Need Big Game Reel recommendation

[wallstr]

I am looking to buy a reel that i am going to use for primarraly tuna i fish at depths on average 150 to 250 feet and like using 50 to 70 lb mono. the big issue is i would like a built in line counter. As i do a lot of tuna party boat fishing and the captain calls out a depth where the fish are and i have to count out 200 ft of line then he calls out 150 then i have to reel completely in and let out 150 pulls. i am planning on doing a bunch of trips this year and need to get set up. please i am open to any recommendations!!!!

[drksuh]

Shimano Tiagra 30WLRS reels are best bang for the buck in premium offshore and are sealed fairly well requiring least servicing if maintained well. I recommend perhaps the Daiwa Saltiga colored boat braid in 80 to 130 so that you can count out depth and place a topshot of 75 to 100 yards of Momoi Hi Catch Diamond in the Blue or Clear color.

[Capt Josh]

Definitely have to second the Shimano Tiagra recommendation. We've used every big game reel out there over the years and day in and day out, not much can compete with Shimano Tiagras in terms of consistency, dependability, lack of maintenance required, performance right out of the box, corrosion resistance, etc etc etc.

Good luck with your choice, and remember - post up some reports from your trips!

[algdog]

I am looking to buy a reel that i am going to use for primarraly tuna i fish at depths on average 150 to 250 feet and like using 50 to 70 lb mono. the big issue is i would like a built in line counter. As i do a lot of tuna party boat fishing and the captain calls out a depth where the fish are and i have to count out 200 ft of line then he calls out 150 then i have to reel completely in and let out 150 pulls. i am planning on doing a bunch of trips this year and need to get set up. please i am open to any recommendations!!!!

what ever reel you get, put dacron or power pro type line as a backing and then put 100ft of mono as a topshot. when the mono/ backing knot hits the water you are a 100ft if you need to go 50 ft +- it is then not that big of a deal. when chunking offshore at night I use four rods with 4 different length topshots of mono. I just lower to the knot and have four rods at different depths. then count in or out if the fish are coming thru at one depth.