Tuna Casting Set Ups

[SteveK]

So what do you guys like for casting set ups for the bluefins? On reels, the cost effective options seem to be the Shimano Saragosas or the Fin-Nors. All my fishing will be south of the Cape, and I don't have to worry about casting at the 200lb fish that are sure to show up this year. We usually see the schoolies in the range of 50 up to 80lbs. maximum south of the Vinyard. Any comments either way in terms of durability? I don't charter, but I do fish alot........... thanks. The Fin-Nors seem nice for the price.

[hotreels jr]

Saragosas are awsome, but the fin-nors will (should) hold up fine for the smaller fish.

[kitebuz]

Penn 950's will also hold up fine for the smaller fish, as will Cabo's, Spheros, & prob. a few others.

[fin-chaser]

I have both Penn 950's and Fin Nor 9500 OS reels and they have held up reasonably well. A few problems but nothing earth shattering.

Fin-

[jamesytuna]

The quantum cabo 70 or 80 will do the job no problem. Great drags on these reels.

[crocker on cape]

i have a 9500 and its great! i know that garret over at the goose shop in orleans has fought numerous fish on them and im happy with mine. The cabos are a good reel as well. All of my reels are on the local hooker customs. Bob builds a great rod and backs them 100%

cam

[SteveK]

Thanks guys for the feedback. I just have to decide now if I go with the 75, 85, or 95 size from Fin-Nor. I'll probably go with the middle size to keep the weight down and still have good line capacity. We have had a few instances of breaking yellowfins on the surface that would not come up to the troll but would chase a plug. We'll just have to see this year!

[Sageboy]

Thanks guys for the feedback. I just have to decide now if I go with the 75, 85, or 95 size from Fin-Nor. I'll probably go with the middle size to keep the weight down and still have good line capacity. We have had a few instances of breaking yellowfins on the surface that would not come up to the troll but would chase a plug. We'll just have to see this year!

The weight difference between the 85 and 95 is minimal. If you are choosing between the 2 you are better off going with the 95. Oh ya...and it's a great real for the money. I have a few that have been flawless.

[gustoIV]

I have 4 of the finnor 9500's they have performed flawlessly for me. I bought them 3 seasons ago and have landed YFT and BFT to 100 pounds and no problem. I filled them with 80 lb braid and a 60lb topshot. Make sure you have the rod to handle bigger fish.

[On The Edge]

For the BFT under 80 lbs you say you will see you do have alot of options and dont need the big Fin Nor 9500 OS, Penn 950 or the big Saragosas 18000. All of those brands have smaller reels that will handle 80lb tuna just fine.