Help setting up Avet HXW Raptors for BFT Trolling

[kriznol]

Hi All,

The weather is miserable on the Oregon coast, and the ocean is blown up, so I've been spending my free time overanalyzing my fishing gear setups. I live on the South-Central Oregon coast, where sub-25 lb. albacore are the dominant tuna species that we target in late summer. I've been wanting to get geared up for bluefin, which I would target either by trolling Madmacs way back in the early AM on the way to the tuna grounds or by trailering my boat south to the Fort Bragg area.

Towards that end, I just picked up a couple Avet HXW 5/2 Raptors to use as BFT trolling reels. I'm thinking I'm going to spool them with 100 lb. Jerry Brown hollow core, since it seems to have a good following, with a 100 lb. mono topshot.

A couple initial questions:

Will 600 yard spools of the 100 lb. hollow core be sufficient, followed by mono top shots to fill up the reels?

I want to get the reels prepped myself, but I currently don't have a great way to spool the reels under tension. Are there any shops in Oregon that are set up to do this?

Any suggestions on a good make of mono to use for topshots?

[Keta]

For your use I would go with 80# Spectra but 100# will work.  I sell JB Line One, before you buy it contact me for a price to compare.  You have HXW reels now and they will work for well for 80# and OK for 100# but the International VISX 16, Makira 16 or Avet EX 30 would be better for what you want to do.

I use mostly Izor and Berkeley mono.

The BF are up here, including triple didget fish, but most drive over them on the way to the albacore.  Look for temp breaks, rips and bird life in water cooler than where the albacore are.  I would also troll with 2 deep rigs using down riggers or diving planers in the spread.

[kriznol]

I had my reel choice narrowed down to the HXW Raptor and EX 30. I really prefer left-handed reels. I went with the HXW's over the EX'S because I got a good deal on a used one, and they had good reviews on some of the other forums. Better gear ratio and drag, even if they're a medium framed reel. I could swap out to EX's if you were to convince me that's the way to go.

[Keta]

The HXW Raptor will work for what you are wanting to do and you can use them for halibut.  They are lighter than the EX 30 but not as strong.