I'm thinking about getting a 30 - 40lb reel for albacore fishing up here in the Pacific Northwest. I know from experience that if you run 15lbs of drag on a JX the pinion bearing will wear out in a couple of seasons. I'm wondering if the Andros will be as hard on pinion bearings at the 15lb drag level?
Most of the time I will be fishing jigs of some sort, tadys, megabaits, butterflies, etc. but occasionally I might troll Rapalas. I don't know how strong this reel is (it only weighs 15oz) and if using it to troll with once in a while would hurt it?
I'm sure the Makaira or Cedros would be more suited to full time trolling but I don't think they will cast a 2 oz Megabait as well as the Andros will.
Thanks for any repsonses,
Bill Benrath
Lady E
aaron would be the better one to answer this question because he's seen the insides of the andros. i have to crack open mine this weekend. a friend of mine runs a local shop and he has a very nice 40# hollowcore spectra. that would go great with an andros and a short 30-35# fluorocarbon topshot. the makaira 10 holds 400 yard of 65# spectra and a short topshot of 50-60# fluoro. that leaves a gap in the okuma line up for a reel that will hold 400 yards of 50# spectra and a short topshot 40# fluoro. that is where the makaira 8 would come in.
Sorry for the late reply.. I have been in a bunker at my shop for the past 10 days! I feel like I haven't talked to a soul or seen daylight. Finally got caught up now..
As to the Andros..I think 40# would be the most I would fish on the Andros. I really think this would make a sweet jig reel. I think this reel would hold up a little better at 15lbs of drag than the JX, but honestly it is right on the edge and could go either way. Like Alan said, a Mak 8 would nail this much better. Either way, you won't go wrong with the Andros and I think you will really love this small, little reel. I would probably put 50-60 pound spectra on and run a 25-40# topshot based on what you are fishing. I think the original specs says it will hold 430yrds of 50# spectra... but I have not had a chance to confirm this.. maybe Alan will be able to.
Thanks for the update ReelSong, enjoyed your tutorial. I don't remember, did you say anything about how the handle feels with 15lbs of drag? Did the handle start to get hard to turn like the JX does?
I realize I'm talking about maximum drag settings but my main issue with Avets are the low drag settings.
Thanks again,
Bill
Bill, The handle on the Andros I worked on was starting to bind at 15#'s. I believe it was completely free in the 12-14lb area and gradually would bind from there. Still impressive for a reel this size!
That is what I needed, thanks.
Bill