Tilefish reel recommendation

[DeniseNCC1701]

Thanks for all the great responses, I appreciate that! Looking forward to picking up some new schtuff.

[jjdbike]

What do you guys think of the Okunma Makaira MK-15II SEa loaded w/ 50lb flat hollow for tile fishing?

This reel will also be used for other deep drops trips & possibly jigging for tuna (e.g., Yankee Capts out of Key West, Mid range trips out of San Diego CA etc). I like to two speed option incase I'm lucky enough to hook into a tuna.

Honestly the Makaira is a little pricey for me so I'm also considering the Penn Baja for price, durability and ease of servicing. One downside is I'll lose that low gear.

What are your opinions of the Makaira vs the Baja? I'm also considering the Ocean Max.

Thanks!
JD

[Mike S.]

There is an aftermarket low gear set for the Penn fathom should you decide to go that route. I have one in my fathom 12

[LUCKY RIG'R]

I have been using a Penn Baja Special loaded with 50# masterbraid and am happy with it. It is one of the taller reels so not so good for smaller hands. This year I'm going to a Maxel 09 or 10 for my primary. But, I would ask Dave too.

[Garone Custom Rods]

I would not go with the Mak 15. Too wide and also heavy. Great reel for chunking and lite trolling but not a good choice for jigging or tiles. I would go with the maxel.

[jjdbike]

If one was going to buy a manual reel specifically for deep dropping on a party boat mainly for tiles, It seems that a level wind would be more convenient.
I haven't been a level wind fan for other purposes (i.e. jigging for cod, bass, fluke etc).. I only bought one in my life and after using it once I disassembled it and removed the level wind. Mainly because it really limited casting. No casting, just dropping for tiles, so not worrying about manually thumb leveling for 900' seems to be a good idea. I was pretty set on buying an Okuma Makaria SEa and still might, but the level wind has me curious.

What are the pros and cons of a level wind for this application? One con possible con I might imagine would be it might slow the bait's decent. I'd think there would be a big advantage to getting to the floor ASAP to allow as much time in the zone before scoping out, is that true? Another con might be on the very rare backlash, a level wind might be more of a PIA. Any other considerations regarding choosing a level wind or not for tiles?

On the Reel Seat site the Diawa Satltist A 50 seems to be a good and economical choice. What do you guys think? A good reel for this purpose? Would it benefit from any modifications or upgrades?

Thanks much, in advance!
JD

[Dave A]

Stop by my shop and I will spend as much time as you want showing you different reel options and explaining the pros and cons of each. At the same time I can also share my jigging experiences with you. From now thru the end of Feb we are open Thurs thru Sat 8:00am - 5:00pm and Sun 8:00am -4:00pm.