What Rod/Reel - Onetime Shot at Sails

[Reel-Tyme]

Just discovered this great forum and just in time. I need some HELP! I've gotten the opportunity to go to Isle Mujeres for a week of off-shore trolling...here's the catch, when I suggested that I might want to see if I could tease and cast to a sailfish, the capt jumped at the idea. Now the problem - I don't have a sailfish setup! :eek:

Done a fair amount of bones in Mexico and elsewhere, but just have never had the chance to set for large Tarpon or Sails. This not something that I'm going to do a bunch of and budget is a consideration (although my wife would look at my trout and light saltwater collection and suggest it hasn't seemed to be a problem in the past - ok turning over a new leaf). My initial thoughts are the TFO TiCr 12wt 4-piece matched to my big Lamson I already have.

I'm a good caster, with moderate/good double haul capability and I'd like to use this setup for Tarpon if I get a chance in the future. Used stuff is fine, but I have not seen any huge difference in prices on E-bay.

[albacized]

Does the captain have a set up to use? I'm only asking because why waste alot of money on a one shot thing if the tackle can be supplied.

[Reel-Tyme]

Thanks, and good question. No, I'm pretty sure they are set up for all else except Fly. The owner thinks it would be interesting to see if we could do it though. While it is a probable onetime shot for sailfish, I was seeking thoughts on the use of the same setup for Tarpon, which I do plan to do a few times over the next couple of years.

[AlderBrookFarm]

A fore-grip is really useful on a 12 wt or larger rod. T&T and Sage have them, haven't seen the TFO 12. Ask the guy what the average weight of the sails are there. 12wt handles big tarpon so should handle sails up to same weight.

[Reel-Tyme]

The Sails are supposed to be fairly small so it sounds like I could use the rod for both.

I've also built a number of trout rods and read in another thread about H&H blanks from Hook and Hackle. Again, being budget aware I saw a Penn 12wt for under 200 and think I could build one for about the same.

Looking forward to sharing the experience on the Forum after the trip.

[Capt.ChrisLembo]

My sail and Marlin fly rods are:

Sailfish: Pac Bay 12 wt blank with foam grip and foam foregrip with gimbal butt. Penn #4 with 12 wt billfish (slow sinker) line and 500 yds Power pro 50# backing.

Marlin: 14 wt Shikari blank with foam grip and foam foregrip with gimbal butt. Pate Marlin with 14 Billfish (medium sinker) line and 650 yds Power Pro 50#.

Do not use snake guides as they are not strong enough. I have lost some on large fish.

The foam grip and gimbal butt is not a purist way of doing things but I found them to be more comfortable and increase performance. Fish are less stressed as allare released and no records are sought. I have cork set ups also but most people prefer the foam once they have used it once. You will have problems with a single grip rod.

Capt. Chris Lembo
www.incognitolighttackle.com