I have a 7’ Shimano Teramar Heavy Power Medium Fast Action. Currently I have an old 4000 class reel on the rod.
Planning a trip to the keys and want to use this rod for bottom fishing the reefs and tarpon if I can get on one.
I know there is a lot that goes into the reel size such as line capacity and drag. What amount of drag and size reel should I be looking to pair it with?
3000 Penn with 20 lb braid should do you.
I would have to say there are a couple of issues with your idea of using the same setup for different applications. You would definitely need something larger than a 4000 series reel for tarpon. To be honest, I would use nothing smaller than an 8000 for tarpon, and I would pair that with an ex heavy rod. For drop fishing/bottom fishing reefs, I would suggest a 6000 series reel on a heavy or ex heavy rod. You need to have some backbone to pull them up and away from the reef once hooked. As far as drag, most in those 6000-8000 series of quality reels(I only use Shimano) would have sufficient drag for your application.
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I fish in the lower keys all the time. For sight casting to Tarpon and bottom fishing on the reefs, I use a medium heavy 7’ Terramar with a 6000 frame Spheros reel. You can put an amazing amount of pressure on a fish with this tackle.
I’d have to echo what fishtales said. I like your rod choice but I’d beef up the reel. There’s a fine line between enjoying the challenge of light-tackle fishing and keeping a fish on too long. I don’t like to simply wench them to the boat but again, I don’t want to fight fish so long they can’t recover from the fight.
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