Non-Fly Gear recommendation

[JohnB]

I've got a buddy who is headed off on a sailing trip destinations unknown but the general plan is WA>BC>Baja>South Pacific?

I'm looking to get him some sort of going a way present with some buddies. What is a recommendation on either an appropriate spinning reel or level wind that would be a good option that would cover him up to mid sized tuna or whatever the hell else he may come across? I'm leaving it up to him to get a rod.

 

[Paige]

Diawa Lexa 300!

 

[JohnB]

Diawa Lexa 300!

Would a 400 be a better bet once he gets out of albacore range and into the wahoo and amberjack of Baja and beyond? It seems like that might be the case to me.

 

[Evan B]

Diawa Lexa 300!

Spoken like a true freshwater enthusiast Great reels, but you won't find many on saltwater boats.

Really depends on your budget. If he's trolling a lot, I'd go with a size 30 or 40 so Penn Squall Lever Drag. If he wants to jig/cast and likes a level wind, then a Gomexus jigging reel gets the job done really well as does a Penn Fathom. Avets are very popular, but I've started leaning more towards these others. For spinning reels, I like a Shimano Spheros or Saragosa 6000.

Rod-wise, it's all 'bout them Shimano Trevalas. A MH action one should cover most the fishing he'd encounter.

 

[Paige]

Spoken like a true freshwater enthusiast Great reels, but you won't find many on saltwater boa

ts.

Really depends on your budget. If he's trolling a lot, I'd go with a size 30 or 40 so Penn Squall Lever Drag. If he wants to jig/cast and likes a level wind, then a Gomexus jigging reel gets the job done really well as does a Penn Fathom. Avets are very popular, but I've started leaning more towards these others. For spinning reels, I like a Shimano Spheros or Saragosa 6000.

Rod-wise, it's all 'bout them Shimano Trevalas. A MH action one should cover most the fishing he'd encounter.

It's what I have on my Lingcod rod and even landed a 70+ Halibut on that rod reel, has handled the salt for over 10 yrs as good as any other makes!
Low profile for the win in my book, and it's not a "only fresh water reel" , I actually have 2 and are bomb proof.

 

[Evan B]

It's what I have on my Lingcod rod and even landed a 70+ Halibut on that rod reel, has handled the salt for over 10 yrs as good as any other makes!
Low profile for the win in my book, and it's not a "only fresh water reel" , I actually have 2 and are bomb proof.

I also have a Lexa 300. It has not been as bomb proof for me, and it hasn't even gone off-shore yet. I wouldn't trust mine on a tuna.

 

[Tuna Ball]

I also have a Lexa 300. It has not been as bomb proof for me, and it hasn't even gone off-shore yet. I wouldn't trust mine on a tuna.

I have landed some tuna on my Lexa 300 but it lacks drag and cranking power that the other reels you mentioned have. I was pretty happy with my Gomexus but it didn't get as much play since I usually reach for the Saragossas. The spinning reel is my preferred jigging setup.

 

[JohnB]

Spoken like a true freshwater enthusiast Great reels, but you won't find many on saltwater boats.

Really depends on your budget. If he's trolling a lot, I'd go with a size 30 or 40 so Penn Squall Lever Drag. If he wants to jig/cast and likes a level wind, then a Gomexus jigging reel gets the job done really well as does a Penn Fathom. Avets are very popular, but I've started leaning more towards these others. For spinning reels, I like a Shimano Spheros or Saragosa 6000.

Rod-wise, it's all 'bout them Shimano Trevalas. A MH action one should cover most the fishing he'd encounter.

Thanks Evan. I think the Gomexus SX450 is probably the best bet for my buddy. Would you spool it up with 50lb braid?

 

[Evan B]

Thanks Evan. I think the Gomexus SX450 is probably the best bet for my buddy. Would you spool it up with 50lb braid?

I typically go with 30-40lb metered braid for jigging. Heavier (with mono topshot) for trolling. I'll let @Tuna Ball weigh in too as he is the even bigger jigging enthusiast.

I will say though, that I'd only recommend that reel if he's in to jig fishing. A better all-rounder would be something like an Avet LX if he wants something more multi purpose.

 

[Tuna Ball]

I spooled mine with 30 PP Depth hunter to have less drag to stay vertical. For general use I would put 40-50 but I don't recall capacity for the heavier line.

Also consider left or right retrieve for the user. I prefer left for spinning and bait caster. I prefer right for open/conventional reels. I got the Gomexus in lefty since it behaves more like a bait caster. With the narrow spool the line sort of maintains itself.