TLD 30ii vs 50ii strength

[TangoDelta1981]

Fish that one might encounter would be anything from a sail to a 200lb yellowfin to a 600lb blue marlin.

There is no one rod, reel, outfit that can truly do it all, the needs of light tackle billfishing - freespool - handling - sensitivity are almost diametrically opposite to the demands of heavy tackle fish and fishing. Smaller reels capable of heavy drag do exist but the heavy line, rods etc needed to use that drag capability can themselves make you less effective on the more numerous small billfish for which as you have already found a delicate touch will get you further than a heavy hand.  I would advise you choose your weapon based on your understanding of your fishery and your personal or team aims and take your chance, accept the risk of an overmatch or if heavy gear is chosen the greater chance that smaller fish will be missed or overpowered, is that not why we call it fishing rather than catching?

There is no doubt that with intelligent boat handling and angling a lot of great fish have been caught on tackle that would be considered light for their size, these are your most effective weapons when a large fish for size tackle jumps on I.M.O. Time spent fishing with professionals to learn and understand these tactics is never wasted.  Of course there are also any number of stories of the big one that got away, and these would include fish hooked on heavy tackle as well as light. So much depends on whether your objective is sport and fun vs. wishing to be truly ready for the big one, which would include strong hooks - heavy leader - number of lines fished as well as having the appropriate tackle. If you need to keep your team happy with action and excitement you will probably find yourself leaning in a different direction to if you have the freedom and desire to focus on the big ones. 

For your vessel and situation you will probably also be limited by what your anglers can handle standing up.  You will probably not be able to use the full power of 80 lb. line unless you are fishing with a team of Gorillas and even then maybe not. 

PS. with the TLD30s I would use them more or less as they were designed for (not more than 50 lb. line) with spectra braid backing for capacity. Just make sure to anticipate and practice what to do if a big one climbs on, as it will come in real handy WHEN it does.   

You sir have the fortune of living and fishing in a fishery that allows you these choices and opportunities, I look forward to your future reports, heartbreaks and successes, on light tackle or heavy. 

Wise words and thank you. For now the TLDs are getting a good service and will continue to be what I use.

Interestingly I spoke to two of the well known Skippers here who have been using TLDs for years - between them they have see 3 frame failures on TLDs in about 35 years of fishing each - all 3 were on 50's and none on the newer composites. I thought that was interesting - and in line with what others have said.

Between them they have both put a lot of fish in the boat; for now I guess I will spend my money on fuel and as you say "accept the risk" and enjoy what we have.