Standup recomendations needed

[Codfisher]

I want to set up some 50 lb class stand up rods for both tuna and sharks. I would like your recomendations regarding reels, rods, and line. I will be primarily trollling for tuna and chunking for sharks (possibly trolling for them as well after I finish reading Fred Archers book). I want to purchase quality gear but would like to keep each rig in the under $1000.00 range if possible. I will be fishing here in Maine where waterdepths can run to 600 ft where I will be fishing. Thanks for the advice

[soundownsam]

My choice would be Tiagra 50's on stand up rods with short bent butts and Aftco wind-on roller guides. I preffer fishing short bent butts when standing up fish. The only tough part about this set up is that you may need ned rod holders as standard 30 degree holders won't work with short bent butts.

Sam

[Codfisher]

Why do you prefer bent butts over straight for stand ups? Rod holders are no problem as I have 90 degree swivel rod holders to use with my 130s on board already.

[soundownsam]

I like the rod and reel position with short bent butts. I feel that I can use more leg when I am pumping and still be able to use my arms for longer stroker when neccesary. Also I can get on top of the reel in a position that is more comfortable for me to crank.

You may need small spacers for short butts in your swivel holders. Another advantage of bent butts is that you can fish them out of the holders if you want to more easily than you can straight butts.

Sam

[Ken Catch]

I prefer a straight butt with a longer foregrip. Use a drop harness to get more leverage. The longer foregrip will allow you to extend your arms fully and use your legs for lifting reducing muscle fatigue during an extended battle. I've also noticed the the 50wlrs shimmanos can be a bit wide for smaller anglers to reach around while battling fish, the Penn 50vsw is a bit narrower. The shorter butt puts the reel closer to the angler reducing this problem. Thats my 2 cents.

Your best bet is to go to a reputable store and try several different rods and reels with different harnesses to see what fits best for your needs. Have a buddy go with you so he can put pressure on the line simulating that of a fish.

[ken70ss396]

Check out the AVET 50 reels. They have both narrow and wide models as well as single and 2 speeds. These are built solid and you can't beat the value.Add a quality stand up rod and you should easily be under $1000. each.

[OceanRunner]

Ronco’s new PoPeet hand crane with double tip action looks like a sweet choice.

Sorry, couldn’t resist…I’m gettin’ punchy waiting for the cows to come home.

[sage fly guy]

Shimano 30WLRS for reel selection, for rods, take a drive to CMS in NewBedford, nice selection of custom twisted rods, at a very reasonable price. The 30's will handle most anything you will run into. A nice combo should run you under $750 each.

Grab the AVET's, if you want a reel that will lock up when a money fish grabs your line.

chris

[greenboat]

I second the 30 WLRS reels. Probably a bit undersized for the very large mako's but will handle most of the SBFT/ MBFT..Blue dogs a bit more enjoyable on the 30 WLRS reels. Considering you are probably 20-1 blue dog to mako in our waters, I would size down a bit. Paired with a custom rigged rod (aftco butts, rollers)- you should be under $1K/ per. CMS makes some nice rods...Also like Stalker Outfitter rods but a bit more $$..nice Calstar blanks- very light and high quality.

[Codfisher]

Grab the AVET's, if you want a reel that will lock up when a money fish grabs your line.

chris

I have always used Penn or Shimano but the Avets did look good. Sounds like you had a bad experience with them. Definately dont want to make a mistake with this order so thanks for the advice to all who have responded to this thread.

Tight Lines

[sage fly guy]

I have always used Penn or Shimano but the Avets did look good. Sounds like you had a bad experience with them. Definately dont want to make a mistake with this order so thanks for the advice to all who have responded to this thread.

Tight Lines

They sure do look awesome, I had 6 of them all in purty matching blue. One of every model they made, except the JX. Phenomenal free spool, great casting distances, super drag, and nice narrow spool, that when gets hit by a large nasty critter spins so hard and generates much more heat than it can handle.

Snappo!! Pow!! Kablam!!! Seized reel, fish lost.

Luckily they EBAY well. One brought more than I paid for it. :eek:

I think perhaps they are a better jigging reel for vertical work than for trolling. Left Coaster's like them for jigging YT and YFT from the LR fleet boats.

chris

[Codfisher]

Took a long Sunday AM drive to Cape Cod and met with Capt Eric at his shop in Orleans. I had met Eric at the RI Saltwater Fishing show a couple years ago as well as this year and was impressed by both his knowledge and attitude. Eventhough he was booked to do a seminar later in the morning he took the time to understand my needs, answer my questions, and show me the options I had. I ended up getting custom made 50-100 sticks with Penn 50VSWs loaded with 80lb mono.

I won't say his prices were the cheapest I could have found but the personal attention and customer service I received was well worth the few extra dollars.

Thanks to all for you suggestions. Time to go fishing --127-3-

[riptide]

Took a long Sunday AM drive to Cape Cod and met with Capt Eric at his shop in Orleans. I won't say his prices were the cheapest I could have found but the personal attention and customer service I received was well worth the few extra dollars.

Thats what Capt Eric is known for! His personal service and attention to detail makes him an invaluable asset when making a major purchase. You may spend a few extra bucks, but thats the price you pay for a shop stocking EVERYTHING you need WHEN YOU NEED IT! You made a good choice buying from The Hook Up. You now have a place you can call/ go to if you have any questions or issues with your new rig. Thats something the mail order folks just can't offer --127-3-

[soundownsam]

Good tackle shops shouldn't be the cheapest their knowledge is an added value. I am sure that it costs a lot less in the long run to buy the right stuff the first time instead of the wrong thing a few times.

Time to start doing lunges and crunches in preparation for that monster mako.

Sam

[Capt.ChrisLembo]

The Avet is a good reel but.... As mentioned they are more geared to jigging and are the best in that category due to the light weight and compactness and high drag potential. I use them for jigging and bottom fishing but I do have two of the new EXW4/02 for Wahoo trolling they have 750 yds of 80 pound PowerPro and 75 yds of 80 pound Diamond. I have caught Wahoo up to 70 pounds but would not consider this a reel for 200+ pound Tunas. It is a little overkill for the Wahoo so I am not worried. I aslo use it for Swordfish but ours rarely top 140 pounds so not worried there either.

If you want the top of the line go with the Accurates but they will run way over $1,000 for even a 30#. Alutecnos are a good consideration but the Shimano Tiagra and Penn V series are the proven good value workhorses in the realm of large fish trolling.

We tend to use much smaller equipment down here in the Keys. Typically a 20# rig like an Accurate Boss 870 with 500 yds of 50# PowerPro on a 20-40 7' rod will handle anything including the Marlin we get that are usually around 100 pounders. I crack up when a boat on a trailer goes by at 60 mph and has all the rods in the rod holders and they are all Penn 80wides....what the hell are they fishing for down here with them??????