Blackfish Reels
 

I'm looking to find out what reels people use to fish for tog. I currently own an Avet SX 5.3 MC with 40# PP Spectra on a Shimano TVC-66M Trevala Jigging Rod that I use for inshore fishing. I actually enjoy fishing the Avet, but I don't know if I have enough power in the reel to pull a 8+ lb fish up before he gets into his hole. The Avet SX 5.3 strike drag of 9# and full 14# may be just a little undermatched for a pig. The reason I ask is because I don't want to lose a fish of a lifetime because I'm not setup appropriately.

I know many anglers will say that they fish 50# or 65# braid, but I also use this reel for inshore fluke, sea bass, and jigging for stripers. I may be in the market for a new tog setup, so let me know what your thoughts are.

Re: Blackfish Reels
 

Avet SX is fine for tog. I've pulled in double digit tog with mine on several occasions.

Re: Blackfish Reels
 

I prefer a star drag for blackfish....
With that being said I caught my personal best (13lbs) on an Avet SX with drag in full and she still took some drag after I got a few turns of the handle in.
My go to reel is a saltiga 20 (star drag).

Re: Blackfish Reels
 

Avet SX is great for big tog. Many on here will agree, some will tell you that they don't have enough drag for their liking. It boils down to personal preference. I've caught my biggest tog on the SX with no problem.

Re: Blackfish Reels
 

If I had a saltiga, it would be one of my goto reels as well:D

Re: Blackfish Reels
 

I also took my PB, 15lbs., on an SX 5.3 And manage to break off what felt like a bigger fish last year, when I panicked and pushed the drag all the way up! :eek:

I know of at least 12 guys who were fishing right next to me on that 6 pack charter when I did that. So I'm sure all would verify the drag on the SX works fine!

Re: Blackfish Reels
 

I bought my adult son this very reel, Avet Sx MC, two Christmases ago along with a Fish Poison rod. He loves the set-up for inshore just as you use it.
I wish I could have bought two. I have a bit heavier Fish Poison, with a Saltist 30 star-drag.
I prefer the Avet.

I've "borrowed" it a few times as he left it in my garage.
I plan to borrow it again this season for tog.
Must admit I've never gotten a double digit tog on the Avet, but have seen others do so.
Tight Lines,
Tom K.

Re: Blackfish Reels
 

I love my Avet SX I canst see changing to something heavier. I also have an MX I got last year because I felt the same way you do. I found the my arm was fatigued mid trip do to the weight of the larger reel. But I did like it fishing very deep 90 plus feet less reeling :D

Re: Blackfish Reels
 

Lazy bastid:D

Re: Blackfish Reels
 

Saltiga 20 good luck finding one & the 30 best reel that I can reccomend. That's all I use for them I also like the trinadad 12 the gold ones. Not the newer silver 12a ones. Also the p series Newell 220 & the 229 are good bets as well.