10 Day Long Range, November 5-15, 2025 - FILLED!!!!

[natch!]

 Never been on a 10-day before. Is a 100lb rig likely to be needed?

 Jack

[MarkT]

I troll with 100#, dropper loop at times, flyline on the lower banks if there's anyone home!

[natch!]

  Thanks Mark. I'm trying to decide if I should invest in a 100 lb class reel. I've got a 16visx, but I think 100 is a bit beyond it's wheelhouse.

 Jack

[Keta]

The VISX 16 will do 100# but a 20 does it better.

We most likely will not be targeting BFT and I do not know if plus size YFT are in 10 day range.  I am leaving my VISX 20 and 100# gear  at home and fishing 80# for my heavy gear.   

[natch!]

 Yeah, my plan was to top out at 80. I'll keep watching reports.
 
 Jack

[Keta]

I have a Avet EX30 you can borrow.

[natch!]

 Thank you Lee, that's a very nice gesture. I have a line on a Mak 20 and have been trying to decide if I really need it. A few years ago my younger, working self would have just snatched it up.
 

 Jack

[Bill B]

Jack, take the 100#.  We got into an early morning bite with Alejos Rocks Home Guard.  It sure made it easier hauling those BIG fish to gaff.  Bill

[MarkT]

Jack, take the 100#.  We got into an early morning bite with Alejos Rocks Home Guard.  It sure made it easier hauling those BIG fish to gaff.  Bill

Definitely, I've been busted off on 80# dropper looping at the Alijos ridge!

[natch!]

 Okay, looks like I'll be getting another reel. Is there a significant difference in line capacity between a Makaira 20 and a 20 VISX?

 Jack

[Brewcrafter]

Jack - Not that I'm one to help other people $pend their money (Hey, glad to be of service!  ) you will want to acquire a heavier outfit eventually even if you borrow from the Ohana for this trip.  Steve "Tuna North" Carson just posted a report this morning on a 3-day Penn University bluefin trip on the Searcher where one of the other passengers watched a few hundred yards of line melt away on their 16VISX and they never did find out what exactly it was (other than big).  And Steve (admittedly a VERY experienced fisherman) has caught some true MONSTERS on his 16 VISX.  Truth of the matter, if you continue to invest in longer trips (8-10 day) the whole intent of these trips is to get to species and sizes that are not available locally.  And as one of my friends that I fish with on my June RP 8 day summed up just this year - "If you have the right sized gear, with a properly adjusted drag, it can make things pretty manageable, almost easy.  And if you don't, it can make things pretty miserable." - john

[MarkT]

No significant difference between the Mak 20 SEa and the 20 VISX. You'd be happy with either one.

[Brewcrafter]

No significant difference between the Mak 20 SEa and the 20 VISX. You'd be happy with either one.

Agree with Mark, and having fished both I would put the EX Raptor as Lee mentioned in that catagory as well. - john