Ideal Reels for BFT

[simonc]

Hi everyone, I was considering for next year to apply for the Tuna permit should it be offered again. With regards reels I am wondering if anyone can help on the best option. I have heard that Canyon reels are relatively good especially considering their price range. Personally I was looking at the Shimano Tiagra 50, it is a very expensive reel, but according to reviews it is a worthy reel which is unlikely to let you down.
Does any one have any recommendations on best reel and rod combo and setup for BFT fishing.

Thanks!!

[Granitu]

Hi everyone, I was considering for next year to apply for the Tuna permit should it be offered again. With regards reels I am wondering if anyone can help on the best option. I have heard that Canyon reels are relatively good especially considering their price range. Personally I was looking at the Shimano Tiagra 50, it is a very expensive reel, but according to reviews it is a worthy reel which is unlikely to let you down.
Does any one have any recommendations on best reel and rod combo and setup for BFT fishing.

Thanks!!

If you are going to buy a shimano tiagra, which is a very good reel, i would seriously consider an alutecnos. Tried this reel twice, definately worth the money you spend on it. It is the next fishing reel on my shopping list. Both are hi-end reels with a hefty price tag.

[simonc]

Thanks Granitu,

But they only seem to have one speed models, I think that it is important to have two speed options for Tuna fishing. I don't have any experience in this field however wherever you look on the web the low speed ratio is always used to help the reeler conserve his energy and provide most power to retrieve the fish, especially if the fish exceeds the 50 kilo mark.

[cla144]

Hi Simon, if you are considering to fish around the tuna pens its better to opt for a reels that has a high lb on max drag. This is because the tuna as soon as it is hooked tends to go under the pens where there is a lot of rope which will cut the line.


The Shimano Triagra 50 is a good reel with a max drag of 37.5 - 44lb. The Avet EX 50 is 57lb max drag. Which is on the same price level as the Shimano Tiagra 50.

Rod should be 50-80lb I think is the ideal.

 

[The_Gaffer]

Hi Simonc - if you watched last week's program of Fish On, the tuna fishing episode, you will see I was using a Shimano Tiagra 30W two speed reel when I landed the 63kg tuna.  Rod was a Shimano 50-80lbs.  Alutecnos are great reels too, so I would seriously consider this alternative. I had bought my Shimano while I used to work abroad, so I saved quite a bit from the local asking price.  Shop around, go speak to Silvio at Anglercentre who is the local agent for alutecnos reels.  
Here is the link to the footage:  Fish On - Tuna Fishing

www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBQk4syX-Bc

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My choices of recently relased reels for such fishing would be:

Okuma Makaira MK30II-SE would be one of my top pics, topless frame, 2 speed, 55lbs max drag and a modern recently designed reel.

Shimano Talica 2 Speed TAC25II 45lbs max drag

Alutecnos Albacore 20 Gorilla 45lbs max drag (Single Speed)

The more classic big game trolling reel that can also be used:

Shimano Tiagra A 50IIWLRSA 44lbs max drag

The Avet's have a following and some swear by them, but I don't like dry drag technology.