I've been using my accurate 600N's For jigging tuna up in the canyons Offshore of New Jersey and occasionally for tilefish For about 5 years now and I've never had a single issue with them. Never had to have them serviced I just give give him a good wash down after I am done fishing and they have been great.
Fathoms [1 and 2-speeds] are not "plastic", they are metal [diecast aluminum]. Comparing a 6-1 star drag Torque to a 2-speed Fathom [or any 2-speed LD] is apples-oranges. Also, star drag Torques have been discontinued for 3 years.
No, I’m talking about the Shimano TLD 20II, TLD 30II and TLD 50II reels with graphite frames. Guys have posted pictures in forums from when they hooked big tunas. Tore the lugs right out of the frames and wrecked the frames. They can catch big fish, but you have to fish them without clipping your harness onto those lugs.
I have to say I landed and released 2 bft over 200 lb LANDBASED with that reel it’s a fucking beast of a reel and I usually just full drag with 200lb braid and 150 lb mono topshot 🤣 aaaaand I’m not using a harness so there is no force in the outside of the body. Maybe that’s why it’s good enough for me …
Trinidad is basically same reel as torium except for different anti- reverse, white handle and $200 more expensive. tranx 500 has same internals as Trinidad 20 except for the braking and levelwind. Saltiga star drag is the shit, use it for blackfish, caught a 47 lb striped bass on the 10 size. New lever drags are even nicer. I think we will see more Okuma too, especially since it’s hard to get shimano stuff
This is an outstanding video review of a variety of conventional reels. You've educated me on the many uses each reel specializes in. I certainly will follow your advice and recommendations for my next reel purchase. Thank you
Great comparison(s) although most of them I have not used. I am OG 95% (78yrs old), like the black and white photos era, hard headed, and have used so many of the old stuff for so long. I do have some nice Daiwa, Shimano, and newer Penn. Most of my fishing is Florida Keys and south and southwest into Central America. Much 10/0 Penn for swordfish off Key Largo. Bottom fishing in the Dry Tortugas..... Many of my Penn"s have upgrades [if not all of them]. I still use Squidder's and Jigmaster's for sailfish, cobia, etc., even some bottom fishing. With proper care (and upgrades) my International's just keep on catching, for decades, and I still think they are good looking reels. I have used some of these newer reels that my kids, grandkids, and friends have brought aboard, and I like them OK.....but not enough to have replaced my old stuff.....even after ridicule. My stuff works for me, as well as their stuff works for them, but I wouldn't turn down any pretty new ones if they are free. We enjoy your videos. Also great to see someone that knows how to clean a (delicious) shark properly. God bless you.
I agree and disagree with you on the avets, but let me first say I know there is different types of fishing in different areas but commercial fishing here in the gulf and running single speed sxj's, lx's, mxl's also running hxj 5/2s for blackfin and snapper. We also have all these reels in different configurations from single speed, g2, raptor, etc. from my experience avets are work horses and out last tallicas, speed masters, etc and when they do fail bc we run drags tighter then anyone does around especially in Florida they are cheap to get repaired compared to a shimano, and in not bashing shimano I own several but for commercial fishing here and cost of ownership and power avets wins all day, also a raptor in any category makes a crazy amount of drag but it's foolish to say that's the only avet people should buy bc in all honesty the amount of drag a raptor makes depending on its class, sx,mx,lx,jx,hx I don't see anyone using it to its full potential when they can get a g2 single speed or a 2 speed g2 and have plenty drag.
Unfortunately the avets produced the last few years have been hot garbage. The tolerance have gone to crap I saw one go into freespool with the lever in gear just because it was 40 degrees out we poured warm water on it and it went back into gear
@@FishinWithAlex ehh, I’ve been running avets for a while and many of my friends, haven’t had any issues honestly and i ABUSE my gear personally and i never service anything. You probably had a bad reel and I’m sure if you contacted avet they would have made it right and fixed it for free, not even a fanboy but it’s well known avet Is top notch.
@@johngeddes7894 I’m not sure if it’s specific to one reel… across the board recently I’ve been hearing a lot of people saying their avets have been underperforming and breaking
Good review..the only head scratcher was the penn torque 30. I have one on a uc terminator for fly lining yellowtail. I have caught over 50 with it and it's been flawless. Some big ass donkeys to. It's a newer version so maybe you fished an older version or had a lemon. Would love for you to dive deeper into the torque. Thx
What would you say that best reel around $250-300 is for rockfishing in california? I have been using a tranx 300 and its great but I want a two speed conventional reel. Was thinking about Fathom 25 cuz I think I could also use that for yellowtail.
Can't believe Accurate was a "C" tier reel. Have nothing but good things to say about them. And their customer service is second to none. And I upgraded my 800 to a T-bar handle and I like the round handle on the smaller size reels I have. Not saying it should of been #1 but would put it at the top for sure.
@@joevtfishing it's a tank bro. Has worked awesome for big AJs and Grouper. And I love the looks of them. And I was suprised you didn't try to snag my reel cover!
I have a Penn 60 LD single speed. It's brought in a lot of Red Snapper and Grouper plus a couple big Amberjack. I have a TLD 30 LD 2 speed that proved way too much over kill for Snapper but I plan on trying on some Yellowfin Tuna next year. I just recently got a 2-speed jigging reel from China called Channelmay for $120 and put almost 400 yards of 80lb Kastking Braid on it. It was a beast taking on a huge Amberjack on a party boat. When I kicked into low the battle turned in my favor strongly. You need to check these out. The other one you mentioned is a Torium 30 that I have on a 12 ft Beefstick Surf Rod. The Torium has brought in a 5 ft 6 inch Bull Shark and a huge ray with no problem.
