I want to catch a big ugly from the deep. What kind of deep dropping set up would you look at for swordfish? I understand I’d be looking at big 2-speed reels and a very stout bent butt rod, but what sizes would be most appropriate? 50 wide? Bigger? What size braided line do most people use when swordfishing? How much drag should I be looking for in the reel? what class rod and why?
I understand a lot of people use electric reels but that’s way out of my price range and I want to be able to use the setup for other things besides swords like big ass sharks, jewfish, etc.
I’ll primarily be fishing during the day in areas from 500-2000+ ft of water and will have plenty of people on board to take turns cranking.
I lost two several weeks ago due to metal fatigue on the steel circle hooks I used… The reels used were classic Penn Senators with an ton of 80lb braid. Next time out we will use seriously heavy circle hooks since the reels and rods weren’t what let us down.
14’ Pamlico 140 Angler w/ rudder
Kayak, SCUBA, or both.
If you are daytime dropping you want a lot of line. I would choose the Penn 70VS and load it with 80-100lb braid with a wind-on leader. Pair that with a short bent butt and you are in a G but you won’t need but one for daytime dropping. Their mouths are soft so a lot of drag isn’t that important, capacity is though. Rig up a cordless drill and homemade bit to crank it from the bottom, just like an electric.
Penn Senators 12/0s would obviously work too, but a 70VS can be had for $525-550 new on the net.
Atlantic game and tackle can set you up but these are the items I would be getting.
What lb line am I looking at. 80 or 130? I 'll be able to fit more 80 than 130 but I plan on catching some very large beasts with this rig, including big sharks and massive jewfish. Would the strength of the 130 be worth the decrease in line capacity?
60-80 lb diamond braid. No more. You can anchor a boat with this line.
Handcranking is no fun. Get a tiagra with electramate 1380. 80lb rod w/ long bent butt and soft tip. Short butts will disappear while running. Sic guides are much better than rollers and cheaper too. Dont even need roller tip.
All you need is a 50 international of tiagra. Spool it with at least 1800 yards of 65 # braid (NOT POWER PRO) 65# is better than 80# because you have less drag allowing you to fish much more efficiently. Also DONT use more drag than needed to fight the fish.
quote:Originally posted by LOWCOUNTRY SPORTFISHING
All you need is a 50 international of tiagra. Spool it with at least 1800 yards of 65 # braid (NOT POWER PRO) 65# is better than 80# because you have less drag allowing you to fish much more efficiently. Also DONT use more drag than needed to fight the fish.
Power Pro has the most inconsistant breaking strength of most major brands. The 50 often breaks at 80 yet the 80 often breaks at 50. The standard deviation of breaking strength on power pro is huge.
Good to know, thanks. Have you tried much of the heavier stuff? I sent some line to the IGFA last winter to get it verified. 100 lb was tested in 5 different spots and came back from 145 to 165 lb test. I figured it would come in higher, but was surprised to see it that strong.
