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NJ Saltwater Fishing Reports and Information => NJ Offshore Fishing Reports and Information => Topic started by: Scottwr on July 19, 2012, 05:27:14 PM

Title: Inexpensive tuna jigging setup?
Post by: Scottwr on July 19, 2012, 05:27:14 PM
I am new to this forum and want to thank anyone in advance for any help you can offer me on this topic. I really want to get in on this tuna jigging craze but when I look at the rods and reels most recommend there is just no way I can afford a $1,200 reel. I was hoping that someone might point me in the direction of a inexpensive setup for me to get started with, I know less money means lower quality but unfortunatly that is my situation.
Title: Re: Inexpensive tuna jigging setup?
Post by: Reel Time on July 19, 2012, 05:38:21 PM
 For a spinning outfit shimano saragosa paired with a shimano jigging rod and your good to go for around 400 bucks

 For conventional, you can get a torium and shimano jigging rod for around 400 bucks.

 Both are considered entry level gear, but depending what size reel of either you pick will handle anything off our coast.

 Good luck, and welcome to the game. And welcome to the site
Title: Re: Inexpensive tuna jigging setup?
Post by: Hotrod on July 19, 2012, 05:40:11 PM
 whs.
Title: Re: Inexpensive tuna jigging setup?
Post by: Reel Time on July 19, 2012, 05:47:06 PM
What ever you decide on, you want to get at least 15lbs of drag, at a minimum and be capable of at the least 350 yards of 50lb test line.( go with braided line)
Title: Re: Inexpensive tuna jigging setup?
Post by: Bucktail on July 19, 2012, 06:04:03 PM
Dick's sells both the Torium and the Trevala. t^  

 
Title: Re: Inexpensive tuna jigging setup?
Post by: Hotrod on July 19, 2012, 06:13:59 PM
 whs
Title: Re: Inexpensive tuna jigging setup?
Post by: Duffman on July 19, 2012, 06:39:16 PM
What tuna are you jigging for (bluefin inshore or canyon YFT) and off of what platform (private/charter/headboat)?

Makes huge difference in making a recommendation.
Title: Re: Inexpensive tuna jigging setup?
Post by: Scottwr on July 19, 2012, 06:54:07 PM
I would be using it mostly for inshore BFT and some offshore off of a private boat. Also does anyone recommend spinning or conventional..I've heard good things about spinning
Title: Re: Inexpensive tuna jigging setup?
Post by: Hotrod on July 19, 2012, 07:11:19 PM
Spinning is harder to get the correct technique
I leaned that this past weekend   
Title: Re: Inexpensive tuna jigging setup?
Post by: Duffman on July 19, 2012, 07:43:56 PM
To get in on the game cheap but fun and do-able (is that a word?)

Trevala 58xxh $170
Diawa Saltist 50 $180

Not the best setup out there...BUT...relatively cheap, and fun!   Both can be had on ebay and C-list much cheaper if ya look around.

Of course you can go with a  Penn 4/0 and a 5'6" slammer rod for under $200 as starter as well. Cheap and heavy

Title: Re: Inexpensive tuna jigging setup?
Post by: Scottwr on July 19, 2012, 09:00:16 PM
thanks for the excellent input guys. Hotrod what is harder about getting the technique on spinning gear? please explain
Title: Re: Inexpensive tuna jigging setup?
Post by: Hotrod on July 19, 2012, 09:40:38 PM
I have 3 Conventional Set ups and just purchased a Spinning set up.. used it a couple times this past weekend..  and it was like I was trying to pick it up all over again.  maybe if you start with it. you will be fine..

Have a look....  Capt. Chris.. with Capt. Rich K


Title: Re: Inexpensive tuna jigging setup?
Post by: Bucktail on July 19, 2012, 10:05:45 PM
Where are you from Scott?
Title: Re: Inexpensive tuna jigging setup?
Post by: Scottwr on July 20, 2012, 01:30:49 PM
Bucktail- I am from the Philadelphia area
Title: Re: Inexpensive tuna jigging setup?
Post by: Bottom Dweller on July 20, 2012, 02:13:00 PM
Any deals @ franklin mills or langhorne?
Title: Re: Inexpensive tuna jigging setup?
Post by: Hunter 2 on July 20, 2012, 02:20:06 PM
Don't overlook the expensive setups but slightly used.  t^
Title: Re: Inexpensive tuna jigging setup?
Post by: Bucktail on July 20, 2012, 04:07:46 PM
Bucktail- I am from the Philadelphia area

OK.  If you were closer I would tell you to stop by the Dick's in Brick and I would show you what we have in your price range that would work for tuna.

