I need reel help

[Jared D]

So I mentioned this in a couple of posts... I am unhappy with my Boss 870 XM for what I am using it for (80% bottom fishing and 20% jigging). Its main problems to me is 1. not enough drag and 2. to high speed (6.2:1).

I really really want to swap it out for a star drag reel (aluminum) that is small yet has enough umph to get the job done.

I have noticed that I have had a BUNCH of pulled fish since I got this reel. I think its due to the high speed plus the lack of stretch in the line. (I have braid on it where as usually I use dacron w mono topshot).

Any ideas. I dont mind spending $300-500 for a good reel...
If anyone has a good star drag they want to trade for the accurate let me know.

[SeaBiscuit]

Daiwa Saltiga 30 T is my recommendation Jared. (http://www.daiwa.com/HomePage/Offshore/index.aspx)
28 lbs of drag with carbon fiber drag upgrade. 4.3 retrieve. Great stock handles for my taste. I've fished saltigas for over 5 years now and with regular maintenance all of mine are in good working order still, even though I let some friends and kids fish with them

Good luck
Nick

[paul708]

i have the saltiga 30T and 50.
both have been great reels.
the 30T may be a good choice for you.

[Jared D]

Daiwa Saltiga 30 T is my recommendation Jared. (http://www.daiwa.com/HomePage/Offshore/index.aspx)
28 lbs of drag with carbon fiber drag upgrade. 4.3 retrieve. Great stock handles for my taste. I've fished saltigas for over 5 years now and with regular maintenance all of mine are in good working order still, even though I let some friends and kids fish with them

Good luck
Nick

I think thats the reel I am going to wind up with, with or without getting rid of the Accurate... I am lusting after a couple of little lever drags (JM reel and Blue Heaven), but I am afraid I would be right back where I am again. I just need a no frills serious bottom reel thats light enough to fish all day. As it is, I will be using my 4/0s again until I get what I want.
Nick, if your telling me as much as you fish yours, you still havent had any major issues, that tells me a lot. Thanks for the reply Nick and Paul.

[Sea Draggin]

Check out the high stick thread. Pic 3 is a saltiga 40 on jm500 connected to a 200lb tuna. They can get it done. They are no alutecnos, but they are a solid reel every day of the week.

[kilsong]

I am selling Saltiga, Accurate and JM reels. So it doens't matter which reel I sell.

You have right observation. Many guys like to buy two speed reels, but high speed of 6:1 is too high even for jigging. Most seasoned jig fishermen think 4:1 - 1.9:1 is optimal ratio for jigging and for fighting.

I favor star drag reels for bottom fishing like many other fishermen mainly because it is easier to adust lines according to change of depth and drifting condition. when you use lever drag reels, you have to pull down drag lever to free spool position and pull up again. Most small lever drag reels have binding problem in heavy drag setting.
But it is changing slowly. Accurate is the first reel company which solves binding problems of smaller reels in certain degree and I am amazed how easy to move drag lever of PE4 engaged and disengaged.

If you targer mainly for bottom fish, You'd better offf star drag reels, but I prefer lever drag reels when targeting big tuna as it can save fighting time tremendously by giving more pressure when they make death circles by simply pushing lever drag from strike to full.

I don't recommend any star drag reels for tuna over 150 lbs.
Saltiga 40/50 and OJ 4000P?5000P are regarded one of the best star drag reels. However my Saltiga's handle got frozen while I was fighting 250 lbs yellowfin over an hour. My friend's OJ 5000P's anti reverse gear was completely damaged when big bluefin spooled the reel in NC this winter.