General Info: Trolling Q

[pstadt]

What's a good rod/reel for open ocean trolling? Don't want top end or heavy gear, just sufficient for catching the occasional tuna or mahi. Also, if you have a favorite lure for those, please share.

Looking for make and models for the rod/reel and any suggested mounting systems (we have an FP Orana with modified davits, so looking for something to probably attach to a side rail or just to port of the davits).

Underway full time in July, finally!

Pat and Michelle

[zeehag]

i found trolling with rod n reel to be inefficient.i like to eat my catch. i use only a nice blue braided 200 pound test line with lure color of a dorado or a flying fish, dependent on what i see being sought in the fish boils we pass while under way. i tie that line to my mizzenshroud and use a slipknot in th eline to show when i have a fish. it never fails. slipknot sets fish, hand over hand retrieval is easiest and surest manner of boating your fish.
others will swear by less simple methods, but simplest is best. i have yet to lose a fish this way. rod n reel--ha ha ha ha i broke 3 rods and lost many fish. sorry it aint gonna work for fishing for dinner. might work among the testy-osterone crowd for recreation, but it did not work for catching my dinner.

[Kenomac]

I just traded some fitness gear for a Penn 80STW reel and $400 trolling rod. My friend who spent years fishing big game fish including catching an 800 pound tuna says it should do the job. I thought it was massive when I first saw it.

Like Zee says, it's one thing to hook something and quite another to land the fish so it ends up on the dinner table.

Disclaimer: I'm totally relying on the experts to tell me how to fish, we are novices.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=MEO94Xey24I

[Steadman Uhlich]

A hand line YoYo (or donut) is highly recommended and least expensive tool to aid in line retrieval. It is simply a large disc, usually plastic, around which the handline is wound.

That is what I would use if simply catching fish for dinner while sailing. Simple instructions on use and rigging should be easy to find online. Pink squid lures are very popular, because they are often successful at attracting the fish like tuna.

Good luck!

[UNCIVILIZED]

It kind of goes without saying, but it's also wise to have a good gaff, as well as a way to end the fish, after you've landed it.

And as already stated, wisely, decide if you're fishing for sport or for meat.

[landlockedsquid]

Good thread. Watched the video for the Penn Kenomac posted up and they mentioned an electric real. That sounds kinda interesting. Im not interested in the 'sport" of it. I will do it to try and get food.

[StuM]

There is an ascending level of complexity available for trolling at sea.

1. Zeehag's line tied to hard point.
2. Steady Hand's Yoyo.
3. An Alvey reel attached to pulpit.
4. Deep sea rod and reel.
5. 'Squid's electric reel.

Any one of them with hook a fish.
The likelihood of the fish staying hooked depends on how well you rig the first two to take the initial shock, The last three are easier to set for this.
Ease of retrieval also goes up with the various levels.

Bottom line, any of them will work - it's up to you which you go with.
I use both a yoyo and a rod and reel. (Penn Reflex 24kg with a Shimano Tyrnos which I found in a pawn shop).

Just make sure you use a very heavy line and a leader which can handle "toothy" fish.

A good reference is The Secrets of Sailboat Fishing Revealed!
(well worth the $5 for a beginner in my opinion).

[MotuIti]

Look into Waay Cool Handlines! They work for us.


Sent from my iPad using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[zeehag]

when i wanna have fun i like ugly stick n bottom lures i fit together myself to catch what i want to catch instead of merely catfish. generally at anchor. underway fishing is for food.

[StuM]

If you do go with a rod, I have one of these attached to each side of my solar frame uprights. It should work on your davits from the look of it.

[pstadt]

Thanks to all for the great tips!

Pat and Michelle

[landlockedsquid]

Originally Posted by StuM

A good reference is The Secrets of Sailboat Fishing Revealed!
(well worth the $5 for a beginner in my opinion).

Bought

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by StuM

If you do go with a rod, I have one of these attached to each side of my solar frame uprights. It should work on your davits from the look of it.

I also made up a little teather I attach to my rods when in the rod holder (Lamiglass tuna sticks with Penn 114H reels...will handle anything realistic for me to boat).

Be sure and buy good quality all stainless rod holders. Some of the cheaper ones have cast bases that will corrode and fail.

[StuM]

Originally Posted by belizesailor

I also made up a little teather I attach to my rods when in the rod holder

Yep, I tie a lline to the rod and the upright to be on the safe side too. Long enough that it doesn't interfere with grabbing the rod and reeling in the catch.

[Phisher]

I would get a Shimano TLD 30 Not nearly as expensive as the Penn but, will do the job. A 6- 6.5 foot 50# rod would be fine. You should be able to get a complete set up for $300 new. Look on CL to find one used. I would get green high vis 30# test line on the reel and use 80# Fluorocarbon leader. Make sure you use a good quality ball bearing swivel between the line and leader. Buy a couple dolphin candy lures and you are good to go!