Setup for yellowtail and yellowfin off San Diego?

[kzhlin]

Hey guys,

I am interested in getting a setup for short 1-1.5 day trips off San Diego mainly for yellowfin tuna and yellowtail. And anything else that might randomly show up! :Big Grin:

What kind of gear do you guys recommend?

I am thinking about an Avet SX or MXJ (2-speed?) with 30# spectra + mono topping. With a Calstar or Seeker?

Will this be enough for my purposes?


Thanks!
Kevin

[E man]

I would go for the slightly larger MXL with 50lb or 65lb spectra backing with 25-30lb topshot... Can't go wrong with either the calstar or seeker. I would look into the Phenix as well. Really nice sticks.

[ghetto dad]

I would go for the slightly larger MXL with 50lb or 65lb spectra backing with 25-30lb topshot... Can't go wrong with either the calstar or seeker. I would look into the Phenix as well. Really nice sticks.

I agree with E......and 65 lb is generally the "standard" spectra to use when backing 20-40 lb mono topshot....


GD

[Marley]

I would go for the slightly larger MXL with 50lb or 65lb spectra backing with 25-30lb topshot... Can't go wrong with either the calstar or seeker. I would look into the Phenix as well. Really nice sticks.

Yup. Forget the Phenix but look hard at the Seekers. Sweet sticks! 30 topshot can be changed to 20 if need be (and the later into the season it goes, the greater the need)

[ghetto dad]

Yup. Forget the Phenix but look hard at the Seekers. Sweet sticks! 30 topshot can be changed to 20 if need be (and the later into the season it goes, the greater the need)

yeah great point Marley

if ure only going to have ONE rod to fish brother....id purchase some "topshot" spools of 20, 25, 30, and 40...just in case they get line shy, or some bigger fish charge the boat...

its so hard with just one rod..hopefully you can get ureself a "set" eventually brother...

good luck man

GD

[PUDD MASTER BAITER]

if you can take at least 2 set ups.i had a lighter setup and 40lb in case we got into bigger fish.my last time.i hookup more than anyone using a my lighter 20lb top shot leader.had no problem ,with the size fish we caught.i didnt have to throw the bigger rig.of course if the fish are bigger better have the right size tackle....

[spitbreaker]

two setup

light-med to med-hvy setup w/ 7-8' 50 or 65lb spetra backing with 25 or 30lb top shot
live bait needed floroucarbon leader in case shy bit

med hvy to hvy setup w/ 7' 65lb spectrak backing with 40 or 50lb top shot
yo-yo or hvy iron jig or any wfo albackore or tuna pop in opening

[exfactor]

the sporties frown on the spectra for tuna fishin, as it is difficult in tangles compared to mono, and really not necessary. Any good 500 size reel will suffice.

[kzhlin]

Thanks guys!

I am normally a bass fisherman and I am trying offshore fishing as more of a new sport.

But the thing about the larger gear is that I dont think I will be doing any trip longer than 2 days in the foreseeable future. Most of my adventures will probably be 1.5 day trips and less, and people say that I would rarely encounter fish over 50-75# on these short trips. Departing from SoCal (San Diego mostly).

Would it be make a big difference to get the 2-speed avets?

Can anyone provide some links for specific seeker or calstar rod models?

[ToadsToadsOnly]

First off welcome to the offshore game. If you are sticking to the shorter trips I don t think you really need to go with the 2 speed route I been fishing the local offshore for quite a while and never have I felt I been out guned with a single speed on the overnight or 1 1/2 range. You cant go wrong with calstars models I recommend a Graphiter 800M, or glass 678h, with the money you save not buying 2 speeds you should look into a newell P332 this is a reel that I use just about eveytime I go offshore. I have to warn you BEWARE you will have hardcore offshore fever all the time when the fish counts start to peak.


http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg264/toadstoadsonly/San%20Clemente%20Sumsmer%202009/DSC00062.jpg

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg264/toadstoadsonly/San%20Clemente%20Sumsmer%202009/Picture055.jpg

[ghetto dad]

Thanks guys!