Just bought an accurate Boss Valiant 600N. Watched this twice. Hope to see an open face comparison. Looking for something between my stradich 5500 & my stella 14k, 20k. Thats a big gap.
Revisiting this video months later and gotta say, I bottom fished with the Ocea Jigger this year and it is a TANK and can pull big fish out of wrecks with ease. We fish for Tautog here in the North East and this is the best reel to get their heads turned and get them out of the structure.
Really interesting video, loved it! Would be nice to do the same for spinning reels! I'm thinking about buying a in-line rod with a 2 speed reel for dropping 200-300gr jigs for Tuna and occasionally do some bottom fishing with it. I do hear a lot of good news about Okuma, I was looking at a Okuma Cavalla 2 speed CAV-5 II. Any experience with this reel? Or do you have a better reel suggestion for this type of fishing? Thanks!
some but more so with the mikiaras. i would just get as mikiara. their are so many upsides to the reel and it comes with a sick power handle, would be better for fighting tuna
I have three senators average 40 years old, a daiwa 450 and now I’m finally going to upgrade to a TranX 401. Everything suited to need, general use. I would really like to see a vid for left handed reels.
the tranx arent good reels i would reccomend looking into the Okuma Komodo and the daiwa lexa. If you want something really nice the daiwa lexa TW is the best baitcaster ever made, the latest and greatest. I've fished tranx in salt for a few years and they require a lot of maintenance.
Avet Reels: Yes, there’s 4 classification of their small lever drags, but MC Cast isn’t one of them (it’s an optional feature available on most small class reels, but a standard feature on the Raptors - except Raptor HXW). The classifications are Gen I (single/two speed), Gen II (single/two speed), *HX (Gen 1.5 - Single/two speed), and Raptor. The non-Raptor HX reels (*above) are class on their own because their gearing and drag systems are the same as Gen II, but the billeted frames are based on Gen I. It’s why you’ll never see a Gen II HX Series reel. The Raptor HX Series and the Pro Ex Series have their own “second generation” too; it’s the additional granny gear (3-speed). Crazy pulling power! Definitely, a grouper feature. I wouldn’t recommend it for tuna or other pelagic species unless the fish is in its death spin. If the fish charges the boat, you’ll never catch up if you’re in the granny gear. Avet’s newest class amongst the small Avet reels are the star drags. Amazing little reels with smooth drags and no back play in the gear/handle system. Finally, Avet too had a reel with a “lockdown pin” for the spool. They had this feature on the Pro EX 4/0 reel (narrow and wide). Great reels for dropper loop/Yellowtail, but discontinued several years back. Note: I didn’t provide info on the Quad T-RX Series. These reels should be part of your “OG reels”! Edit: Based on the current Avet Website, they’re no longer featuring the Gen. I reels. I guess Harry & Sarkis are phasing them out!
@@joevtfishing Yes sir, I’ve got three 4/0 PEX & one PEX-W with the drag pin stoppers. The design was mechanically sound. But IRL, I think the pins caused the line to bury itself and bind. 🤔
It's diffinitely not the best in the market but come on. I don't know where is he coming with this assumptions. Most reviews I read about them were over 3 stars maybe 4. And for the price. Come on.
Joe whats your opinion on the diawa sealine 50SHA? I have several 40's and 50's and absolutely love them for snapper and smaller grouper and for bug grouper i have the old sealine that resembles the senator. I have been thinking of getting a avet for a go all around setup so definitely will be looking at the raptor. Great video be cool if you make one for spinners also.
Question: I got the saltiga 20000 h spinning reel. I hope to catch some tuna. Since you talked about reels. What do you think of a spinning reels particularly with the one I got compared to a conventional reels in power such as drag of about the same price
Good info thank you. Only thing i heard that was incorrect is that the single speed penn fathoms lever drags are plastic. They are metal, same exact reel as the 2 speed versions just different gearing
Hey joe - great video. I'm on the west coat and looking to put together a BFT setup. Which reel (&rod) do you recommend? I'm thinking Fathom 60, Avet Raptor, or Shimano Talica 25. Not looking to break the bank and probably will go out 5-10 times a year. Thanks and keep up the good work
If your budget allows consideration of a Talica, the Penn series to look at is defintiely the Torque. which does also have the 60 size. However, for west coast bluefin, a "Heavy Frame" reel like an International 16VISX gives the best combination of manageable weight and more than sufficient power to handle 200-plus pounders on 100-pound line.
Well all have our preferences, I've used Okuma for years. Retired from the Air Force in Arizona so all my offshore fishing was out of San Diego, LA and Snata Barbara. I love the customer service, just pay for shipping and they have fixed everything I beat on tuna, yellowtail, dorado to grouper, snapper and AJs. Find what works for you bu feel and financially
The problem is the larger saltigas are the egg knobs they got on them. Talking to charter guys who run them, customers eventually yank the handle knobs off.
I replaced my Accurates with Saltigas and couldn't be happier. I also found a way to get them for about 25% off which is amazing. I couldn't be happier with them.
You never mentioned the Tiburon Smartshift reels. They did a joint venture with Okuma. The Makaira’s drag and thrust bearing is designed by Tiburon…I hear Tiburon is selling them again. These reels are rock solid and have a cult like following…Tiburon Engineering based out of Santa Ana, CA…
Those 30w shimano reels are great we troll for kingfish with them and I’ve caught a 40lb wahoo a 60 and a 90 on those reels solid option for slow trolling dead or live bait
Tyrnos is just the tld but better, better drag system, better drag, better body, everything. If you put the tld in B the tyrnos 2 speed 50 LRS belongs there (comes with a power handle as well)
What size speedmaster would be best to bottomfish for grouper and mutton’s out of Mayport? Never seen one but looking at the 20 size online. Do they have them at Strike Zone? Thanks
Good review i have a couple of them love the penns I have the avet mc 6 and smooth reel cast good but like you said it lacks power on big snapper solid reel CAN YOU DO VIDEO ON SPINNING REELS?
