Looking to expand my offshore tackle arsenal, and would like your opinions on 1) reel style (conventional vs. spinning), 2) size/capacity, 3) features, and 4) cost. I don’t fish every weekend, so I don’t wanna break the bank, but I do believe in spending a little more once vs. spending a little less repeatedly. Thanks in advance for your ■■■■■■■■.
“I’m not a hundred percent in love with your tone right now…”
For an economical bottom fishing reel, a TLD 15 lever action is hard to beat. Four to one gear ratio, 22 lbs. max drag ( which you will never use) and plenty of capacity. Not saying use this for live baiting big grouper, but for BSB, triggers, B-liners, pinkies and such, it is light weight, economical and efficient. I take several on every trip.
Pioneer 222 Sportfish
Yamaha 250
Can’t beat a crab pot!
The tld 15 is def a good setup. I have 1 I bring everytime. Can always go with a Senator. If you’re thinking spinning the Daiwa BG is a good option. They are oversized spools also which helps.
2018 Sea Fox 226 Commander
What are you looking to catch and what is your budget? How many set ups are you looking to get?
First what is breaking the bank to you?
Spinning, high capacity and low gear is my preference for bottom fishing. The low gearing gives you the ability to just wind steady without pumping the rod a lot. I think its easier to land fish withou pumping the rod because its smooth continuous pressure. Ill second the bg I just got a 8000 and 500yds of 80lb pp for a all around heavy spinner, for about 150 for both, its supposed to hold about 450 of 80 and has 33lbs of drag. I can fish 20lbs of drag without worrying about my line or the reel having performance issues. The bg has over sized gearing and low gear ratio making it produce more torque and about the highest capacity to reel size of any reel. For a bottom reel id get something with a bit more drag than 20lb and some strong braid like 50 or higher. Tie on a short top shot for your leader and you get the stealth factor, a little bit of forgiveness with the stretch and can tie a new rig out of it real easy. Braid and a decent rod and you have good feel for the bite but also some power for when you need it if you get jacked, sharked or groupered. Most reel ratings arent ment to be fished at max ratings or damage can happen, so going big and a little care can prolong your gears service life. I like having a lot of line some people say bottom fish only run to the bottom so you don’t need a lot of line but pop off a few times and you will appreciate having the extra line. Bottom fishing to me is not where I like to fish sporty so I go heavy gear and keep the drag grouper ready. If I were you I would get what I liked or feel more comfortable with when it comes to conventional or spinning, both will perform.
40 in, did I see where Florida boy said he took you on your first offshore trip two years ago? If not, my mistake.
40 inch. What color braid do you prefer when bottom fishing?
Big Baitrunner and Ugly Stick rod…with braid. Bottom fish…Tarpon fish…King fish…Bull Red fish…about any fish…IMO as an internet fisherman.
7’s your definetly mistaken, it was my first trip trolling with people who aren’t really experienced so I actually got to do a lot more things and have input. I’ve always went with head boats or people with a lot of experience so it is basically like going with a charter capt but nice try though. Been going bottom fishing offshore since I was 8 on the thunderstar and carolina clipper.
As for what color braid, how many people use hi viz mono that our eyes can see easily the neon green or orange line. Have you seen hi viz under water? Have you seen any braids under water? Hate makes people look dumb. But excellent contributions from you 2, a couple of internet cool guys.
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Originally posted by 40inchreds7’s your definetly mistaken, it was my first trip trolling with people who aren’t really experienced so I actually got to do a lot more things and have input. I’ve always went with head boats or people with a lot of experience so it is basically like going with a charter capt but nice try though. Been going bottom fishing offshore since I was 8 on the thunderstar and carolina clipper.
As for what color braid, how many people use hi viz mono that our eyes can see easily the neon green or orange line. Have you seen hi viz under water? Have you seen any braids under water? Hate makes people look dumb. But excellent contributions from you 2, a couple of internet cool guys.
I went once on the Thunderstar and Carolina Clipper. Don’t think you can learn much about bottom fishing other than hoping your line doesn’t get tangle with the guy on the other side of the boat and have all your buddies laughing at you when you tell them all you have a monster on the line. 
I did like the electric reels, just drop mash a button and bring it back up.
