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Reel Repair by Alan Tani

Conventional and Bait Casting Reel Rebuild Tutorials and Questions => Penn Tutorials and Questions => Topic started by: Waterfowl1952 on March 04, 2026, 09:16:27 PM

Title: Fathom II 25 nld
Post by: Waterfowl1952 on March 04, 2026, 09:16:27 PM
I will be going on a 4 day trip on the Spirit of Adventure in August.  I purchased a Fathom II 25NLD single speed and plan on using it for daytime jigging for bluefin.  I would like to know if more line with 50# braid is a better way to go than less line with 65# braid.  :fish
Thanks for any information
Title: Re: Fathom II 25 nld
Post by: Swami805 on March 04, 2026, 09:35:39 PM
Depends a little on your top shot weight. I think I'd go with 50 and use a 40lb top shot. I also like about a boat length of mono, a little easier to deal with mono close to the boat
Title: Re: Fathom II 25 nld
Post by: akfish on March 04, 2026, 11:48:26 PM
Hmm. The 25NLD is a great little reel, especially for high speed wahoo or yellowtail jigs. But I'm not sure I'd fish a reel that small when jigging for bluefin. Those guys can get big and nasty. A Fathom 40 2 speed would be a better choice.
Title: Re: Fathom II 25 nld
Post by: Brewcrafter on March 05, 2026, 12:15:49 AM
I agree with some of what has been said; great reel, BUT single speed really makes me think twice.  Jigging for Bluefin I can imagine a scenario where line capacity would be the least of your worries.  My TRQ25NLD2 is spooled with 65#, but I am using it on yellowtail and wahoo which it can easily handle.  Looking for Bill B to chime in, he has caught several bluefin on the SOA trips and has a wide selection of Fathoms. - john
Title: Re: Fathom II 25 nld
Post by: pjstevko on March 05, 2026, 12:54:47 AM
I think a 25nld with Metered solid 50# braid will be fine for daytime only jigging.
Title: Re: Fathom II 25 nld
Post by: pjstevko on March 05, 2026, 12:56:21 AM
Hope you have a proper nighttime jigging outfit as well
Title: Re: Fathom II 25 nld
Post by: alantani on March 05, 2026, 01:37:34 AM
i have a handle that would go well with that reel!!! ;D
Title: Re: Fathom II 25 nld
Post by: MarkT on March 05, 2026, 01:46:02 AM
I've found jigging to be more productive at night... and they're usually bigger than during the day. I did get a 60#er on a Colt sniper during the day but most during the day have been either flyline or sinker rig. My first ever BFT was a 60#'er flyline fish in the afternoon on 40#.
Title: Re: Fathom II 25 nld
Post by: Keta on March 05, 2026, 02:13:36 PM
First, if the reel you are considering getting is a single speed FTHII25NLD I would suggest going with a 2 speed FTHII25NLD2 or preferably a FTHII30LD2.  Either spooled with 60/65 pound Spectra.

The difference between 50# and 65# is not much.  A FTHII30LD2 would give you more line capacity, same drag and gearing as a FTHII25NLD2 with a small weight gain.

I would strongly suggest putting one of Alan's handles on whatever you get.
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