly w/those that do, and have witnessed a few battles w/jumbos. In capable hands, I will say their drags & drivetrains can put the hurt on fish over 150#. A really big & obvious advantage over their heavy framed counterparts (on equally heavy rail rods) is weight & bulk. I find their biggest disadvantage (when paired w/a short jigging rod) is the end game on a stubborn and/or squirrely fish. But it can be done w/enough $ and technique.

I appreciate the granny gear & a 7'+ stick in those situations. 😉

[redsetta]

Fair enough.
No rail fishing in this part of the world, so that probably skews our perspectives...