Reel Repair by Alan Tani

I plan on 300 to 400 yard drops with this rig. If I lose 300 yards in a minute, I'm not going to stop it.
It gets deep in Navarre pretty quick.
You have a lot more experience than me, This is just how I chose to fill it.
I figure with 5 or 600 yards on the spool of 200lb test. That is pretty good odds in my thinking.
I don't want to get into a two hour battle with a Megalodon.
We all make mistakes, you just have to learn from them.

The same people catch huge mako's off the beach every year. They don't always have a choice whether to release them or not. They fight to the last. Last year, there was a picture with a huge one in his pickup bed. If you get spooled you can get more mono. Just don't go skiing into the gulf. 

I'm going to fish the 18/0 this trip just like it is.
It has been serviced and spooled by me. No one else.
300 yard drops with primo bait. This reel has the muscle that can bring in a monster. I just hope I'm up to the challenge when it happens.
My boy Michael will be with me and I hope this reel goes off when He and I are together. He is in a lot better shape than me.
This reel is capable of 80lbs of drag at full spool.
I have the best gear there is for my sport. I just hope the Shark Gods Shine on us, and we have a good release.
Nothing will pump you up more than watching a true monster of the deep swim away after you have tamed him.

i'm not sure I want to work 80 lbs of drag with the rod in a gunwhale holder....


Don't you have  a trip coming in a couple of weeks?

Yes I Do John,
I was just stating what the reel is capable of.

Best of luck!!!! I always enjoy your write-ups and pics. Are you going to give us a pregame on the setups and rigging?

I remember two years ago Mr. Shark called it "Alan Tani Shark Week"... will this be "Alan Tani Shark Week III"?

Keeping my fingers crossed for perfect weather and hoping that this turns out to be The Year of the Monster!   

~A~

Thanks Guys and gals.
John,
It takes so much gear, I don't know where to start.
My main tools will be my Everol 18/0, A 14/0 and a 12/0 with all the hot rod parts available. SS Sleeves, Inserts, gears and Handle upgrades. Straight mono on all 3. 200lb on the 18, 130lb on the 14 and 100lb on the 12.
My Bait rods will be a Fin Nor Lt-100 on a 7' Penn Mariner rod and probably a 4300 ultra light and a 9500.
Kayak, Coolers, Bolt Cutters, Rod Holders, Dehooker, Extra rigs, plenty of Insect repellent, Chairs, EZ Up, Head lamps, Glo sticks for night patrol on the Kayak, Life Jackets, Two way radios and on and on.
All I need is a little luck.

And a partridge in a pear tree...nice arsenal, if that doesn't do it I don't know what would. Good luck and looking forward to pics!!!

Go for it Buddy, have a great trip.

Mike U.K.

Daron the freeze is getting full!!

Good to Hear!

Check out this Vintage Shark reel..!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Shark-fishing-reel-lot-7566-/231925383700?hash=item35ffd48214:g:QfEAAOSwMVFXH8Na

2 Mako Sharks caught in Navarre from a Kayak.

One he got on camera.

Blacktip not Mako.