[mikegarone]

I am going to be making the trip on the viking 3 day on the 17-20 of this month. Currently my jigging reel is a Avet jx-2speed spooled with 65# spectra. Do you think this reel will be up the challenge of a large bigeye if I get lucky enough to hook up with one?

If not what reel do you suggest?

I have heard both good and bad about the new John Baker reels. I don't think weight will be an issue as I do not plan on jigging for very long periods of time. Also how do these reels cast?

I know alot of guys like the accurates, but they are just not in my budget.

 

[KILSONG]

You might catch bigeye on the trip, but the chance is very slim.
Last year's bigeye catches on the John's Viking charter was exceptional.
Your JX with 65 lbs braided line is marginal even for average size tuna jigging in terms of max drag and line capacity.
I'd rather use a jigging reel with at least over 22 lbs max drag and the line capacity of over 350 yards of 80 lbs braided line.

 

[mikegarone]

KILSONG wrote:
You might catch bigeye on the trip, but the chance is very slim.
Last year's bigeye catches on the John's Viking charter was exceptional.
Your JX with 65 lbs braided line is marginal even for average size tuna jigging in terms of max drag and line capacity.
I'd rather use a jigging reel with at least over 22 lbs max drag and the line capacity of over 350 yards of 80 lbs braided line.

what reel would you suggest?

I would also like to be able to use this reel to target bluefin tuna while jigging, off of New Jersey (cape may/mudhole)

This post edited by mikegarone 11:39 PM 08/04/2008

 

[TunaBully]

There are a number of good choices, but some of the best are the Accurate 665, the Diawa Saltiga, and the Avet HX. The everol 12/20 and the John baker products also look excellent. I'm sure others will chime in with their favorites, but as long as you can get 20lbs of drag at strike and have at least 400 yards of capacity you should have a chance at those bigger fish. That said, bigeye hookups are few and far between, but its always good to be prepared when lady luck calls