I got one of these last August from Chark. Being a resident of Arizona, I don't get to use it much. I was wondering what people who have these think of them. I know they are some of the best, but are there any drawbacks you guys have expierienced? I was also wondering how big of a fish these reels can reasonably handle when matched up with a Calstar 700M and spooled with 50lb braid and 30lb topshot.
i've got 65lb. spectra w/ 40 top shot on mine, on a 700H. i think they cast pretty good, great drags, caught uo to 50lb. bluefin on it w/ no problems, also have the 870 2 speed, haven't got any fish on it as yet, gonna use it as a 40lb, reel also...
I've fished the 870 for 2 years, 50# spectra and a short 40# mono/flouro leader on a 700M. Have caught up to 65lb yellowfin on it - no problems - lots of fun on such small gear. The drag system is great and it casts well. I think the setup will handle fish well over 65lb, just a matter of how hard you want to work. Start getting toward 100lbs and I think I'd want that 2-sp model. I'm going to wait until they get a 665-2 on the market, and will fish it 65#/40-50 on my 700H ...
I've got an Accurate BOSS 870 and it's a nice #40 reel. I use JB hollow #60 spectra and BHP Tackle wind-on for a seemless connection. If you get an older 870, you may want to upgrade to the lighter spool. I think this makes a difference in casting and preventing birds nests. I'm looking forward to trying out the 870 two speed.
As far as two speeds go, most people will say that #40 is a good starting point for a two speed. It's not really needed below #40. It's not necessary for #40, but there is where it starts to make a difference for some types of fishing.
They came out with them about two years ago, I think. All of the new ones have the lighter weight spool standard. The new ones also hace the cast control knob also. I don't have a newer model. If you have an older model, and want any of the upgrades, you can send it in to Accurate and they will do everything there. Give them a call first and ask how much $, etc. They are nice folks and very customer service orientated.
I just got back from Cabo, and used my 870/Calstar 700M to catch YFT in the 4--50#= range. The combo worked well for live bait and dead bait. It was spooled with 60# JB hollow, and had a 50 yd Topshot of 40# Momoi diamond.
I love the rig, the only downside is the lack of casting distance with live Sardines. Is there a lighter spool available? I heard of one, and my reel is an upgraded first generation. The new side plate, and drag can is much better for braied line drag capability. The old one was difficult to put in gear with more than 6-8# at strike. Greg
A just reread my post and realised I made a mistake. My reel is spooled with spectra backing, not braid.
I have also noticed that this combo does not want tocast live sardine very far. However I will reserve judgement until I get better at casting. Also, I was not using the pendulum method, which may make all the difference.
Trapt--Inside Sporfishing ran two shows that show the best techinque for casting. I highly recommend getting a copy of it. That and a few minutes with a deckhand and you will be casting like a pro.
For Sardine casting, perhaps a boss 270 would be better for your small baits. I can get good distance with chunk baits that are aound 1-2 oz. I can through the green mackerel about 20-25 yards easy. I figure they weigh around 8-10oz. The 270 should hande tuna without trouble if you use the spectra, and a topshot. Perhaps Mark could be of more help. Greg
