Van Staal reels and rods for jigging

[CFScheer]

One good friend of mine in Costa Rica has been helping out another who recently had some serious health problems and the latter wants to now show his gratitude with a nice piece of fishing equipment and has sought my advice.

The friend who will be receiving the gift is kind of obsessed with the way a Van Staal looks and wants one for jigging and or popping. I know that he'd be better off spending the extra $50 on a Stella, but this guy is an artist and shit and he wants what he wants...

Here is my question - how does the VSB200 or 250 stand up to jigging. The line capacity and retrieve stats look good, but I can't find any drag stats listed anywhere. This reel will be encountering amberjack in upwards of 100 lbs. and a wide variety of other serious reef dwellers and potentially large YFT. Also, what is the maintenance and durability like on these things? I've heard pretty good?

Finally, tackle direct has a promotion that gives a free Van Stall 225 or 325 jig rod with the purchase of the reel. Has anyone used these? If so, what are they like and are there any max drag stats on them? We use mostly 125-225 gram jigs so I'm rather get him the 225, but if this is not going to have the heft to handle 100 lb. AJs or would be a bit too light to balance well with the VSB250 then I'm wondering if the 325 would be a bit too stiff for 200 gram jigs.

Finally, the VSB200 says it can handle 400 yds. of 40 lb. braid. what does this translate too in 80 lb. braid? If it's close enough to 300 yds. then I'm thinking the VSB200 and 225 would be the way to go.

Thanks - Cassidy

[Tuna Meltdown]

http://www.360tuna.com/forum/f10/any...an-stall-5794/

I bought a 250 with a bail and like it so far. I got 425 yards of PE-5 on it.