What is your preferred reel for this rig/application?
A Fathom 15XNLD2 and Ok7ma PCH 701H
Pch801h with first gen 15xnld2 with 30 or 40# braid
Avet SX Raptor on a Phenix PSW 760H... works for me!
I have used the same set up as PJ, I upgraded the rod to an 8' UC Tilefish Jr.
All of those rods are good choices, (I would really like to check out the Tilefish!). I have a TQ15XNLD2 and an SX, both very capable. BUT...to be honest (and I know you are just starting to build your arsenal, so...DON'T listen to me! (Alan's about to ban me) ;D ) when you get into flylining or casting lighter baits to finicky fish...that's when many times the good old star drags can shine providing they have been upgraded for the task. You don't need to worry about this now (focus on the two speeds) and in November I suspect there will be some hotrodded star drags on the SOA... - john
Trinidad is more often than not the choice of anglers on my SoCal trips. Prob 16 but possibly 14 for 30#.