I'm not sure what they have in the PA stores, but they (most likely) will have a lot more fresh than salt.
Title: Re: Inexpensive tuna jigging setup?
Post by: fellinger on July 20, 2012, 04:36:57 PM
Any deals @ franklin mills or langhorne?

They don't have much in the way of saltwater stuff, niether does Willow Grove. The store on 73 seems to be better.
Title: Re: Inexpensive tuna jigging setup?
Post by: Scottwr on July 20, 2012, 10:01:04 PM
Yea definitely a little far from me but I appreciate the offer. Dicks around here is mostly freshwater gear with some basic saltwater stuff
Title: Re: Inexpensive tuna jigging setup?
Post by: PaPlumber on July 22, 2012, 08:18:33 AM
check out west marine in bensalem
Title: Re: Inexpensive tuna jigging setup?
Post by: PaPlumber on July 22, 2012, 08:23:35 AM
or take a ride up to cabelas
Title: Re: Inexpensive tuna jigging setup?
Post by: fellinger on July 22, 2012, 01:26:45 PM
check out west marine in bensalem

Usually very expensive in my experience.
Title: Re: Inexpensive tuna jigging setup?
Post by: Scottwr on July 22, 2012, 04:16:56 PM
If I go to Cabelas I'll probably end up In trouble with the wife 5hrug 5hrug
Title: Re: Inexpensive tuna jigging setup?
Post by: BigAl13 on July 22, 2012, 04:22:36 PM
check c-list I posted a link earlier on another thread
Title: Re: Inexpensive tuna jigging setup?
Post by: Scottwr on July 24, 2012, 06:55:01 PM
how about rods? preferably conventional
Title: Re: Inexpensive tuna jigging setup?
Post by: Hotrod on July 24, 2012, 07:01:39 PM
Star Rods... (http://www.seastriker.com/starrods/styled-4/styled-35/index.html)

Bob can give you a better idea on which one..
Title: Re: Inexpensive tuna jigging setup?
Post by: Scottwr on August 02, 2012, 04:16:39 PM
A friend gave me a Penn Bluewater Carnage jigging rod 6'6" MH action I am going to put a Torium 16 I have on there and give it a go. Anyone know anything about these rods?  Pretty sure its a new version of the Penn Torque series.  Keep in mind this setup will be used mostly for inshore BFT around the mudhole mostly
Title: Re: Inexpensive tuna jigging setup?
Post by: Reel Time on August 02, 2012, 05:54:45 PM
 I've heard, read good things about those rods.

 sound to me like your ready togo.

 Bucktail bob might chime in and give you advice about upgrading the drag for the torium 16, I believe he has the same reel, and lost one due to stock drag too! Not sure of the whole story, best to let him chime in.
Title: Re: Inexpensive tuna jigging setup?
Post by: Bucktail on August 02, 2012, 06:30:39 PM
I haven't used the Carnage jigger, but I've played with it a few times.  It seems like a good stick.  I like the foregrip on it. t^

It wasn't my Torium, but my Trinidad that the drag locked up on me.  I am a little sour on those Dartanium drags, but the truth is they should be fine (at least in the beginning).  They tend to get sticky after a while.  I think I just got a bad set from the get go.  (It happens).

If you do want to upgrade to Carbontex washers, contact Dawn at SMOoOTH DRAG (http://www.smoothdrag.com/index.html) and she can help you out with that.

Another upgrade I did to my Torium was to beef up the anti-reverse.  But, again, you should be fine with the stock reel (at least for the smaller tuna that we have been catching off of NJ).

Put some 65 lb. braid on it and go get 'em!  Good luck!  Let us know how you do. slt
Title: Re: Inexpensive tuna jigging setup?
Post by: Scottwr on August 03, 2012, 01:53:16 PM
sounds good guys thanks!