Looking for a nice trolling reel to use for our PNW albacore. I will be using straight 50# or 60# mono, so something like a Shimano Tiagra or Penn 30VSW seems reasonable. Don't want a braid reel with a steep drag curve. Thanks!
Hi Paddler, nice to see you here. Did you forget the gold color or change your "needs"?
Paddler is an acquaintance and a good guy that needs advice.
I know nothing about your fishery, but since your are in cold water and do not have to worry about Marlin or large Tunas, I would think a Shimano TLD would be sufficient. Depending on line capacity you may need a 25 or 30(2speed). I have used the TLDs for light trolling for over 20 years with minimal problems and minimal upkeep. Penn has a similar model but I forgot the name. No need for heavier aluminum framed trolling reels for the size fish you are targeting.
The TLD is a good choice but they are not on his "list" and we do occasionally get spooled by something, twice for me. It's probably BFT but I've seen stripped marlin, thresher, mako, great white and salmon sharks up here and I saw photos of a large swordfish recently caught by a dragger out of Garibaldi, OR. And three weeks ago we were in 65°-68° water with warmer water only a few more miles out.
Paddler is looking for a 30 size reel, he mentioned gold to match his other gear and he does not like to use Spectra. I'd look for a good used solid frame Penn 30SW, or a 30S if he does not want a 2 speed.
just in gold? if not. makaira 20 or 30 SEa's. in gold colors i would suggest avet EX 30-2 30-3(if available in gold) or penn 30VS...
Just gold, to match my Daiwa SLT 50Ws. Awesome reels. Would love to buy the same reel in 30s but they're no longer made.
We mainly pull 30 stw's and vsx's with an occasional 50. Dunno how much line you need but the tube frame 30 Int's are my preferred trolling reel. Avets, accurate's, Shimano, Makeira all great but when you get down to serviceability, parts support etc Imma take the Penn. Pretty sure at some level that's why this site exists.
J
Quote from: Paddler on August 19, 2015, 03:18:31 PM
Just gold, to match my Daiwa SLT 50Ws. Awesome reels. Would love to buy the same reel in 30s but they're no longer made.
If you are looking for a match, instead of a "best" recommendation, than there are generally always SLT 30s on e-bay. I think there are a few on there now.
Good luck with your quest.
It is of my opinion that a Tiagra 30 would fill your needs...... period. they can be purchased used fairly reasonably and in wiide if you want the extra capacity. The drag is available, great shifting, and very dependable and in :-\ not too bright of Gaudy Gold! all that is my two cents worth.
Quote from: gstours on August 19, 2015, 08:40:57 PM
...Gaudy Gold!...
Easily taken care of with a bit of black paint ;)
Quote from: gstours on August 19, 2015, 08:40:57 PM
It is of my opinion that a Tiagra 30 would fill your needs...... period. they can be purchased used fairly reasonably and in wiide if you want the extra capacity. The drag is available, great shifting, and very dependable and in :-\ not too bright of Gaudy Gold! all that is my two cents worth.
I'm leaning towards the 30W Tiagra. Every Penn I own seems just a bit clunky, the Shimanos are reputedly a little finer. And the anodizing is a close match to my Daiwas. Anybody have an opinion on the Alutecnos?
my concern with the alutecnos is parts. i know some northeast tackle shops carry carry some reel models ???
They seem like very high quality reels, built to tighter tollerances. I am not so sure, I like the ARB bearing on large offshore reels though. I believe there are at least a few US-based parts distributors.
i think some boats in this show "wicked tuna", if i'm not mistaken, use alutecnos.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Daiwa-Sealine-Tournament-SLT30-Big-Game-Reel-Dual-Lever-Drag-/361366204681?hash=item54231ab109
Thanks, all. I called my local tackle shop and ordered a couple of the Tiagra 30Ws. I fished with them once a few years ago during the Washington Tuna Classic and liked them. I'm sure they'll be fine.
You won't be sorry. I switched to Tiagra's from International's about 4 years ago. They are just better made, smoother, and trouble free. Most of my fishing is blue water trolling so they get used allot.
My son's last fish was a 200lb Blue Marlin on the 30WLRSA with 40lb test. It took a while and I had the boat going all over the place and he came to the boat 5 times before a good release.
12lbs of drag.
Quote from: handi2 on August 20, 2015, 12:31:51 AM
My son's last fish was a 200lb Blue Marlin on the 30WLRSA with 40lb test. It took a while and I had the boat going all over the place and he came to the boat 5 times before a good release.
12lbs of drag.
Now that is quite an accomplishment!
These are great reels. As with all tools, just make sure to service them reguarily, shim as needed, and replace worn bearings, gearsets, and clicker pawls as needed. Using these reels with worn parts, or inadequete lube can lead to prenature failure. In the other hand, they are light, smooth, have good/smooth drags, a reliable shifting mech., and can provide years of use when taken care of.
I am a particular fan of the 50WLRS myself.
Okuma MK-30, this reel is a wide 30 and the 20 is a narrow 30.
Penn SVW 30 that you already mentioned.
Avet EXW 30.
All come in gold.
EDIT woops too late.
Quote from: Tightlines666 on August 20, 2015, 02:00:27 AM
Quote from: handi2 on August 20, 2015, 12:31:51 AM
My son's last fish was a 200lb Blue Marlin on the 30WLRSA with 40lb test. It took a while and I had the boat going all over the place and he came to the boat 5 times before a good release.
12lbs of drag.
Now that is quite an accomplishment!
These are great reels. As with all tools, just make sure to service them reguarily, shim as needed, and replace worn bearings, gearsets, and clicker pawls as needed. Using these reels with worn parts, or inadequete lube can lead to prenature failure. In the other hand, they are light, smooth, have good/smooth drags, a reliable shifting mech., and can provide years of use when taken care of.
I am a particular fan of the 50WLRS myself.
It was an accomplishment to be remembered. The Blue hit a Blue and White Islander/Ballyhoo combination running behind a spreader bar. The standard lure for the Gulf. We quit putting that lure on the 30's..!!
We had all the big Marlin baits on the 50W's but she didn't want that those.
I picked up the Tiagras today. Initial impression is they're not up to the standard of the Daiwa SLTs. Just cosmetically for the most part. Although, I noticed that the right sideplate on them, part#677, appears to a cast piece of metal with a gold colored coating. The outside ring is machined, anodized aluminum, which means it's a two-piece affair. The SLT right sideplate appears to be one piece of machined aluminum. The polish is better on the Daiwa, the drag preset knob is nicer, etc. I'm sure the Tiagras will be fine, but I'm a bit underwhelmed at this point.
Oops. I just reviewed the thread on the 50W version of this reel. The outside portion of the right sideplate is plastic???
I called and emailed Daiwa today and made the case for bringing the SLTs back.
I took one of my SLT50Ws apart today to clean and lube. Have to hand it to Daiwa, they hit a home run with these reels. The dual disc drag was greased out of the box, everything was pristine inside without a hint of salt water intrusion and absolutely no corrosion. It's the best reel I've seen in this class and makes the Tiagra look low ball. I'll fish the Tiagras, but may look for something better.