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Trolling/Heavy Tackle

PostPosted: Mon Feb 11, 2008 9:39 am
by tampapi
My brother and I will be heading to Key West in April with our boat and plan to head offshore for some big fish. I fish mostly inshore and just a short distance outside near Tampa Bay and do not own a heavy tackle/trolling rig. We plan on looking for Dolphin and maybe Shark.

I currently fish with a Shadic 4000 and three Cabo 30's with G. Loomis seven foot rods. Obviously, these aren't going to cut it down in Key West.

What heavy tackle rod and reel combo would you guys recommend without mortgaging my home?

PostPosted: Mon Feb 11, 2008 1:40 pm
by RudyGomez
I'm not familiar with your "Cabo 30's"... What pound test is that? 30?

I fish the offshore Miami area and 20 lb. test is usually the heaviest I use - unless fishing for swords or wrecks/bottom. This includes dolphin, sailfish and shark. As long as your reel holds enough line and you have a good, properly set drag, 20# is all that you will need.

Sure you can fish heavier line/outfits but it not necessary. I personaly like to test my angling ability with lighter line...

PostPosted: Mon Feb 11, 2008 1:47 pm
by tampapi
The Cabo 30 is a reel made by Quantum. The 30 is just a model (20, 30, 50, etcl). It's a light to medium size reel. I have it rigged with 10lb Power Pro. This is not going to work for Shark and Dolphin. If we go trolling, I'm going to need a good trolling rig, I'm just unsure what rig to go with. I will definitely fish by Cabo's over the wrecks and for everything else, but I have been Dolphin fishing and I know it's too light!

PostPosted: Mon Feb 11, 2008 2:12 pm
by RudyGomez
As I said in my post when trolling for dolphin, I use 20 lb. on Shimano TLD 20s. Once we locate a school of dolphin 10 lb. power pro is fine and lots of fun... I've caught dolphin to 30 lbs. on 10# power pro...

The TLD 20s will hold approx. 700 yards of 20#. You can also spool them with 30# if you prefer...

PostPosted: Mon Feb 11, 2008 2:18 pm
by tampapi
What sort of rod do you have that Shimano on? Sounds perfect for what I'm looking for - reasonably priced.

PostPosted: Mon Feb 11, 2008 3:05 pm
by RudyGomez
I have 6 identical outfits that I use for kite fishing and light trolling. Shimano TLD 20s on Graphite Redbone RB-9887, 7', 15-30 lb. They have them at Sports Authority for approx. $79. I've bought each one with the 25% off coupon that often appears in the local paper... $59. Great rods for the price!