tuna trip

[SPEEDRUG]

Im planning on going on the big jamica for a tuna trip...

I have a penn reel 320gts http://www.pennreels.com/01_products/reels/conventional/06_gti/320gt2.htm without a rod and a penn reel 320ld on a Shimano Talavera tec70mh http://fish.shimano.com/catalog/fish/products/group_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302044178&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474395181270&bmUID=1192828996828..
My question is if those reels or the pole is good enough..Which reel should i use..

What kind of line should use and what rig or tackle should i use?


thanks for the help..

[Duffman]

Too small.  You'll definitely need heavier tackle, especially with the size of the YFT's we have been seeing this season (some to 100+).
   A 6/0 reel with a 50-80 or 50-100 stand up rod. Spool it with 60 lb mono ( I prefer Jinkai) Assortment of 1oz thru 8 oz eggs, 40-50-60 lb fluoro, 5/0,6/0,7/0 Gami or Owner live bait hooks, Sampo 150 lb swivels.
  If you have to, rent the rod/reel.  Typically, the head boats will have a Penn Senator 6/0 and a 6 foot fiberglass rod.  Not top of the line, but enough to put some tuna in the boat.  Bring your own terminal tackle I described above. The boat will not supply fluro  and you dont want to wait for the mate to tie a rig up for you when the bite is hot.  Their rod, your terminal tackle, you'll do just fine. Good luck, damn I jonesing for another trip!!!!!

[SPEEDRUG]

 Can you recommend a good reel and rod..I hate paying 25$$ if and most likely will go again.. What does 6/0 actual mean?

[SPEEDRUG]

Any penn senator would do?

[Duffman]

All depends what you want to spend.  You can go with a 114 Senator for $120 and a matching Penn standup rod for less than that. Prices go up from there.
  If you need the rod ASAP you'll have to go for something off the shelf. If you have time, you can go custom for something from Bogan or a Chaos rod. Very reasonably priced but it will take time to get unless they have what you want ready to go.
  Last year I put together a decent setup on the cheap and it worked well for me this season:
   Single speed Penn International 30 TW - Ebay  - $180
   Sent to Penn for overhaul with new drag washers - $92
   Chaos 50-100 standup roller rod - $245
   450 yds Jinkai smoke blue 60 lb test mono -  $45

 $479 for the package, shop around, you'll find some great deals out there.

[SPEEDRUG]

should the rods have rollers?

[Duffman]

ALL of what I have said is personal prefrence. Rollers are not required. I have heard pros and cons on rollers. PLENTY of tuna have been landed on rental tackle over the years, it all depends on what you prefer.
    The guys here who have alot more offshore experience than me will give their opinions as well. Take what info you get here and use what you are most comfortable with. Hope this gets ya pointed inthe right direction.
    When you planning on going?  With this weather the tuna bite will last well into Nov. 

[SPEEDRUG]

hopefully on the 28 on the jamica

[Treebeard]

 Duffman is spot on IMO...bringing those GTI outfits out for head boat Tuna, is like bringing a pointy stick to a gunfight.. 6/0 refers to the size of the reel, so,  if your GTI's where measured this way, they would be about 2/0.. In the Penn Senator line 6/0 equates to the 114H models.. If your not looking to spend a lot of money on a lever drag reel, the Penn senators will be hard to beat.. You may consider stepping up to the 114HLW, which has better line cap. (about 400 yds. of 60#)  and also has a one piece frame similar to a lever drag reel, making it less prone to torque under a heavy load..As for rod, again follow Duffman's advice and look for a standup rod, as their designed for exactly this kind of fishing.. If you want to stick with Penn, look at the VS5010TF60 International V..  a 50-100# standup with plain ring guides and a foam butt, as opposed to $$ rollers and a costlier slick or aluminium butt. ..You could likely get that rod/reel outfit for under $350.00 w/ line if you shop around a bit.. Good Luck