I am normally a bass fisherman and I am trying offshore fishing as more of a new sport.

But the thing about the larger gear is that I dont think I will be doing any trip longer than 2 days in the foreseeable future. Most of my adventures will probably be 1.5 day trips and less, and people say that I would rarely encounter fish over 50-75# on these short trips. Departing from SoCal (San Diego mostly).

Would it be make a big difference to get the 2-speed avets?

Can anyone provide some links for specific seeker or calstar rod models?

you really dont "need" a 2 speed, especially for shorter trips like that...its more of a "want" but it does make it a little easier when fish are straight up and down....

if you can afford it tho....i would recommend at LEAST 2 set ups

a 20-25 lb and a 40 lb

i havent been in awhile, but when i used to go, I would bring a 15, 20, 25, and a 40.......

GD

[ghetto dad]

and for the bigger fish rods (fishing 40 lb), get a SEVEN foot rod....it will hurt less if youre on a bigger fish for awhile..lol


GD

[kzhlin]

I can probably get an Avet SX and an Avet MXJ (MXL?)

SX for lighter 20-30# spectra base. And what rod model and length? Seeker classic?

MXJ or MXL for heavier 40-65#(?) spectra base. With 7' rod? Specific model? Seeker classic?

Thanks a lot guys!

[kzhlin]

and for the bigger fish rods (fishing 40 lb), get a SEVEN foot rod....it will hurt less if youre on a bigger fish for awhile..lol


GD


GD, so you're saying that on these shorter 1.5 day trips and shorter, the heaviest setup I would need is about a 40# spectra?

[ghetto dad]

I can probably get an Avet SX and an Avet MXJ (MXL?)

SX for lighter 20-30# spectra base. And what rod model and length?

MXJ or MXL for heavier 40-65#(?) spectra base. With 7' rod? Specific model?

Thanks a lot guys!

theres going to be many differences of opinion on this, im sure..

but IMO, do not use spectra lighter than 50...like i said, most guys fish with 65 lb.

For fishing 20 lb mono, SX would be fine, but if you can, you might wanna bump up to an MXJ for 20-25 lb mono with spectra backing.

For fishing 30-40 lb mono, I would recommmend a minimim of MXL, but would be even better if you bump up to a JX for 3-40 lb mono with spectra backing.

You dont "need" spectra, one of the advantages of using it is so you can use smaller reels and it will give you greater line capacity. If you get an MXJ for 20-25, you wont need spectra...if you get a MXL or JX for 30-40, you wont need spectra.

for the 40 lb rod, I would recommend maybe a Calstar 700H

GD

[ghetto dad]

GD, so you're saying that on these shorter 1.5 day trips and shorter, the heaviest setup I would need is about a 40# spectra?


lol...check out my reply....IMO, the heaviest rod youll need to fish bait/throw iron is a 40 lb rod....

GD

[ghetto dad]

youre overthinking and worrying too much about the spectra issue...lol....you dont NEED it unless you want to fish the smaller reels


GD

[kzhlin]

Thanks GD. I forgot to refresh my browser. Lol.

So heavier gear for irons and lighter gear for flylining?

[ghetto dad]

Thanks GD. I forgot to refresh my browser. Lol.

So heavier gear for irons and lighter gear for flylining?

lol...no, you can use the heavier gear for BOTH flylining and jigs man.....

good luck with whatever you get bro....

GD

[lovefofish]

heres my 2 cents:

dont get the sx, its fancy and looks good but, a newell 229p will out cast it every time. especially when fishing light 20# or 30#. perfect for live bait.GET ONE WITH A CLICKER.

next you are going to need a yo-yo setup. 7' calstar will knock em down but for the reel your going to want quick retrive. Nothing is too quick for a tail'. The new diawa saltist(single speed) are like 6.3:1 and will haul that heavy iron in quick.

