Tuna Gear Recommendations
 

So, in anticipation of the NJF Tuna trip at the end of October, I'm looking to my rod/reel setups. Currently I have the following that I plan on bringing:

Avet EX 50/2 loaded with 80lb hollow/with 100yd 80lb topshot on a St. Croix TSWC70HF. This will be my chunking setup.

Penn US Senator 113N loaded with 65lb powerpro depth hunter on a St. Croix PM79XXXH. I see this as my tilefish setup and a possibly tuna jigging.

I have in my inventory an Avet HX 5/2 loaded withe 60lb hollow that I want to match with a rod for jigging.

I also have a Daiwa SLT20 which, while uncommon, is built like a tank and spec-wise, is almost identical to the current Penn International 30VSX. I believe this, riggged as an 80, would also making a great chunking reel, but I don't have a rod matched to it.

Input is welcome, I have a few tuna trips under my belt, but this will be my first PB tuna and I want be prepared as possible.

Re: Tuna Gear Recommendations
 

Jim,
Here's what I use:
80#--AVET EX30-2 200yd braid/200yd mono
50#--AVET HX5-300/120yd/50' wind on
30#--AVET LX6-300/150yd/50' wind on(40#)
New this year---AVET JX 2speed 300/120+/-yd/50' wind on(40#)
Jig OML25(Offshore Angler) 345yd/100' 50#

I use the light stuff in full daylight with no more than 1/2 oz--mostly fly lined.. largest boated-- 70# LFT with it..

Looks like you're pretty much set
maybe a light spinner for pot hopping if you're so inclined...or for catching squid...
Just have some light leaders 40-50# for the day chunk

hope this helps...

Re: Tuna Gear Recommendations
 

What model St. Croix's replaced them rods? I was looking, but couldn't find that exact model online.


Meat Hunter

Re: Tuna Gear Recommendations
 

Couldn't tell you what replaced them, but here's the specs off the rods. This is the PM79XXXH, St croix sold it as a Muskie rod.

Re: Tuna Gear Recommendations
 

And....since it would only take one upload from the iPad...

Re: Tuna Gear Recommendations
 

I didn't couple the reels with rods in original post but here they are:

80#--Jersey Jigger 6'6" 400 gram carbon fiber acid wrapped
50#--Jersey Jigger 6' E-glass acid wrapped
30#--Penn Power Stick 7' CPS67T made by Outer Banks Outfitters(20+yrs old)
New this yr--7' custom carbon fiber acid wrapped
Jig--Off Shore Angler(Bass Pro) 8' slit carbon OEJP82540

Leif has detailed post on PB tuna trip gear...worth searching for...

Re: Tuna Gear Recommendations
 

I've read it multiple times. :D