[Fishtales71]

Hello,
I am interested in getting Four reels for yellowfin tuna chunking and occasional light trolling. Fishing out of ocean City MD. These will be used as weekend warrior reels not commercial and trying to do this on a budget. Can anyone please recommend a reel that will be the best bang for the buck and still get the job done. If possible I would also like help with the line set up for the reels. Such as the backing to mono to leader. (Line weight, etc.). Kinda a newbie at this. Thank you in advance for any responses

 

[bucktales]

I have been a big fan of the Shimano TLD's for yft. Primarily, 30's and 50's. If you dabble in the bluefin, I'd go with something with an aluminum frame, I use Tiagra's for that. I've had my TLD's for over 15 years, take great care of them. No plans to switch them out anytime soon. Good luck!

 

[bucktales]

I have been a big fan of the Shimano TLD's for yft. Primarily, 30's and 50's. If you dabble in the bluefin, I'd go with something with an aluminum frame, I use Tiagra's for that. I've had my TLD's for over 15 years, take great care of them. No plans to switch them out anytime soon. Good luck!

Hit me up in the messages or text me at 410-533-6071 to talk about line/backing, top shot etc.

 

[reeldeal50]

Shimano Tyrnos or Penn Squall lever drag. I troll mainly Shimano TLD 50 across the board out deep when trolling. However, when chunking you want a lighter reel with high capacity. It is a much more enjoyable fight with a lighter reel. You will have super light leader when chunking which will result in a long fight. The 50 is overkill for chunking. I have also caught 50-60 pound yellowfins on the reels mentioned trolling from flat lines. I would pack with 80 braid and obviously fluoro 30-40 lb leader on the chunk. Find out what you prefer more and adjust your reels to match your plan once you figure out what you like. Braid can cut you quick if your not used to it but it helps significantly with capacity on the smaller reels. Pic below is the class we were catching at Masseys with Tyrnos braid set up.

 

[danerb02]

I'm in the same place you are, setting up some rigs for weekend warrior work on yellowfin and Mahi. Ended up going with the Ocean Master Lever Drag OMLD25 from Bass Pro. Did a lot of reading and it's basically a bolt for bolt clone of a Shimano TLD-25 and they routinely have them on sale for $80!!! They're doing a trade in deal right now and you can get the form $80 a piece by trading in ANY functional old reel, they guy said bring in a kids snoopy reel and you'll get the trade in. Something to kick around.

 

[Hvymax]

Can you go wrong with a Penn Senator??? Pretty sure mine are at least 60yrs old. Dad had them as long as I can remember and still work great. Clean and grease them every year and check the drag washers.