Inexpensive tuna jigging setup?

[Scottwr]

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.

[Reel Time]

 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

[Hotrod]

 .

[Reel Time]

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)

[Bucktail]

Dick's sells both the Torium and the Trevala.  

 

[Hotrod]

 

[Duffman]

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.

[Scottwr]

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

[Hotrod]

Spinning is harder to get the correct technique
I leaned that this past weekend   

[Duffman]

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

[Scottwr]

thanks for the excellent input guys. Hotrod what is harder about getting the technique on spinning gear? please explain

[Hotrod]

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

[Bucktail]

Where are you from Scott?

[Scottwr]

Bucktail- I am from the Philadelphia area

[Bottom Dweller]

Any deals @ franklin mills or langhorne?

[Hunter 2]

Don't overlook the expensive setups but slightly used. 

[Bucktail]

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.

[fellinger]

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.

[Scottwr]

Yea definitely a little far from me but I appreciate the offer. Dicks around here is mostly freshwater gear with some basic saltwater stuff

[PaPlumber]

check out west marine in bensalem