Trolling reel question

luv2fish67 · 11-25-2007, 04:17 PM

I'm somewhat of a newbie to offshore fishing, but I've noticed that most guys use open top reels. My reels are levelwinds, with the line guide thingy.
Is there any disadvantage to using this type of reel? Keeping in mind, that I'm only targeting Mahi's and maybe the odd Kingfish or Wahoo and using 30lb line.

C'mon fella's, This may be a dumb question, but I don't think it's a tough one.
Someone must have an answser.

Bay Fishin · 11-25-2007, 05:27 PM

They will be fine for kings and schoolie dolphin, but bigger bulls and tuna will burn a levelwind up.

fmoore · 11-25-2007, 06:39 PM

The way I understand it is that (basically) the levelwind can't keep up with the spool on the reel if you get a bigger fish making long, fast runs. That's the simple explanation anyway.

clt_capt · 11-25-2007, 10:41 PM

Someone gave me a pair of Penn321 Levelwinds a few years back - I used them for kings - thankfully the levelwinder fell off after a short while - all it takes is a few good runs from a nice sized king to destroy the levelwind.

luv2fish67 · 11-25-2007, 10:53 PM

So should I take the reel apart and remove the levelwinder???

marty65 · 02-21-2008, 03:28 PM

maybe you should buy some decent reels for game fishing

gradyfish265 · 02-24-2008, 11:41 PM

Removing the leverwind does not really help, it just tried to avoid the issue. you still have some of the leverwind parts installed and they will eventually break. I would spend a few bucks and buy a reel made to handle these fish correctly. I know guys use a speed Shimano TLD's or Avet MXL would work well. These are not overly expensive reels and they will be a lot more reliable. The last thing you want is to lose a big fish due to poor tackle. I do not fish lever drags, I've had them break due to 30lb Striped bass runs, and that is nothing like a Kingfish or Wahoo run.

mrfishy · 02-26-2008, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marty65

maybe you should buy some decent reels for game fishing

Keep your levelwinds but get some shimano speedmasters they are great reels and only about $110

11-25-2007, 04:17 PM	#1
luv2fish67 Anthony's Ark is a blowboater Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: British Columbia, Canada /Key Largo,Fla. Posts: 294 Credits: 1,405.9 Occupation: Logger	Trolling reel question I'm somewhat of a newbie to offshore fishing, but I've noticed that most guys use open top reels. My reels are levelwinds, with the line guide thingy. Is there any disadvantage to using this type of reel? Keeping in mind, that I'm only targeting Mahi's and maybe the odd Kingfish or Wahoo and using 30lb line. C'mon fella's, This may be a dumb question, but I don't think it's a tough one. Someone must have an answser. Last edited by luv2fish67; 11-25-2007 at 04:56 PM.

11-25-2007, 06:39 PM	#3
fmoore Crab mustard is good Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: NH Posts: 787 Credits: 1,918.2 Boat: 20' Key Largo Home Port: Hampton Best Catch: State record carp.....by accident Occupation: Ski Instructor/School	The way I understand it is that (basically) the levelwind can't keep up with the spool on the reel if you get a bigger fish making long, fast runs. That's the simple explanation anyway. __________________ Thumb Dinger

02-21-2008, 03:28 PM	#6
marty65 backlash king Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Queensland, Australia Posts: 15 Credits: 1,200.3 Occupation: coal miner	maybe you should buy some decent reels for game fishing __________________ Gamefishing the east coast of Queensland Australia

02-24-2008, 11:41 PM	#7
gradyfish265 Anthony's Ark is a blowboater Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: NJ Posts: 287 Credits: 1,308.2 Boat: Grady White 265 Express Home Port: Port Monmouth Occupation: Naval Architect	Removing the leverwind does not really help, it just tried to avoid the issue. you still have some of the leverwind parts installed and they will eventually break. I would spend a few bucks and buy a reel made to handle these fish correctly. I know guys use a speed Shimano TLD's or Avet MXL would work well. These are not overly expensive reels and they will be a lot more reliable. The last thing you want is to lose a big fish due to poor tackle. I do not fish lever drags, I've had them break due to 30lb Striped bass runs, and that is nothing like a Kingfish or Wahoo run. __________________ 2002 Grady White 265 Express 1989 Grady White 22 Seafarer FOR SALE!!!

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11-25-2007, 05:27 PM	#2
Bay Fishin Crab mustard is good Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Annapolis,Md Posts: 746 Credits: 1,396.1 Occupation: Tackle Ho, Boat Detailing	They will be fine for kings and schoolie dolphin, but bigger bulls and tuna will burn a levelwind up.

11-25-2007, 10:41 PM	#4
clt_capt I think Admin is going to let me have this space Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Raleigh, MHC Posts: 3,166 Credits: 3,105.9 Boat: Luhrs 36 Home Port: MHC Occupation: Supporting my Tackle habit	Someone gave me a pair of Penn321 Levelwinds a few years back - I used them for kings - thankfully the levelwinder fell off after a short while - all it takes is a few good runs from a nice sized king to destroy the levelwind.

11-25-2007, 10:53 PM	#5
luv2fish67 Anthony's Ark is a blowboater Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: British Columbia, Canada /Key Largo,Fla. Posts: 294 Credits: 1,405.9 Occupation: Logger	So should I take the reel apart and remove the levelwinder???