Big Tuna Big Decision

[Tommy_Tuna]

I now own a 30VSW. I bought it before the introduction of the VSX series. I bought the 30VSW because it is a lot lighter than the 50 VSW. It is at least 18 ounces lighter than the 50VSX. I believe the 30VSW holds more line that the 50VSX. I want to fish BIG TUNA. Would it be more wise for me to have Cal tune my 30VSW or buy a 50VSX which, from what I have been exposed, is big fish ready right out of the box? I have been in communication with Cal, who as already done my 15KG. I was told that Cal can convert my 30VSW to BIG TUNA capable.

I do like the idea of my 30VSW being lighter. But I would rather have weight if it translates to withstanding battle with big tuna.



Thanks,

Tom

[turboal]

Tommy, i have a 30T that was done by Cal's ,It will take 100lb braid max.
It was blueprinted & converted into a 2spd. But when the fish get to big
i pull out the 50w it can handle the bigger ones. In the old days i used
a Penn 116 Senator,now that is a heavy reel.

[Tommy_Tuna]

turboal,

Can a 30VSW be blueprinted to fish 130lb line?


Thanks,

Tom

[Roger]

Tommy, I would give Cal a call and get it straight from the horses mouth.....

http://www.cals2speed.com/index.html

[turboal]

Tommy, Cal's ad reads
30T to 100lbs-------50T to 130lbs
Penn lists the 30VSW as 100lb braid ready,don't know what that means.
the new 50 series lists at 150lb braid

[Tommy_Tuna]

turboal & roger,

thanks so much for sharing your expertise. I think it's about time I started getting reel (real).  About the most I can make out of my 30VSW is a 100lb reel. The RRIII lists 100lb as minimum for big tuna. I am sure that 100lb line is more than sufficient for big tuna, but as I have learned from turboal, the drag on this reel might be lacking.  So I will keep my 30VSW. I will make it a 100lb reel. I will fish it for big tuna...as back up to a 50VSX that will be my next reel.  Like Obama, I can be a slow learner!


Happy Easter,

Tom

[Roger]

Tommy, there's two articles on 360 about two giant tuna caught in the last two days. One of them on a 16VSX, little reels can do the job. Good epuipment and a good catain are a must.....

http://www.360tuna.com/forum/f76/

[turboal]

Tommy, there have been some good deal on ebay for NEW
Penn 50VW and 50VSX REELS, nice prices from dealers that have overstocked
their stores and sales have been down.