I also for loval I like to bring my ulua cut down to about 9'6" as my jig stick. for cudas this will cast a mile. one down side is its like fishing with a shovel handle and gets heavy quick.

again just my 2 cent's

[Marley]

...I have to warn you BEWARE you will have hardcore offshore fever all the time when the fish counts start to peak.


Oh yeah, the first time you get bit big and go flying into the rail, Spectra whistling off of your reel, you're gonna know what "gut-hooked" really means. You can't wait until you can do it again. Welcome!

[kzhlin]

Thanks for all the help guys!

@lovefofish: thanks man, but my local store stocks lots of avet and they can get me a better deal :Confused:


the main thing about the spectra is that my local store is offering to spool me up with spectra for free because i know the owner.

I will be getting:
SX (or MXJ?) for 30# spectra backing + 20# mono topping. Seeker SC800-7 1/2'.
MXL for 50# spectra backing + 30# mono topping. Calstar 700H.

any suggestions? or is this good to go?

about how much line should my reel need for encounters with tuna? will they easily strip off a few hundred yards of line? :EyePop:

[ghetto dad]

heres my 2 cents:

dont get the sx, its fancy and looks good but, a newell 229p will out cast it every time. especially when fishing light 20# or 30#. perfect for live bait.GET ONE WITH A CLICKER.

next you are going to need a yo-yo setup. 7' calstar will knock em down but for the reel your going to want quick retrive. Nothing is too quick for a tail'. The new diawa saltist(single speed) are like 6.3:1 and will haul that heavy iron in quick.

I also for loval I like to bring my ulua cut down to about 9'6" as my jig stick. for cudas this will cast a mile. one down side is its like fishing with a shovel handle and gets heavy quick.

again just my 2 cent's

yeah...Newells rule...fished them most my life...till i got my Avets....cant go wrong with them

LMFAO @ ulua! youre gonna get this poor dudes a** kicked with that rod....

GD

[ghetto dad]

Thanks for all the help guys!

@lovefofish: thanks man, but my local store stocks lots of avet and they can get me a better deal :Confused:


the main thing about the spectra is that my local store is offering to spool me up with spectra for free because i know the owner.

I will be getting:
MXJ for 30# spectra backing + 20# mono topping. Seeker SC800-7 1/2'.
MXL for 50# spectra backing + 30# mono topping. Calstar 700H.

any suggestions? or is this good to go?

about how much line should my reel need for encounters with tuna? will they easily strip off a few hundred yards of line? :EyePop:

lmao..ok go with ure light spectra..i give up on that one


"standard" spectra backing is 300 yards.....any standard reel...then topshot the rest with mono...that light stuff is gonna cut you...lol make sure you get flex wrap man.....

for a 20 lb rod...i would get at least an 8 foot rod....imo....

GD

[ghetto dad]

VERY IMPORTANT if youve never used a lever drag reel, just thought about it, at least on the avets

NEVER EVER adjust drag knob when reel is in gear, ESPECIALLY on a fish..you WILL strip it out....ALWAYS make sure your drag is set proper BEFORE you start fishing....cant loosen it while a fish is running like with a star drag reel.....and you fish in "strike" not "full"....


GD

[ghetto dad]

that rod is rated 20 (30) 60 idk why they have such a wide gap...

anyways....when a rod is rated, for example 20 30 40, the MIDDLE line rating is the optimal line weight for that rod, meaning it would be a "perfect" 30 lb rod ( i hope that makes sense to you, lol)

id get a rod rated 15-30, like the Calstar 800L....perfect 20 lb rod...or even beter, the 800XLH....


GD

[kzhlin]

so if i don't want to get cut, lol, then:

mxj 40#+20# mono. 800xlh.
and
mxl 50#+40# mono. 700H.

sound good?