It was fun and free, but way too many people to enjoy proper.
edit, how long have they been out of business now? It’s a shame, they gave many boatless people a great access to our Oceans.
Why Bruce?.. the ramblings of a disillusioned Hillary supporter.
quote:
Originally posted by poly ballI believe Fred could witness trump pissing on an old homeless lady, and he’d tell him he’s doing a hell of a job, really soaking her.
40 just roasted 7. Lulz
After being released, a lot of fish die, but a lot of them live also.
Thanks for the ■■■■■■■■, fellas. Other than for pitching to BFT’s cobia and dolphin, is a spinning outfit ever preferable to a conventional setup? Thanks again.
“I’m not a hundred percent in love with your tone right now…”
quote:
Originally posted by RapchizzleWhat are you looking to catch and what is your budget? How many set ups are you looking to get?
Grouper, snapper, and the usual suspects present in our fishery. Budget is subject to change, as I prefer to buy well once, rather than repeatedly having to buy lower quality stuff.
I bought that Avet HX 5/2 from you a couple of years ago. Have it on a Paraflex XXH, but haven’t had many opportunities to use it. What’d you use it for?
“I’m not a hundred percent in love with your tone right now…”
quote:
Originally posted by Black BartThanks for the ■■■■■■■■, fellas. Other than for pitching to BFT’s cobia and dolphin, is a spinning outfit ever preferable to a conventional setup?
I bring spinning gear for bottom fishing on charters as I find it easier for people to use. It is very easy for an inexperienced angler to birdsnest a conventional and braided line (as I like to use for bottom fishing) makes it even more of a pain in the ass. Also, I prefer jigging with a spinning rod than a conventional. Personal preference.
I prefer a star drag conventional with braid for bottom fishing as it’s easier for me to hold bottom and drop quickly. That seems to be the popular preference.
I like a slower retrieve for big fish and heavier weights as you get more torque for big groupers, ARS, amberjacks, etc. I like a faster retrieve for smaller fish and lighter weights like triggers, sea bass, vermillion, mutton and mangrove snappers, etc.
quote:
Originally posted by Black Bartquote:
Originally posted by RapchizzleWhat are you looking to catch and what is your budget? How many set ups are you looking to get?
Grouper, snapper, and the usual suspects present in our fishery. Budget is subject to change, as I prefer to buy well once, rather than repeatedly having to buy lower quality stuff.
I bought that Avet HX 5/2 from you a couple of years ago. Have it on a Paraflex XXH, but haven’t had many opportunities to use it. What’d you use it for?
“I’m not a hundred percent in love with your tone right now…”
I would recommend looking at the Toriums. They work well and won’t bankrupt you. Pair that with a Trevala or Terez and you’re in business. I also like the Penn US Senator 113HN with an XXH Paraflex and 80 lb braid. Plenty of power and won’t kill your checkbook.
As for spinners, I really like the Spheros line. My charter spinning gear is exclusively 6000 and 10000 Spheros reels. I recently got a Slammer 3 8500 but have yet to try it out yet. If I did it again I would have gotten a Saragosa 20000SW instead. Might sell the Slammer 3 and get the Saragosa anyways.
It’s also worth noting that the local tackle shop in the VI is a Shimano warranty center so it’s easy to get any parts I need for any Shimano reel. That’s a big motivator for me to stick with shimano stuff.
torium/trevala for sure- light, sensitive, and powerful for the price point.
rap, I put that big spheros on a trevala but still haven’t gotten a good test on it… gave a drag test to a 3000 on some meaty sheeps tho, big rod just sat there looking bored.
That Avet HX 5/2 combo is a great reel on a great rod. That should suit your perfectly for bottom fishing.
I like my Battle 8000 on a short Tiger Lite jigging rod with 60# powerpro…that rig brought up a 30ish pound cobia belly-foul-hooked from 100’ of water…boy did I think I had something REALLY BIG!
The Morris Island Lighthouse www.savethelight.org
Currently building a 4/0 version of this 6/0 Tiburon frame Penn 114H custom I did a few years back. It will have a narrow aluminum spool and smaller handle. I am going to put it on a Tiger Lite jigging rod like Bonzo and check it out on the bottom critters.
Pioneer 222 Sportfish
Yamaha 250