Recommendation for deep water high speed reel
 

Looking to purchase a high speed reel for future tile trips and offshore bottom fishing. I'd like to spend in the range of $200-$250. Any thoughts or preferences on makes and models??????

Re: Recommendation for deep water high speed reel
 

I would go with a 2 Speed so you have the flexibility if you get into a big fish.

I have a Daiwa Saltist LD 30 2 speed and it is good for me for everything I do except tiles. You might go up 1 size and try the LD40. They run in the mid- $300 range.

Good luck.

Saltist LD combines a compact, lever drag design with the free-spool ability to easily toss live baits and hardware. CRBB (Corrosion Resistant Ball Bearings) Shielded design keeps debris out, casts up to 12 times longer than ordinary stainless ball bearings. Fast Push Button Shift From high power to high speed with a touch of the finger. Preset Lever Drag Lets you fine tune your strike tension. Kick the lever past the stop and an aggressive cam takes you quickly to drag max for near-boat fish control. Lever Drag 2 Speed Reel. Medium, 6 CRBB, 6.3:1 Hi Gear Ratio 3.1:1 Low Gear Ratio. Line Capacity: 25/400, 30/270, 40/240 BRAID: 40/660, 50/490

Re: Recommendation for deep water high speed reel
 

I was advised by the Tile gurus on here to go with a power retrieve, not speed. A 6:1 ratio reel will get you speed, but not the cranking power of say a 4:1 ratio. Bringing up a couple pounds of lead and a tile or two will wear you out with a high speed reel. Fin-Nor OFC30L is a reasonably priced alternative. about $200-$220.

Re: Recommendation for deep water high speed reel
 

I agree with the1jonc.
There are definate advantage to 2 speed reels when deep water fishing such as tilefishing.
When you're trying to check bait from 6-700 ft deep, high gear definately helps. Then when you hook up a nice tile, low gear definately helps as well.
I used saltist 40LD 2spd and worked fine for me, but I've also seen some with 4:1 single gear such as Jigging Master PE6 or so. With longer arms, they have a lot of cranking power and worked fine. But they are quite pricey though.
As long as the reel can hold 500yd of 50-65lb braid and can crank all day without tiring you out, it'll work.
Good luck..

Re: Recommendation for deep water high speed reel
 

In that price range I would suggest a Penn Baja special. It has plenty of capacity and good cranking power. I would make one modification from stock, move the handle are out to the longer position and also replace the handle knob with a t-bar handle. Google Alan Tani, he has the replacement handles available. I would suggest the 4/0 size handle for the Penn Baja Special unless you have very large hands

Re: Recommendation for deep water high speed reel
 

I was thinking the same set up . It is also a good 50 lb Tuna or Cod reel .

Re: Recommendation for deep water high speed reel
 

You know what I say !!

http://technotreninfo.com/fishing.htm

Re: Recommendation for deep water high speed reel
 

Damn Andy...

I can't concentrate with those AVATARS of yours....

Re: Recommendation for deep water high speed reel
 

That's a pretty good reel(Penn Baja special) for the money...Stainless 4.3 :1 gears, nice frame.

Good recommendation for the money!!

Leif

Re: Recommendation for deep water high speed reel
 

The Penn is a good reel for the money..