I dont think you have fished a tranx exclusively in the salt before but they really need to be made salt worthy. The 500 size is the nicest one in the lineup, but its way overpriced for what it is. Its compared to the trinidad when its really a torium level wind with double bearing pinion support. They should retail $400 max, I dont get why they are $500 and there is no reason for it. If they were machined anodized aluminum it make sense, but they are cast with a plastic sideplate. The smaller sizes are a pain to own, ive ran through so many bearings on those reels its just absurd. The new lexa HD's have outlasted my tranx's fishing salt by far, 0 repairs in the last 2 years. I sold all my tranx's except for the 200 size which has the best saltwater mind design in shimanos lineup. The new lexa TW's is in a completely different category, its like a super tuned tranx with beefier internals and made for extreme casting applications. In terms of power its the most powerful baitcaster ive ever used. For me handled bat eagle rays up to 100lbs with ease which are gear beating fish, but i know other people have caught 100+lb bluefin with them as well and had 0 issues. They have so much unmentioned tech internally, including shimanos X Ship, and super freespool designs, along with more drive shaft support which is a substantial increase of torque, and probably why they are so much stronger than my tranx were. And the casting distance blows everything else out of the game, the T Wing system is brilliant. Ive casted 100lb mono thoughts with ease, there seems to be confusion around the t wing not being able to cast knots for some reason. Its definitely an S teir reel, its surpassed the entire saltwater baitcaster market in terms of technology.
I live in Virginia and fish in the outer banks of North carolina, they have a special way of casting from the beach and piers to bottom fish for red drum. 100 yard casts are normal. People there love the diawa saltists and sealines. People also use the avet mc, and some people swear by the penn fathom star drags and penn squalls. But for that kind of fishing it's all about casting not so much power.
Glad that someone does not like Accurate too. They are expensive and so not durable, they corroded easily! After that I tried Shimano Talica II and then Okuma Makaira 15. Have to say the Makaira is the best. An absolute tank with solid cranking power. You won’t regret getting one.
@@joevtfishing i run a 30 ld with 60lb braid. We catch a variety of bottom fish like cod cusk haddock pollock etc. I sold all my avets and toriums and only use the fathoms now
@@joevtfishing Mine made a knocking sound when I turn the handle. Replaced the bearing to no avail. My guess is that the main gear has a chip in one of the teeth. Those gears aren't cheap to replace. Also, the threads in screw hole for the reel seat clamp began to fall out. It seems the aluminum is really soft. I have a lot of reels (many that you mentioned) and thats the only one that did that.
I’m at mate and we use shimano tekotas very under rated star drag reel , toriums too for kingfish.. I personally use a finor star drag very durable and strong ree
Those black and white pics of old record fish are not all internationals. Most of them were 14/0 and bigger Penn senators. Old school single speed star drag reels with turnbuckle supports, just like capt quint used in the original jaws.
First I’m 77+ … been fishing all my life… live in Southern California… long ranged tuna/wahoo fished since 1992 … don’t fish those 20+ days anymore … 2-5 day Bluefin trips now … rockfish … etc. Sold all my Newell’s (8), Penn Internationals (10) tricked out by Cal’s, all my Shimano’s (4), Penn Yellowtail specials (Tiburon guts w/ Newell gears) … been there and done that … NOW … I have one Accurate Narrow Raptor (wahoo), older Penn Fantom’s II (backup reels w/ metal frame), but my favorite now is my 7 Okuma Makaria’s w/2 Alijos 5/12N (mini Makaria’s) … just returned from a 3 day bluefin 🐟 trip … caught 6+ 40# (small 🐟) on my Makaria MK10 and Alijos 12 two speeds … Glad I’m now fishing Okumas now … don’t like Accurate’s … big tuna tear them up … Well we did have/use the newer 3 speeds for fishing the kite 🪁… My Makaria’s have a 5 year warranty… that says something … 10+ years ago I wouldn’t have used a Makaria as a boat anchor… But now 👍 theirs a story about how they’ve become popular on the west coast … Rods … I fish United Composite and Calstar … Poop … Japanese Makaria makes the tooling other reel manufacturers use to machine their reels.
Not much to disagree with, Tiagra is the best all around big game reels bar none Accurate’s great, just too temperamental, I have a bunch of old Penn 50 SW’s TW’s 30’s as well all 25+ years old have thousands of days and fish on them with little to no failure.
Im trying to find a conventional reel that can handle like 50lb blue and yellow fin and I am between the penn fathom black or silver if anyone has experience with them or my other option was an avet sx6/4 raptor if anyone with experience can let me know there opinion it would be much appreciated!
Okuma makaira or alijos 10 with 40 lb braid will do it if you want to go lighter tackle for 50 lb fish, a 12 or 16 of the mak or alijos 2 speeds are my favorite reels. The alijos have a casting magnet dial on the side so you’d be able to have more range and use it as an iron/popper reel too. Both of them have the exact same internals, same gears, drag etc. yesterday I caught a 176 and a 140 on the 16 alijos and have landed a 184 yft on the 12 alijos. Amazing reels. If you’re not looking to go, Okuma, any size talica, any of the two speed fathoms, the toriums are great reels, if you go with AVET you can only go with the raptor, and you could actually handle fish up to 50 pounds with the big tranx, Alexa, or Komodo if you really wanted to go super light. The saltigas are great reels too
2 things First I dont know what the hell penn did to the torque the gen 1 torq 300x was a grouper killer and then they quickly changed the design to that pos you see now. Second okuma metaloid os a reel you should check out we crush the grouper amd snapper with them in southwest Florida. Light weight plenty of power they make single and 2 speeds. Highly recommend the 12 series. Ive caught everything from big blacks to full grown goliaths on them. Have been very impressed with them.
