Tackle for Midnight Lump

[Slacktime]

I'm looking to make my first trip to the Midnight Lump out of Venice, La., this month. Problem is, I need to gear-up since all I have now are snapper and mackerel rigs. Any suggestions? Would Shimano TLD 30 two-speeds with 60-80lb test be adequate? Should I upgrade to solid aluminum reels? What about rods?

[hmsmithjr]

I can't say for sure if TLD 30's are adequate because a lot of the time you will be fishing from a dead boat and the TLD may fail with the drag needed with 60 to 80 lb line. Tld 50's would be a bit better (and for the record that is what I have) but for the 30 class and hight test line you probably want metal frame reels. I am not saying they wont do it, because I know plenty of tuna are caught each year, but it will make it easier if you have beefier reels. Even a penn 6/0 should be sufficient. I will also say I am no expert on this matter and have only been to the lump once.
Maclin

BTW I live in fairhope also.

[Slacktime]

Thanks Maclin. The more I research it, the more I think I may need to step up to metal frame reels. I like the TLD's because they are light weight and easy to handle. I've got some Avets that I use for King fishing that I really like. I may test their two-speeds on some Yellowfin action. Can't wait! Been in Fairhope long?

[lazyfatass247]

GO gold and spool with jerry brown. that extra 200-300 is hard now, but in the end you will save money if you buy the reels the right way. you may even get that fish of a life time.

Always remember if there's a weak link or wrong reel the fish will find it.

[hmsmithjr]

Lived here for the past 14 years since I was 13. If you went with a reel like the Tiagra 30 WLRS and spooled it with hollowcore, you could probably land anything in the gulf within reason. I agree the 50's start to get heavy, but the 30's help keep that down. They can be rigged as a 50 and have the drag to keep up with the bigger line.
Maclin

[chriscook02]

I have also been thinking of a trip to Venice. What method (trolling - chunking) works best at Midnight lump? Probably try to hit some rigs while I'm down there as well? Any Suggestions?

[Captain Michael Buffington]

Anchored in 220 to 198' and you better have a ball rigged for a nice fish. You will be chunking pogys or threafins. I'll average going through 4 flats a day. I use 2 speed tld lrs 50s with 150 spectra and a top shot of the heaviest fluoro they will eat with a quality circle. Don't hook the chunk, rather just push the hook inside the chunk so when you reel it in the line won't twist cause the hook pulls out. Can get crowded at times but it can also be some good fishing.

Mike

[Slacktime]

Thanks everyone for the info. Next stop, Venice! Hopefully, I'll have some pix to post when I return.