Reel Repair by Alan Tani

I need feedback about either reel...I've seen both used on Wicked Tuna and thought your opinions will help my decision...build quality, service etc.

Wicked Tuna is a scripted show......  I would take anything seen on that program with a grain of salt. Especially the prices they are getting for the fish. Most fisherman are not making big bucks fishing top tier equipment.

Now that it's popular, I'm sure reel companies are giving the boats reels to promote their product...... Not a fan of the show personally..... but I have watched a few clips. If you watch carefully, you'll see scenes start off with one reel and end with another, lol. Switched reels mid-battle. There is likely some subtle product placement behind the scenes. Maybe not so subtle.

Most commercial bluefin fisherman that I've met are fishing older reels. Usually Tiagras, Penn 130STs, some have the newer VSX. Some even have the old school Penn 130 single speeds. 

I assume you are commercial fishing if you are going with 130s. I've never fished an Alutecnos but they cost a lot of money.... Probably will sell for a lot used as well, limited supply. My opinion is to go with something that is more common and less expensive. I've never opened an Alutecnos but I imagine parts could be difficult to acquire, especially as the reels age. If you decide to go that route, I would first call them and make sure that you can get a steady supply of parts at a reasonable cost.

Bluefin fishing is very hard on equipment. They will get banged around, splashed, and see a lot of use. In the end, it's all about meat on the deck not preventing scratches on your gear. Most guys are camping out on the bank for days in all sorts of sloppy conditions. I feel a work horse reel is more appropriate.

I've fought fish on the Tiagra, ST, and VSX. They all do the job if properly maintained. I don't think it matters what you go with as they are all quality. I would go for what is the best deal. The Tiagra will likely be the cheapest to maintain in the long run. If I could do it over again I would have gotten a used set of Tiagra 130As not the first gens.

The Tiagras and Penns are both good reels.  The  Alutecnos look to be high quality reels with tight tollerances, but the schematics indicated a heavy duty anti reverse drive shaft bearing.  Great for zero back play when cranking on a dogging tuna in low gear, but in my experience AR bearings and saltwater do not mix.  If they are not serviced regularly and keep clean they can fail.  I have never fished or serviced these reels, and may get mustaken on the AR (going from memory here). 

If your not afraid of spending more money, I would consider the Accurate platinum twin drag series.  I hear alot of good things about these reels.  Also, the Everol, though a bit heavy and can be bought in a 16/0 if you want lots of line capacity, and they have a handy drag scale printed on the side.  They are tough reels.

The Tiagras are probably your most cost-effective route, and they are lightweight, and effective.

Personally, I like the older Penn 130ST as workhorses, though they have slightly looser tollerances, a more linear drag curve, areel a bit clunky/rough, the lever can creep on you, and the clickers are not as loud.  They will take a locking and keep on ticking though, and can be counted on. 

You may want to consider, line capacity, weight, retrieval rates (in each speed), and drag curve/max effective drag when making your decision.

Tiagras are likely to most readily available on the used market, and parts availability is goid.

Just a few things to think about.

John

My preference would be for an Accurate 130, especially if you are willing to service it regularly. And one of the guys on Wicked Tuna uses set of green ones...

Thanks for your info...I would like a Accurate reel they are the most expensive...I have a Twin-Spin SR50...I may just bite the bullet and get one given the customer service and "made in America" as mentioned parts down the road... they should have stock or could actually could make them...I fish out of Texas we where out at our favorite Tuna spot had a small Blackfin on a diamond jig when it got hit by a Bluefin that's why I want a 130W... plus we fish for large sharks.   

I fish out of Pensacola and over to the rigs in Louisiana. There are some huge Tuna caught in these areas. Most are caught with chunking and live bait. We catch most of our smaller Tuna trolling with hard baits. The ones we catch trolling are around 30 to 80 lbs. We use all Shimano Tiagra's with the 50W being the largest. The boat does most of the work.

Quote from: GORDASKIPPER on February 25, 2016, 01:06:42 PMhad a small Blackfin on a diamond jig when it got hit by a Bluefin

So how did that turn out!!!???