@@joevtfishing thats funny the set I had always was great to us, and we abused the hell out of them reels, until they walked away from the back of my truck in a publix parking lot.
We use Okuma reels to hold down our empty rubbish bags in the trash can so the bag doesn’t fly away in the wind, well at least until we fill the trash can up and throw away the Okuma real along with the trash. Okuma reels and rods are rubbish here in Hawaii!!!
I have to laugh that you put the TLD's as a B and the Tyrnos as a D... the Tyrnos is simply an aluminum body (read: more durable) version of the TLD. Other than that, they're the same reel... not sure why you knock the Tyrnos so hard when you state, "you can do a lot with the TLD".... same reel, dude.
I agree on pretty much everything. I don't have a lot of experience with Okuma but heard good things. Have an Accurate SPJ reel and really wish I went with the Shimano. Always hated Avet. Probably going to get a set of Speedmasters for trolling and kiting.
I bought an old Penn Senator from a pawn shop back in the 1990`s $20 for it and it still works like new. All I have to do is keep it clean. I use it for saltwater and even use it for alligator gar in the river. People look at me like I`m crazy casting that at the river. LOL
they do make good reels but just like every other company the good ones are expensive. i feel like there is better options for the price for what i personally fish. just looked at your website, looks like you do a lot of stuff similar to what i do. the small ones have touchy drag and when you twist the cam to loosen or tighten the drag its even more touchy. if i had to buy a new set of king reels i would get the new speedmasters, wouldnt be bad for bottom either if youre set on lever drags
Greetings coming from Indonesia, Aru Islands, Maluku Province, Greetings from fellow anglers, Healthy greetings and Strike greetings, and thank you for the information about your fishing equipment, Senior.
I've been using my accurate 600N's For jigging tuna up in the canyons Offshore of New Jersey and occasionally for tilefish For about 5 years now and I've never had a single issue with them. Never had to have them serviced I just give give him a good wash down after I am done fishing and they have been great.
Fathoms [1 and 2-speeds] are not "plastic", they are metal [diecast aluminum]. Comparing a 6-1 star drag Torque to a 2-speed Fathom [or any 2-speed LD] is apples-oranges. Also, star drag Torques have been discontinued for 3 years.
I like the fathoms myself. Have a 20 and a 60 2 speed. Love them both...
@lifeafterdisability8180 can you catch big tuna with the 60?
I have a Shimano talica 50 2 speed, talica 25 2 speed, 1 talica 20 2 speed, 2 talica 16 2 speed. I love talica reels they are so smooth.
Would the penn US senator 113N be a good reel for going after trophy catfish, sturgeon, and alligator gar?
Saw a video a while ago where some guys caught a 400lb sturgeon on an Avet LX with 100lb braid
Penn squall 50. Landed and released 5 bft between 348 to 498lb. Super smooth drag
When you hsrness up and clip onto the lugs, they tear right of with 1/2 the graphite’s frame with it when fighting big fish (150+) .
No, I’m talking about the Shimano TLD 20II, TLD 30II and TLD 50II reels with graphite frames. Guys have posted pictures in forums from when they hooked big tunas. Tore the lugs right out of the frames and wrecked the frames. They can catch big fish, but you have to fish them without clipping your harness onto those lugs.
I have to say I landed and released 2 bft over 200 lb LANDBASED with that reel it’s a fucking beast of a reel and I usually just full drag with 200lb braid and 150 lb mono topshot 🤣 aaaaand I’m not using a harness so there is no force in the outside of the body. Maybe that’s why it’s good enough for me …
Trinidad is basically same reel as torium except for different anti- reverse, white handle and $200 more expensive. tranx 500 has same internals as Trinidad 20 except for the braking and levelwind. Saltiga star drag is the shit, use it for blackfish, caught a 47 lb striped bass on the 10 size. New lever drags are even nicer. I think we will see more Okuma too, especially since it’s hard to get shimano stuff
This is an outstanding video review of a variety of conventional reels. You've educated me on the many uses each reel specializes in. I certainly will follow your advice and recommendations for my next reel purchase. Thank you
Great comparison(s) although most of them I have not used. I am OG 95% (78yrs old), like the black and white photos era, hard headed, and have used
so many of the old stuff for so long. I do have some nice Daiwa, Shimano, and newer Penn. Most of my fishing is Florida Keys and south and southwest
into Central America. Much 10/0 Penn for swordfish off Key Largo. Bottom fishing in the Dry Tortugas.....
Many of my Penn"s have upgrades [if not all of them]. I still use Squidder's and Jigmaster's for sailfish, cobia, etc., even some bottom fishing.
With proper care (and upgrades) my International's just keep on catching, for decades, and I still think they are good looking reels.
I have used some of these newer reels that my kids, grandkids, and friends have brought aboard, and I like them OK.....but not enough to have
replaced my old stuff.....even after ridicule. My stuff works for me, as well as their stuff works for them, but I wouldn't turn down any pretty new ones if they are free.
We enjoy your videos. Also great to see someone that knows how to clean a (delicious) shark properly. God bless you.
I agree and disagree with you on the avets, but let me first say I know there is different types of fishing in different areas but commercial fishing here in the gulf and running single speed sxj's, lx's, mxl's also running hxj 5/2s for blackfin and snapper. We also have all these reels in different configurations from single speed, g2, raptor, etc. from my experience avets are work horses and out last tallicas, speed masters, etc and when they do fail bc we run drags tighter then anyone does around especially in Florida they are cheap to get repaired compared to a shimano, and in not bashing shimano I own several but for commercial fishing here and cost of ownership and power avets wins all day, also a raptor in any category makes a crazy amount of drag but it's foolish to say that's the only avet people should buy bc in all honesty the amount of drag a raptor makes depending on its class, sx,mx,lx,jx,hx I don't see anyone using it to its full potential when they can get a g2 single speed or a 2 speed g2 and have plenty drag.
