Need advice/critique on tuna reels - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

BigAppa · 02-19-2024, 08:09 AM

Complete newb to tuna fishing here. Wanted some feedback before pulling the trigger. After going back and forth for the last month, I finally decided to go with all fathoms (for the price and reputation for being solid low-end gear)

1) For my light reel, I'm thinking about going with a Penn Fathom ii 25N and spooling it with 40 lb braid. I feel fairly confident about this choice.

2) For my medium reel, I'm leaning towards a Penn Fathom (gen 1) 25N LD 2 speed and put 65 lb braid. Is a 2 speed even necessary for medium gear? I should get about 400 yards of 65 lb braid. Is this enough or should I go with the 30LD2 to get an extra hundred yards?

3) For my heavy, I'm thinking about gen 1 40N LD2 and spool it with 80 lb braid. I feel the least confident about this one. I've been hearing a lot of people say you should go with 100 lb braid. But that will give me only about 400 yards on the 40N. Should I go up to the 60 LD2?

Any advice would be much appreciated!

02-19-2024, 08:09 AM	#1
BigAppa Junior Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 27	Need advice/critique on tuna reels Complete newb to tuna fishing here. Wanted some feedback before pulling the trigger. After going back and forth for the last month, I finally decided to go with all fathoms (for the price and reputation for being solid low-end gear) 1) For my light reel, I'm thinking about going with a Penn Fathom ii 25N and spooling it with 40 lb braid. I feel fairly confident about this choice. 2) For my medium reel, I'm leaning towards a Penn Fathom (gen 1) 25N LD 2 speed and put 65 lb braid. Is a 2 speed even necessary for medium gear? I should get about 400 yards of 65 lb braid. Is this enough or should I go with the 30LD2 to get an extra hundred yards? 3) For my heavy, I'm thinking about gen 1 40N LD2 and spool it with 80 lb braid. I feel the least confident about this one. I've been hearing a lot of people say you should go with 100 lb braid. But that will give me only about 400 yards on the 40N. Should I go up to the 60 LD2? Any advice would be much appreciated!