Penn Torque

[XpatBubba]

Anybody have opinions one way or the other regarding the Penn Torque reels and matching rods when used in a jigging application? (They would match my Internationals but if they are not good jiggers i will go with Shimano ((Saragosa))

[calebw]

The spinning or conventional model?

[Jiggin Junkie]

I have the Torque 200 for jigging and love it.

[Tunanorth]

I have all 5 Torque conventional models, and have used them all extensively for various jigging techniques.
I do more "California-style" jigging, but do plenty of "Asian-style" too, probably a 70-30 split.
The TRQ300 star drag is truly a beast, I use it for Cal-style yo-yo fishing with heavy jigs mostly for big yellowtail, but also love it for the specialty wahoo jigging we do on San Diego long-range boats.
Both of the above usually involve 50 or 60-pound mono topshots over 80-pound braid.
The TRQ200 is much more suited to "Asian-style" jigging due to lighter weight, but I also use it for Cal-style "Surface Iron' fishing where ultra-long casts are necessary.
Above most often with 40-pound topshots, but sometimes 30 pound, over 50 or 65-pound braid.
Both 300 and 200 generate over 30 pounds of drag.
The 200 holds 400 yards of straight 65-pound braid, and the 300 holds 450 yards of straight 80 pound braid.
If the TRQ100 holds enough line for your uses, it is the lightest of all, and still generates over 20 pounds of drag.
I mostly use it with 20 to 30 pound topshots over 40 or 50 pound braid, but it will hold 325 yards of straight 50-pound braid.



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[TheSwab]

Anybody have opinions one way or the other regarding the Penn Torque reels and matching rods when used in a jigging application? (They would match my Internationals but if they are not good jiggers i will go with Shimano ((Saragosa))

What are you jiggin'?

The penn and shimano rods are good for the smaller 60# yellowfin tuna and under.

We have found that the bigger bluefin tuna 150-200# are just too much for this lighter tackle. We broke numerous Shimano trevalas (the heaviest ones you can get too) And a penn Torque 300 on relatively light drag (25#'s and under)

As much as I would like to confess my love for penn, they have let me down lately. We have all Penn tournament grade Internationals on the boat, So I thought I would try the torques for jigging reels. Over all they are decent reels, light, high gear ratio, hold a good amount of line ect. ect. ect....

Well, we broke a nice bluefin off last year because the 300 blew apart, it was my clients first big tuna on a jig, and he traveled from CT to S. Jersey to get in on the good jigging of Bluefin we see in the early summer. Luckily, after we busted that reel, we managed a few more bites and the guys went home happy, but, it could have been a real deal breaker if we couldnt find more bites after losing a nice fish (and 300-400 yards of 80# Jerry brown)

I have yet to put the reel back into action after Penn replaced just about every internal part in it free of charge. I just havent got over it yet I suppose. I would hate to put it back into use just to lose another fish. Especially in a fishery where its hard enough to keep your clients happy and put fish in the box.


My choice goes for the Accurate Bx2 400's through 600's. They are Ultra light and smooth as silk, two speeds and put out enormous amounts of drag.

As for Rods, I would get a hold of Paul from JPR customs. He can steer you in the right direction. The OTI factory rods are a good choice that wont break the bank (200-300$). Jigging Master Power Spells are also a very good rod, but a bit more expensive(450-500$)

Capt. Brian

[XpatBubba]

Thanks guys,
Would be mostly for AJ's and bottom fish under 50lbs. Just weighing my options. You are right, Paul has some really nice looking rods.
Bubba