I think for your big reels you can’t go wrong with Penn shimano and avet… I prefer Penn but it’s hard to wrong with any of them
Unfortunately the avets produced the last few years have been hot garbage. The tolerance have gone to crap I saw one go into freespool with the lever in gear just because it was 40 degrees out we poured warm water on it and it went back into gear
@@FishinWithAlex I’ve heard about that but don’t own an avet so didn’t really know how true it was… I just stay with my internationals
@@FishinWithAlex ehh, I’ve been running avets for a while and many of my friends, haven’t had any issues honestly and i ABUSE my gear personally and i never service anything. You probably had a bad reel and I’m sure if you contacted avet they would have made it right and fixed it for free, not even a fanboy but it’s well known avet Is top notch.
Which Avet? Raptor? Just curious.
@@johngeddes7894 I’m not sure if it’s specific to one reel… across the board recently I’ve been hearing a lot of people saying their avets have been underperforming and breaking
Good review..the only head scratcher was the penn torque 30. I have one on a uc terminator for fly lining yellowtail. I have caught over 50 with it and it's been flawless. Some big ass donkeys to. It's a newer version so maybe you fished an older version or had a lemon. Would love for you to dive deeper into the torque. Thx
Me too, have the 12 in black and one in gold, the 25n and just got a new 15xnld. Never had a reason to fault them after 8 years, bullet proof
What would you say that best reel around $250-300 is for rockfishing in california? I have been using a tranx 300 and its great but I want a two speed conventional reel. Was thinking about Fathom 25 cuz I think I could also use that for yellowtail.
Shimano speed master
Can't believe Accurate was a "C" tier reel. Have nothing but good things to say about them. And their customer service is second to none. And I upgraded my 800 to a T-bar handle and I like the round handle on the smaller size reels I have. Not saying it should of been #1 but would put it at the top for sure.
I really did like your big reel, I wouldn’t mind having one of those reels. That reel would be an easy high a tier
@@joevtfishing it's a tank bro. Has worked awesome for big AJs and Grouper. And I love the looks of them. And I was suprised you didn't try to snag my reel cover!
I have a Penn 60 LD single speed. It's brought in a lot of Red Snapper and Grouper plus a couple big Amberjack.
I have a TLD 30 LD 2 speed that proved way too much over kill for Snapper but I plan on trying on some Yellowfin Tuna next year.
I just recently got a 2-speed jigging reel from China called Channelmay for $120 and put almost 400 yards of 80lb Kastking Braid on it.
It was a beast taking on a huge Amberjack on a party boat. When I kicked into low the battle turned in my favor strongly. You need to check these out.
The other one you mentioned is a Torium 30 that I have on a 12 ft Beefstick Surf Rod.
The Torium has brought in a 5 ft 6 inch Bull Shark and a huge ray with no problem.
he dont care this is his opinion
Where would you put the new Fathom II? I'm thinking about getting a size 25 two speed.
Great video. We need more videos like this. I fish the west Coast. You get it.
Just bought an accurate Boss Valiant 600N. Watched this twice. Hope to see an open face comparison. Looking for something between my stradich 5500 & my stella 14k, 20k. Thats a big gap.
USA Virgina Seigler reels??
Revisiting this video months later and gotta say, I bottom fished with the Ocea Jigger this year and it is a TANK and can pull big fish out of wrecks with ease. We fish for Tautog here in the North East and this is the best reel to get their heads turned and get them out of the structure.
Glad it worked it! They’re awesome reels
Really interesting video, loved it! Would be nice to do the same for spinning reels! I'm thinking about buying a in-line rod with a 2 speed reel for dropping 200-300gr jigs for Tuna and occasionally do some bottom fishing with it. I do hear a lot of good news about Okuma, I was looking at a Okuma Cavalla 2 speed CAV-5 II. Any experience with this reel? Or do you have a better reel suggestion for this type of fishing? Thanks!
some but more so with the mikiaras. i would just get as mikiara. their are so many upsides to the reel and it comes with a sick power handle, would be better for fighting tuna
@@joevtfishing Thanks for the advice! 👍👊
I know I’m 8 months late but sadly I agree here! Okuma spins give me a few problems! (Line twist and spool size)
What do you think about the new okuma tesoro star drag? Would you recommend that or should I go with the saltiga?
Joe More content on subjects like this would be interesting, line, rods, lures, electronics, pliers/ gadgets etc
I am from Trinidad. I have never used a conventional reel in my life. Great video as always 👍.
Are you going to do it for spinning reel ?
more than likely i will, thank you for watching!!
I have three senators average 40 years old, a daiwa 450 and now I’m finally going to upgrade to a TranX 401. Everything suited to need, general use.
I would really like to see a vid for left handed reels.
the tranx arent good reels i would reccomend looking into the Okuma Komodo and the daiwa lexa. If you want something really nice the daiwa lexa TW is the best baitcaster ever made, the latest and greatest. I've fished tranx in salt for a few years and they require a lot of maintenance.
@@fadelover123 thank you. It’s finding a left hand reel that can function
I discovered the old Daiwa Sealine conventional reels. Way better than the senators and cheap used on ebay
great video, id love to see an update or revised version of this!
How do you feel about the penn fathom 400 hs low profile baitcaster?
As of 2024, im curious as to where the Okuma Alijos and Okuma Tesoro star drag line up.
Rad video.
Alijos is my new favorite reel actually. Same gears and drag as the makaira with cast control magnet
@@joevtfishing glad I asked. I heard their drags are solid.
What about the Tesoro stardrags?
How about Okuma Tesoro Star Drag reels?
