Inshore Trolling Grouper - Reel thoughts ?

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Badbagger
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Inshore Trolling Grouper - Reel thoughts ?

Post by Badbagger »

We're going to expand our fishing a bit this year and give some inshore trolling a shot in hopes of finding some feisty grouper and what ever else may come our way. We've picked up a custom set of 20 - 50 lb class rods that will fit the bill. Now, we'd like to get some thoughts on reels. These will be PRIMARILY used to troll but may serve some double duty so a lever drag is preferred. I'd been looking at the Shimano Torim Series and the Daiwa Saltist as well. A LOT of time reading indicates the Shimano's suffer from a weak drag and yes you can upgrade it I know. The Daiwa Saltist is also well received. Talked to the folks over at Charkbait dot com and they recommended the Penn Fathom Series which is a new line but that's got a Star Drag vs the Lever Drag but the Fathom has a full metal body. The Penn Squall series has the Lever Drag but does NOT have a full metal body. But again, these are middle of the road reels

So make a long story, this is where I am in my search.

Any suggestions ?
EddieJoe
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Re: Inshore Trolling Grouper - Reel thoughts ?

Post by EddieJoe »

Sure. Any of the reels you mention will work. However, I like lever drag reels for trolling (or live bait fishing for kings, cobia, etc.) because of the ability to adjust the drag on the fly, to an exact point. When trolling I advance the drag to just beyond the point the drag will slip (with click on). When I get a hit, I move the lever forward to the strike position I have preset. With a star drag you are always guessing.

IMO, there is no better reel for the money (or the purpose) than a Shimano TLD. I recommend the TLD 15, which has plenty of line capacity and drag for anything we are likely to catch around here. I have two of them that I use for trolling, and I recommend a rod with a soft tip, as it is easy when trolling to miss strikes otherwise. Never have worried about a metal vs. composite reel and thousands of TLDs have been sold over the years and they have an excellent reputation, and a modest price.

Oh, BTW, I use both a Torium and a Saltist for bottom fishing for grouper. Excellent for that.

Luck,

EJ
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Re: Inshore Trolling Grouper - Reel thoughts ?

Post by Badbagger »

Thanks EJ. The Shimano TLD is indeed a time proven reel and that's the way I'm going to go. What are you rigging yours with for line to troll?
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Re: Inshore Trolling Grouper - Reel thoughts ?

Post by captkeyser »

For what it is worth, I use 30 to 60lb Braid tied to a section of 10ft mono 40 to 60lb leader. Used to run only 30lb braid, but got burnt a couple of times by big fish which made me step it up to 60lb. :thumbup:
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Re: Inshore Trolling Grouper - Reel thoughts ?

Post by Badbagger »

Thanks Eric !
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Re: Inshore Trolling Grouper - Reel thoughts ?

Post by EddieJoe »

Badbagger wrote:Thanks EJ. The Shimano TLD is indeed a time proven reel and that's the way I'm going to go. What are you rigging yours with for line to troll?
I have gone back and forth between using 50 lb braid with a 10' mono top shot, then a 50 lb 3' leader, or just 30 lb mono and a leader. The braid trolls really deep, but with no line stretch I get more missed hits and sometimes line breaks.

Right now I use one of each on two reels - one reel with 50 lb braid and one 30 lb mono. Usually the mono catches more fish, for some reason, but the difference in depth gives a nice spread to the lures.

I am dying to get out, but the wind has kept me home.

EJ
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Re: Inshore Trolling Grouper - Reel thoughts ?

Post by Badbagger »

Thanks EJ. Figuring trolling in 20+ of water, I'm inclined to go with a 50 lb braid that's a hi vis line and then hit it with a top shot of mono of maybe 20lb. Once I get the reels, I'm going to have to see if Kevin's will spool it so the braid is good and tight to eliminate issues with loose line. My boat is down in Sarasota for Linex and paint so I'm a ways out yet. Even then, when I do get out I'll need to figure out "where to go" to hunt some grouper. We generally put in at the lighthouse to save the time running up river. Hang in there, the wind will die down!
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Re: Inshore Trolling Grouper - Reel thoughts ?

Post by Tom Keels »

captkeyser wrote:For what it is worth, I use 30 to 60lb Braid tied to a section of 10ft mono 40 to 60lb leader. Used to run only 30lb braid, but got burnt a couple of times by big fish which made me step it up to 60lb. :thumbup:
What he said.
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