Main reel for 3-day trips out of San Diego

[Bill B]

The FTH40N is better for 60#.   They can handle more but it is pushing the envelope.

Lee, I fully agree.  This my 40NLD2 will get a make over for 60#.

As for rods I have been using the Okuma PCH series of rods, specifically the PCH 741 series.  Great rods and affordable.

Bill

[pjstevko]

Rod choices can range from a Okuma PCH or Penn rail rod through UC Viper or Invictus

[Keta]

The right rod is as imporntant or more than the right reel.

I have seen a few plus size BFT caught on FTH40N/HX size reels and they can do it but would you drive your car redlined often? The gear ratios are also a bit higher on these reels and lower gear ratios are nice when a big fish is below the boat and the fight is vertical.

[sciaenops]

UC Viper to pair w/Mak20 & 100#. Comes in 7 or 7-1/2'. Not cheap - check Charkbait for blank. Raptor is a 60# rod.

I fish my Mak20 on a 7'2" Phenix Axis 3xh, a more "budget" option that works for me. Prob similar to PCH series.

[thorhammer]

Note, Dommie has caught marlin on the TANK, which is a YTS with stock plates with Sal innnards. Haven't caught  yellowtail, but loads of AJ, and that should fill the bill.

[MarkT]

Thank you for all the knowledge. I'm thinking heavy setup will be the Mak20. I would really like To use my Cortez Conversions T4NI with full ProChallenger internals for YT. Any issues there?

That's what it's for! Tie on a Salas 6xJr or 6x and drop it down then crank fast. When it stops, crank harder!