I’m looking to get the saltiga lever drag 60. 2 speeds. For big games. What do you think of it?
Have you tried a Gomexus? I just bought the RA 600 and it seems very well made with an incredible warranty. Price is very good.
Great video man! What's your opinion on the new Fathom II 2 speeds that came out somewhat recently?
Avet Reels: Yes, there’s 4 classification of their small lever drags, but MC Cast isn’t one of them (it’s an optional feature available on most small class reels, but a standard feature on the Raptors - except Raptor HXW).
The classifications are Gen I (single/two speed), Gen II (single/two speed), *HX (Gen 1.5 - Single/two speed), and Raptor.
The non-Raptor HX reels (*above) are class on their own because their gearing and drag systems are the same as Gen II, but the billeted frames are based on Gen I. It’s why you’ll never see a Gen II HX Series reel.
The Raptor HX Series and the Pro Ex Series have their own “second generation” too; it’s the additional granny gear (3-speed). Crazy pulling power! Definitely, a grouper feature. I wouldn’t recommend it for tuna or other pelagic species unless the fish is in its death spin. If the fish charges the boat, you’ll never catch up if you’re in the granny gear.
Avet’s newest class amongst the small Avet reels are the star drags. Amazing little reels with smooth drags and no back play in the gear/handle system.
Finally, Avet too had a reel with a “lockdown pin” for the spool. They had this feature on the Pro EX 4/0 reel (narrow and wide). Great reels for dropper loop/Yellowtail, but discontinued several years back.
Note: I didn’t provide info on the Quad T-RX Series. These reels should be part of your “OG reels”!
Edit: Based on the current Avet Website, they’re no longer featuring the Gen. I reels. I guess Harry & Sarkis are phasing them out!
thanks for the in depth analysis, yeah our avet rep said they only manufactured the drag pin reels for a year or two before stopping
@@joevtfishing Yes sir, I’ve got three 4/0 PEX & one PEX-W with the drag pin stoppers. The design was mechanically sound. But IRL, I think the pins caused the line to bury itself and bind. 🤔
With respect to you and your company, you have a lot of knowledge to share with us.
Does Penn still make a Senator in 1/0 size? I'm thinking about one for big catfish.(50-60 lbs)
Can you give me your opinion on Siegler thanks
I've caught big marlin and tuna on my Penn squall reels and never had problems. They hold plenty of line and have smooth drag
It's diffinitely not the best in the market but come on. I don't know where is he coming with this assumptions. Most reviews I read about them were over 3 stars maybe 4. And for the price. Come on.
So what would be your best bigger game fish star drag reel?
i really wouldnt use anything but a lever drag for bigger species, star drags just dont have the same power and drag
Any experience with Jigging World reels?
Joe whats your opinion on the diawa sealine 50SHA? I have several 40's and 50's and absolutely love them for snapper and smaller grouper and for bug grouper i have the old sealine that resembles the senator. I have been thinking of getting a avet for a go all around setup so definitely will be looking at the raptor. Great video be cool if you make one for spinners also.
theyre a little dated but still have some things they would work great for, thats the plan!!! thanks for watching!
What do you think of Talica 50 for bluefin 100lb+ flat fall or knife jigging at night.
Go heavier than a.standaed flatfall. You need a.17oz knife jig.
Good Job Joe!!! Very informative!
Question: I got the saltiga 20000 h spinning reel. I hope to catch some tuna. Since you talked about reels. What do you think of a spinning reels particularly with the one I got compared to a conventional reels in power such as drag of about the same price
Dude, they twist the line as it winds on the spool.
I would like to see you review the Okuma Tesoro star
Good info thank you. Only thing i heard that was incorrect is that the single speed penn fathoms lever drags are plastic. They are metal, same exact reel as the 2 speed versions just different gearing
How does the shimano speedmaster II 2 speed lever drag 20 stand up in this?
Just bought the fathom lever 2 speed hot deal for $100 it's only a 15 but plan on surf fishing with it hopefully it can cast
Hey joe - great video. I'm on the west coat and looking to put together a BFT setup. Which reel (&rod) do you recommend? I'm thinking Fathom 60, Avet Raptor, or Shimano Talica 25. Not looking to break the bank and probably will go out 5-10 times a year. Thanks and keep up the good work
If your budget allows consideration of a Talica, the Penn series to look at is defintiely the Torque. which does also have the 60 size. However, for west coast bluefin, a "Heavy Frame" reel like an International 16VISX gives the best combination of manageable weight and more than sufficient power to handle 200-plus pounders on 100-pound line.
On a budget okuma makaira 20 on an okuma PCH I like the phenix axis but it’s a little pricey
Hello great video, I’m thinking of buying the okuma makaira 15t, what rod do you recommend for this reel?
Thank you
Ozflex Drone Master
12' 22-44lb.. hand made in Western Australia
40lb braid
Get their 12' 50lb Drone Pro for the Makaira 50 with 70lb braid
Well all have our preferences, I've used Okuma for years. Retired from the Air Force in Arizona so all my offshore fishing was out of San Diego, LA and Snata Barbara. I love the customer service, just pay for shipping and they have fixed everything I beat on tuna, yellowtail, dorado to grouper, snapper and AJs. Find what works for you bu feel and financially
Sean is that you. How ya been. Are you hitting up AJs on the Florida Fisherman this season?
The problem is the larger saltigas are the egg knobs they got on them. Talking to charter guys who run them, customers eventually yank the handle knobs off.
I replaced my Accurates with Saltigas and couldn't be happier. I also found a way to get them for about 25% off which is amazing. I couldn't be happier with them.
25% you say?
Lots of info, and good assessments.
