Tuna Gear Recommendations

[Walleyed]

So, in anticipation of the NJF Tuna trip at the end of October, I'm looking to my rod/reel setups. Currently I have the following that I plan on bringing:

Avet EX 50/2 loaded with 80lb hollow/with 100yd 80lb topshot on a St. Croix TSWC70HF. This will be my chunking setup.

Penn US Senator 113N loaded with 65lb powerpro depth hunter on a St. Croix PM79XXXH. I see this as my tilefish setup and a possibly tuna jigging.

I have in my inventory an Avet HX 5/2 loaded withe 60lb hollow that I want to match with a rod for jigging.

I also have a Daiwa SLT20 which, while uncommon, is built like a tank and spec-wise, is almost identical to the current Penn International 30VSX. I believe this, riggged as an 80, would also making a great chunking reel, but I don't have a rod matched to it.

Input is welcome, I have a few tuna trips under my belt, but this will be my first PB tuna and I want be prepared as possible.

[Pennsy Guy]

Jim,
Here's what I use:
80#--AVET EX30-2 200yd braid/200yd mono
50#--AVET HX5-300/120yd/50' wind on
30#--AVET LX6-300/150yd/50' wind on(40#)
New this year---AVET JX 2speed 300/120+/-yd/50' wind on(40#)
Jig OML25(Offshore Angler) 345yd/100' 50#

I use the light stuff in full daylight with no more than 1/2 oz--mostly fly lined.. largest boated-- 70# LFT with it..

Looks like you're pretty much set
maybe a light spinner for pot hopping if you're so inclined...or for catching squid...
Just have some light leaders 40-50# for the day chunk

hope this helps...

[Meat Hunter]

What model St. Croix's replaced them rods? I was looking, but couldn't find that exact model online.


Meat Hunter

[Walleyed]

What model St. Croix's replaced them rods? I was looking, but couldn't find that exact model online.


Meat Hunter

Couldn't tell you what replaced them, but here's the specs off the rods. This is the PM79XXXH, St croix sold it as a Muskie rod.

[Walleyed]

And....since it would only take one upload from the iPad...

[Pennsy Guy]

I didn't couple the reels with rods in original post but here they are:

80#--Jersey Jigger 6'6" 400 gram carbon fiber acid wrapped
50#--Jersey Jigger 6' E-glass acid wrapped
30#--Penn Power Stick 7' CPS67T made by Outer Banks Outfitters(20+yrs old)
New this yr--7' custom carbon fiber acid wrapped
Jig--Off Shore Angler(Bass Pro) 8' slit carbon OEJP82540

Leif has detailed post on PB tuna trip gear...worth searching for...

[Walleyed]

Leif has detailed post on PB tuna trip gear...worth searching for...

I've read it multiple times. :D