[ghetto dad]

so if i don't want to get cut, lol, then:

mxj 40#+20# mono. 800xlh.
and
mxl 50#+40# mono. 700H.

sound good?

yeah ok...thats fine..lmao

idk about the MXL on the 700H tho....if ure fishing 40..get a JX imo

GD

[Liteweight]

you really dont "need" a 2 speed, especially for shorter trips like that...its more of a "want" but it does make it a little easier when fish are straight up and down....

if you can afford it tho....i would recommend at LEAST 2 set ups

a 20-25 lb and a 40 lb

i havent been in awhile, but when i used to go, I would bring a 15, 20, 25, and a 40.......

GD

Hey GD;
What about those times the fish get line shy. Ever been on a albacore/tuna trips where the fish won't touch anything over 15 or even 20? Just for giggles I almost always bring a 12#, 15, 25, 9'-25 jig, 40, 60 & a 100# trolling outfit.

[ghetto dad]

Hey GD;
What about those times the fish get line shy. Ever been on a albacore/tuna trips where the fish won't touch anything over 15 or even 20? Just for giggles I almost always bring a 12#, 15, 20, 25, 9'-25 jig, 40, 60 & a 100# trolling outfit.

if you read a page or so back...i stated that i bring a 15 lb rod lol

yeah....been on many trips like that..caught many fish on 12 and 15 lb......also been on trips where the bluefin at catalina island wouldnt touch anything over 12 lb test and a #6 hook

trolling sucks..id rather not catch one if theyre only eating the troll...100lb is a bit overkill for a trolling outfit...lol


GD

[kzhlin]

yeah ok...thats fine..lmao

idk about the MXL on the 700H tho....if ure fishing 40..get a JX imo

GD

so JX 50#+40# mono. 700H? of you have a better rod to suggest?

but the mxj 40#+20# mono with 800xlh is good to go?


dam these setups are getting larger and larger. lol. i as originally planning a sx with 30+20 and now im up to jx. lol.

[ghetto dad]

so JX 50#+40# mono. 700H? of you have a better rod to suggest?

but the mxj 40#+20# mono with 800xlh is good to go?

yeah....imo, the JX and the 700H are a perfect 40 lb combo.....

and yes....the MXJ for 20 lb mono with the 800XLH is good to go...


GD

[kzhlin]

thanks man. i see you talking about 12# for the line shy ones. should i just bring my 12# bass gear for the heck of it? :D

but thanks for everything guys, especially GD !

[ghetto dad]

get ure sx then..lol...just saying the MXJ is more versatile man..in case you want it for something a bit heavier...

as previously stated..these are ONLY my "opinions" bro

GD

[kzhlin]

thanks. i was looking at the jx 4.6 mc. is the mc any good?

[Liteweight]

Yeah but there's nothing like kicking some Tuna Butt on a 100#. :LOL: :LOL: :LOL:
LW

[ghetto dad]

Yeah but there's nothing like kicking some Tuna Butt on a 100#. :LOL: :LOL: :LOL:
LW

if you cant straight wind a tuna on 50-60 trollin...you better start working out bro..lmao

GD

[ghetto dad]

thanks. i was looking at the jx 4.6 mc. is the mc any good?

damn..ima start charging you..lol

MC is good if you cant cast a conventional reel..but the 4.6 is too slow for jigging...you were talking about 2 speeds..now mc's??? lol

GD

[kzhlin]

sorry. forgive my noobness. :(

you said 2 speed wasn't necessary. so i thought maybe just add the mc function. lol. and jx only comes in 4.6 and 6.

[Liteweight]

so JX 50#+40# mono. 700H? of you have a better rod to suggest?

but the mxj 40#+20# mono with 800xlh is good to go?


dam these setups are getting larger and larger. lol. i as originally planning a sx with 30+20 and now im up to jx. lol.

I hate to do this but, how 'bout I throw a monkey wrench in your plans,
what about a Talica 10II w/65# power pro and 40# top shot mounted on a Calstar 6465(H) or Seeker SSCJBF65H/JB65?