You never mentioned the Tiburon Smartshift reels. They did a joint venture with Okuma. The Makaira’s drag and thrust bearing is designed by Tiburon…I hear Tiburon is selling them again. These reels are rock solid and have a cult like following…Tiburon Engineering based out of Santa Ana, CA…
yes they were designed by tiburon, thats how you know they are made well
You should do a video like this but for freshwater/bass fishing ❤
Those 30w shimano reels are great we troll for kingfish with them and I’ve caught a 40lb wahoo a 60 and a 90 on those reels solid option for slow trolling dead or live bait
So speed master is the cheapest a tier?
Please do another video getting into more detail about your s tier reels.
Tyrnos is just the tld but better, better drag system, better drag, better body, everything. If you put the tld in B the tyrnos 2 speed 50 LRS belongs there (comes with a power handle as well)
Hands down the most informative video on TH-cam as to what to buy in trolling reels. Any chance you’d do this with spinning rods??
thank you, yes i will eventually do it more than likely
What size speedmaster would be best to bottomfish for grouper and mutton’s out of Mayport? Never seen one but looking at the 20 size online. Do they have them at Strike Zone? Thanks
20, yes they have them at strike zone
Good review i have a couple of them love the penns I have the avet mc 6 and smooth reel cast good but like you said it lacks power on big snapper solid reel
CAN YOU DO VIDEO ON SPINNING REELS?
I love my Saltist and have caught plenty of fish on it but I want to try a Saltiga for big snapper and grouper.
th-cam.com/video/wp3yDjUkUIg/w-d-xo.html
watch this video, my man bo catches some giant muttons on his in this vid
Best powerful reel for under 200?
I dont think you have fished a tranx exclusively in the salt before but they really need to be made salt worthy. The 500 size is the nicest one in the lineup, but its way overpriced for what it is. Its compared to the trinidad when its really a torium level wind with double bearing pinion support. They should retail $400 max, I dont get why they are $500 and there is no reason for it. If they were machined anodized aluminum it make sense, but they are cast with a plastic sideplate.
The smaller sizes are a pain to own, ive ran through so many bearings on those reels its just absurd. The new lexa HD's have outlasted my tranx's fishing salt by far, 0 repairs in the last 2 years. I sold all my tranx's except for the 200 size which has the best saltwater mind design in shimanos lineup.
The new lexa TW's is in a completely different category, its like a super tuned tranx with beefier internals and made for extreme casting applications. In terms of power its the most powerful baitcaster ive ever used. For me handled bat eagle rays up to 100lbs with ease which are gear beating fish, but i know other people have caught 100+lb bluefin with them as well and had 0 issues. They have so much unmentioned tech internally, including shimanos X Ship, and super freespool designs, along with more drive shaft support which is a substantial increase of torque, and probably why they are so much stronger than my tranx were. And the casting distance blows everything else out of the game, the T Wing system is brilliant. Ive casted 100lb mono thoughts with ease, there seems to be confusion around the t wing not being able to cast knots for some reason. Its definitely an S teir reel, its surpassed the entire saltwater baitcaster market in terms of technology.
He said the end of b class HAAAÀ 🎉😢😮😮😮😮 Then puts a bunch of reels in the category 😂😂😂😅😅😮😮😅😅😊😊❤❤😂😂😮😮
I live in Virginia and fish in the outer banks of North carolina, they have a special way of casting from the beach and piers to bottom fish for red drum. 100 yard casts are normal. People there love the diawa saltists and sealines. People also use the avet mc, and some people swear by the penn fathom star drags and penn squalls. But for that kind of fishing it's all about casting not so much power.
Glad that someone does not like Accurate too. They are expensive and so not durable, they corroded easily! After that I tried Shimano Talica II and then Okuma Makaira 15. Have to say the Makaira is the best. An absolute tank with solid cranking power. You won’t regret getting one.
Got to disagree with you on the fathom single speed. Been using that up here on the east coast for years. Catching monster striper and bottom fishing.
what do you target bottom fishing, and white size fathom?
@@joevtfishing i run a 30 ld with 60lb braid. We catch a variety of bottom fish like cod cusk haddock pollock etc. I sold all my avets and toriums and only use the fathoms now
Price helps too
Penn Fathom 30 worked pretty well on grouper, ajs, and red snapper. Haven't broken it yet.
Penn all the way ,Diawa spinners the best.
this is a cool concept for a video. how is the international not s tier?
Bc I think there are better options for big reels. The tiagras and mikiaras are better reels
@@joevtfishing for socal especially
Which program for editing you use
Imovie
What about the Kamono by Okuma
Love my tiagra 130, just picked up the speed master for big bottom fishing. Love my fathom for smaller crap. Great watch
what is the best manatee to buy?
Overall, I think it was a very fair grading for those given reels. Although, my Boss Fury 2 is by far the least reliable reel I own.
Really. What goes wrong with it
@@joevtfishing Mine made a knocking sound when I turn the handle. Replaced the bearing to no avail. My guess is that the main gear has a chip in one of the teeth. Those gears aren't cheap to replace. Also, the threads in screw hole for the reel seat clamp began to fall out. It seems the aluminum is really soft. I have a lot of reels (many that you mentioned) and thats the only one that did that.
I’m at mate and we use shimano tekotas very under rated star drag reel , toriums too for kingfish.. I personally use a finor star drag very durable and strong ree
A 50 itanashanil is one of the best all round reel I used it for a 10 ft mako ts a nice rell
Those black and white pics of old record fish are not all internationals. Most of them were 14/0 and bigger Penn senators. Old school single speed star drag reels with turnbuckle supports, just like capt quint used in the original jaws.
Good video and ludwig impression
Huge Okuma fan here and I support your onion! Why buy an international when you can get a set of okumas for the same price
First I’m 77+ … been fishing all my life… live in Southern California… long ranged tuna/wahoo fished since 1992 … don’t fish those 20+ days anymore … 2-5 day Bluefin trips now … rockfish … etc.
