[Hakuna Matata]

My buddy bought me two Shakespeare BigWater Rods model # BTW 56 SURR for Xmas and now I need to find two good (yet affordable) reels to mount on them. The rods are really heavy and have 50-130lb recommended line size stamped on the side. I'm thinking I could go with two TLD 30II's or maybe 50II's but I really don't have much experience with tackle this size so hopefully you guys can help me out.

I can get the 50II's for $320.00 a piece so if possible I would like to keep the price around $350.00 per reel.

Thanks

-JB

 

[johnrogers]

I would go with the TLD 50 spool it up with momi or sufix 50-60# and you'll be set to go. Good luck

 

[torquetowers]

You can never go wrong with a tld 50.

Great reel for the money.

 

[Hakuna Matata]

So you guys think that this rod and reel combo will work well together?

BTW- Found the 50's for $295.00 on e-bay.

-JB

 

[Capt Rick]

JB,,,,I see you have a 21 foot boat, tell us what you will be fishing for............

Have you looked at the Senator reels from Penn?

 

[Hakuna Matata]

Capt. Rick- He just gave me the rods today so I haven't actually looked into any type of reel. I mentioned the TLD's because those are the first reels that popped into my head because I have two TLD 25's on other set of rods. I'm open to all suggestions, but I would like to keep the price to around $350 per reel.

I'm also not sure if I would use them to target a specific species. I would love to be able to use them for sharking and also be able to use them for tuna or other offshore game fish.

-JB

 

[27 sailfish]

Wait until the Annapolis MSSA offshore flea market.There are great deals there on reels and with the economy this year- some guys might be selling off more then normal.I've seen awesome deals there BUT be sure to be in line early, I mean real early ;-).The best stuff is gone the first hour.

 

[Giant Tuna]

JB:

Go with the TLD 30-2 Speeds. A great reel that is not too heavy (The TLD 50 is a clunker IMHO) yet will handle most fish you will meet in the ocean.

I have caught Tuana up to 144 lbs with it and use it exclusively on my trips to Cabo Marlin fishing.

GT

 

[Hakuna Matata]

Great responses guys, thanks. So do we have a general consensus that the TLD two speed would be the way to go?

Skip- When does the MSSA put on its flea market?

-JB

 

[mize1957]

I have a 50 TLD 2 speed that I am going to put on Ebay if you have an interest. very well maintained and has seen little use.

$ 220.00 plus shipping

Mark

Merry Xmas All!!!!!!!!

 

[27 sailfish]

JB - I think in late Febuary or early March.Try 410 349-0575 for info or MSSA - Maryland Saltwater Sportfishermen's Association. I'm sure it will be advertised as it gets closer.Very good show- lots of offshore stuff plus some bay lures as well.

 

[Hakuna Matata]

JB:

Go with the TLD 30-2 Speeds. A great reel that is not too heavy (The TLD 50 is a clunker IMHO) yet will handle most fish you will meet in the ocean.

I have caught Tuna up to 144 lbs with it and use it exclusively on my trips to Cabo Marlin fishing.

GT

Went to BPS to take a look at both reels. The 50 is kinda big just like you said, but it is also surprisingly light. I think I'm going to go with the 30's, thanks guys.

-JB

 

[pgoodchild]

Went to BPS to take a look at both reels. The 50 is kinda big just like you said, but it is also surprisingly light. I think I'm going to go with the 30's, thanks guys.

-JB

I was going through the same dilemma you're having right now. I consulted with a neighbor who happens to run an offshore charter out of OC on what he felt would be the proper choice of reel for my fishing and boat. I was very surprised that without hesitation his recommendation was the TLD 25. In fact, his boat is loaded with TLD 25s. The only difference besides price is the TLD 30 is two speed. They both are identical. I see where a 2 speed would be a good choice but for the fish I target there is absolutely no need for it. To me it's just something else to go wrong with the reel.

 

[gary49]

I second the previous post. The TLD 25 will catch 99+% of what you hook. I like the 25 better than the 30, as I have no need for the low speed, and I believe the extra gearing offsets the handle a bit more so that the reel tends to torque the rod around when cranking a heavy fish. That is nuisance. I am 59 years old, BTW. If you think you will have trouble cranking in a heavy fish, spend the money you save on the TLD 25 on a good stand-up harness. You should have no trouble cranking the fish if you learn how to pump the rod and crank as the rod goes back down.

 

[pgoodchild]

The absolute best thing you can do with the TLD 25 is upgrade the handles. The original knuckle buster can be upgraded to a more ergonomic handle. See below!!!!

Bottom handle is obviously the stock one:

On the reel:

Pete

 

[pgoodchild]

ha - no idea what that was about

I'll try again

 

[Hakuna Matata]

The 30 has a slightly heavier drag than the 25, about 8lbs I think.

Here's another question, why does it seem that most of you offshore guys prefer to spool up with mono as opposed to braid?

-JB

 

[Capt Rick]

,,,,,,,,,most of us like the stretch.
A quick hard strike on braid with a tight drag will rip the hook out of a fish.

 

[pgoodchild]

JB - The real issue is will the graphite frame deliver up to 24# of drag at strike? Beyond a 20# strike setting, I highly recommend an all aluminum chassis. Yes you could upgrade the frame, change the drag washer and other modifications but you'll still have a graphite frame that under excessive load will break. An all aluminum frame is going to provide you with a better # at strike. A safe 18# of drag is about all you can get realistically from either the 25 or two speed 30. Do yourself a favor get the 25's save some money and load them with a quality 30lb or 40lb mono.

 

[pgoodchild]

One last thought..
the drag washer in the tld 20/30 two speed is greased carbon fiber. the drag in the tld 20/25 single speed is canvas. the carbontex upgrade is $19. big difference