[Liteweight]

if you cant straight wind a tuna on 50-60 trollin...you better start working out bro..lmao

GD

That's why everything over 60# is mounted on a 2-speed reels.

[kzhlin]

The thing is that my friend's store stocks mostly Avet and he can get me some better deals on the Avet reels. :(

[Liteweight]

COOL. Sorry can't help much w/Avets, not too familiar with them.
Also sorry about the thread jack.
LW.

[kzhlin]

COOL. Sorry can't help much w/Avets, not too familiar with them.
Also sorry about the thread jack.
LW.

no problem. thanks for all then help though. you too GD! :D

[smokehound]

remember to use a palomar knot!! best line on earth!

[kzhlin]

Do you guys think that the jx will be too small for 65# spectra+ 40# mono? Just curious.

Thanks.

[ghetto dad]

Do you guys think that the jx will be too small for 65# spectra+ 40# mono? Just curious.

Thanks.

lol..no man...thats what i use!!!! i keep tryin to tell you!!

have fun man!

GD

[kzhlin]

lol..no man...thats what i use!!!! i keep tryin to tell you!!

have fun man!

GD

But that ends up with 250yd. of 65# braid + about 100yd. of 40# mono. Is that enough? :EyePop: Excuse my ignorance. I am a noob at this saltwater game. :Crying:

[Newfishsmell]

But that ends up with 250yd. of 65# braid + about 100yd. of 40# mono. Is that enough? :EyePop: Excuse my ignorance. I am a noob at this saltwater game. :Crying:

Hey kzhlin that's more then enough line. I like to use a Newell 220 with straight 20lb
mono , mounted on a Calstar graphiter 800L , for some light line fun. You just gotta learn how to set your drag.

The Newell 220 holds maybe 200 yrds of 20lb mono. Now i've never been spooled(knock on wood)
but i have been down to the last few raps of line on a couple occasions lol .

Good luck

[Liteweight]

But that ends up with 250yd. of 65# braid + about 100yd. of 40# mono. Is that enough? :EyePop: Excuse my ignorance. I am a noob at this saltwater game. :Crying:

For a 1-1.5 day trip that should be more than enough. More often than not you will normally only use the first half of the line on your reel (providing the spool is properly topped off), naturally there's always the 1 in a 1,000,000 chance of being spooled by a Big Bluefin (one can always hope) :Big Grin:. As you get more experience you'll notice that most of the time you will normally only use the first 100 yards of line on your reel.
Most all my reels are filled with a minimum of 275 yds of line, the top 100yds. of which is top-shot. Hope this helped.
LW

[ghetto dad]

But that ends up with 250yd. of 65# braid + about 100yd. of 40# mono. Is that enough? :EyePop: Excuse my ignorance. I am a noob at this saltwater game. :Crying:

dude..thats PLENTY......like i stated previsoulsy...one of the advantages of using spectra is greater line capacity......

again...i get 300 yards of 65.....the rest mono....


GD

[kzhlin]

Thanks guys. It was just because some guys said that I needed at least a couple hundred yards of line...

But anyways, thanks for everything. I need to get on the water!

[ghetto dad]

Thanks guys. It was just because some guys said that I needed at least a couple hundred yards of line...

But anyways, thanks for everything. I need to get on the water!

yeah "line"....spectra IS line brother...lol that does count as part of your "line"

GD

[ghetto dad]

after 6 pages and buttload of replies from me, youd BETTER get some gear now an FISH!!! :LOL:

GD

[Liteweight]

after 6 pages and buttload of replies from me, youd BETTER get some gear now an FISH!!! :LOL:

GD

Yeah GD,
After all these pages I believe you should hook-up (pardon the pun :LOL:) with him on his first trip.
LW

[Newfishsmell]

For a 1-1.5 day trip that should be more than enough. More often than not you will normally only use the first half of the line on your reel (providing the spool is properly topped off), naturally there's always the 1 in a 1,000,000 chance of being spooled by a Big Bluefin (one can always hope) :Big Grin:.
LW