Sold all my Newell’s (8), Penn Internationals (10) tricked out by Cal’s, all my Shimano’s (4), Penn Yellowtail specials (Tiburon guts w/ Newell gears) … been there and done that … NOW …
I have one Accurate Narrow Raptor (wahoo), older Penn Fantom’s II (backup reels w/ metal frame), but my favorite now is my 7 Okuma Makaria’s w/2 Alijos 5/12N (mini Makaria’s) … just returned from a 3 day bluefin 🐟 trip … caught 6+ 40# (small 🐟) on my Makaria MK10 and Alijos 12 two speeds …
Glad I’m now fishing Okumas now … don’t like Accurate’s … big tuna tear them up …
Well we did have/use the newer 3 speeds for fishing the kite 🪁…
My Makaria’s have a 5 year warranty… that says something …
10+ years ago I wouldn’t have used a Makaria as a boat anchor…
But now 👍 theirs a story about how they’ve become popular on the west coast …
Rods … I fish United Composite and Calstar …
Poop … Japanese Makaria makes the tooling other reel manufacturers use to machine their reels.
Not much to disagree with, Tiagra is the best all around big game reels bar none Accurate’s great, just too temperamental, I have a bunch of old Penn 50 SW’s TW’s 30’s as well all 25+ years old have thousands of days and fish on them with little to no failure.
Idk why so many people think Graphite is plastic when talking about reels, when they wouldn't call a Graphite plastic when referring to a rod.
I feel like you did the toruim a bit dirty but besides that great video 👍🏼
Im trying to find a conventional reel that can handle like 50lb blue and yellow fin and I am between the penn fathom black or silver if anyone has experience with them or my other option was an avet sx6/4 raptor if anyone with experience can let me know there opinion it would be much appreciated!
Okuma makaira or alijos 10 with 40 lb braid will do it if you want to go lighter tackle for 50 lb fish, a 12 or 16 of the mak or alijos 2 speeds are my favorite reels. The alijos have a casting magnet dial on the side so you’d be able to have more range and use it as an iron/popper reel too. Both of them have the exact same internals, same gears, drag etc. yesterday I caught a 176 and a 140 on the 16 alijos and have landed a 184 yft on the 12 alijos. Amazing reels.
If you’re not looking to go, Okuma, any size talica, any of the two speed fathoms, the toriums are great reels, if you go with AVET you can only go with the raptor, and you could actually handle fish up to 50 pounds with the big tranx, Alexa, or Komodo if you really wanted to go super light. The saltigas are great reels too
2 things
First I dont know what the hell penn did to the torque the gen 1 torq 300x was a grouper killer and then they quickly changed the design to that pos you see now.
Second okuma metaloid os a reel you should check out we crush the grouper amd snapper with them in southwest Florida. Light weight plenty of power they make single and 2 speeds. Highly recommend the 12 series. Ive caught everything from big blacks to full grown goliaths on them. Have been very impressed with them.
Metaloids are great. The first penn torque was actually the worst reel penn has ever made hands down. They improved it and it still sucks
And you can’t say that isn’t true bc a penn rep told me that 😂
@@joevtfishing thats funny the set I had always was great to us, and we abused the hell out of them reels, until they walked away from the back of my truck in a publix parking lot.
The special penn senator does deserve a high A tier it has help me alot
I fish standard avets and for $200 u have a great reel j crank up the drag cam. Especially here in the northeast they work incredible
what do you target with them
@@joevtfishing I target porgies (scup) with mine.
We use Okuma reels to hold down our empty rubbish bags in the trash can so the bag doesn’t fly away in the wind, well at least until we fill the trash can up and throw away the Okuma real along with the trash. Okuma reels and rods are rubbish here in Hawaii!!!
Makaira, bro. Conventional and spinning. Brutes.
Seigler SG?
I have to laugh that you put the TLD's as a B and the Tyrnos as a D... the Tyrnos is simply an aluminum body (read: more durable) version of the TLD. Other than that, they're the same reel... not sure why you knock the Tyrnos so hard when you state, "you can do a lot with the TLD".... same reel, dude.
Are you saying the aluminum side plate will fit on the TLD? That would be sweet if possible.
I agree on pretty much everything. I don't have a lot of experience with Okuma but heard good things. Have an Accurate SPJ reel and really wish I went with the Shimano. Always hated Avet. Probably going to get a set of Speedmasters for trolling and kiting.
They would be great for kite reels
Speed master it is.!! Thanks joe👊🏻
I bought an old Penn Senator from a pawn shop back in the 1990`s $20 for it and it still works like new. All I have to do is keep it clean. I use it for saltwater and even use it for alligator gar in the river. People look at me like I`m crazy casting that at the river. LOL
they are truly life time reels
Shimano fan boy much Joe? 😂 Great vid, do one on spinners!
might have to soon!
Awesome joe.!!!
the trinidad is a beefy one i caught a 30 pound yellowtail on it
big fan of the penn but see alot of guys goin toward the advets lately, thinking about it
they do make good reels but just like every other company the good ones are expensive. i feel like there is better options for the price for what i personally fish. just looked at your website, looks like you do a lot of stuff similar to what i do. the small ones have touchy drag and when you twist the cam to loosen or tighten the drag its even more touchy. if i had to buy a new set of king reels i would get the new speedmasters, wouldnt be bad for bottom either if youre set on lever drags
Greetings coming from Indonesia, Aru Islands, Maluku Province, Greetings from fellow anglers, Healthy greetings and Strike greetings, and thank you for the information about your fishing equipment, Senior.
youre welcome! thanks for watching!
@@joevtfishing Thank you again senior, always healthy
@@joevtfishing great friend, healthy greetings for the next strike