It could happen :Big Grin:...remember several years back when the Top Gun was on a 1 1/2 day trip and ran into a school of Big Eye Tuna , some pushing 120 lbs. :EyePop:

[Liteweight]

It could happen :Big Grin:...remember several years back when the Top Gun was on a 1 1/2 day trip and ran into a school of Big Eye Tuna , some pushing 120 lbs. :EyePop:

Yeah I was semi-kidding, I remember a trip to the Cortez/Tanner banks where some guy was fishing for Yellowtail w/a small mack I had just handed him. I was chumming from the tank when I saw some "VW" size Bluefin come up the chum line (out of nowhere). I just happened to see his mack hit the water just where I had thrown a brail of bait to get them (bluefin) excited, and saw his bait disappear in a big 'ole swirl. He took a big swing and set the hook. After double checking the drag, he, I and another deckhand watched helplessly as about 350yds of 40# proceeded to disappear into the deep blue. In about 2 minutes it was over :Rolls Eyes:. We saw the knot on the bottom of the spool, and then it was over. "POP" :Sad:
This fish never even stopped!
From my vantage point most of the fish we saw were over 100# with a handfull between 200-300#. :Shocked: :EyePop:
So, I'm saying it does happen but what are you going to do? :???:
LW

[ghetto dad]

Yeah I was semi-kidding, I remember a trip to the Cortez/Tanner banks where some guy was fishing for Yellowtail w/a small mack I had just handed him. I was chumming from the tank when I saw some "VW" size Bluefin come up the chum line (out of nowhere). I just happened to see his mack hit the water just where I had thrown a brail of bait to get them (bluefin) excited, and saw his bait disappear in a big 'ole swirl. He took a big swing and set the hook. After double checking the drag, he, I and another deckhand watched helplessly as about 350yds of 40# proceeded to disappear into the deep blue. In about 2 minutes it was over :Rolls Eyes:. We saw the knot on the bottom of the spool, and then it was over. "POP" :Sad:
This fish never even stopped!
From my vantage point most of the fish we saw were over 100# with a handfull between 200-300#. :Shocked: :EyePop:
So, I'm saying it does happen but what are you going to do? :???:
LW

Do you/did you work on a boat?????

GD

[Liteweight]

Do you/did you work on a boat?????

GD

Yeah GD, I guess you don't remember some of our discussions last summer, got my start @ Redondo on "the City" and some time on "the special" when my girlfriend worked the galley back in the early '80's & some time down south in SD.
FYI; do you remember the first WON Saltwater Whopper Derby back in '91? I was the one that took the #1 spot in the Tuna catagory. Unfortunately a severe car accident limited my saltwater excursions & tournaments for a few years afterwards. I hope to return this summer to a more full schedule.
LW

[ghetto dad]

Yeah GD, I guess you don't remember some of our discussions last summer, got my start @ Redondo on "the City" and some time on "the special" when my girlfriend worked the galley back in the early '80's & some time down south in SD.
FYI; do you remember the first WON Saltwater Whopper Derby back in '91? I was the one that took the #1 spot in the Tuna catagory. Unfortunately a severe car accident limited my saltwater excursions & tournaments for a few years afterwards. I hope to return this summer to a more full schedule.
LW

dude..i dont remember 2 days ago..let alone last summer..lol


GD

[lexi21]

fantastic catch, good plant for that trip
http://freeimagestocks.com/content/20/grey.png

[dqfish]

Hey Kevin

For the length of trips that you mentioned i use

Avet sx with 50#Braid And 15-20# leader with a calstar 800xl (For choive and small dines)
Avet mxj with 50#Braid And 25-30# leader with a calstar 800l (For dines)
Avet jx with 65#Braid 30-40# leader with calstar 900m (jig stick)
All reels are 2 speed but you dont need it.

These three set ups would be all you would need for local and offshore trips in the 1 to 3 day range
i have used these set ups for the last 8 years and there great but again this is personal opinion.

Dq