I am preparing for the upcoming tuna season and need some advice on a new avet setup. I have heard great things about these and am ready to step it up from my penn reels. I will probably be going on a 1 1/2 or maybe even a 2 day trip. Probably looking to hook up with tuna close to 40 pounds. I usually fish 25-30 pound test, but am wondering if the SX is too small or if I should go with the MX. I might put 65 spectra and a 25-30 topshot so that I have some capacity if I hook up with a big tuna. I am also wondering if it is worth going with a two speed. I would primarily fish live bait, but might throw an iron with it. Also need a rod to match it, I usually use a 7'-8' jig/cork rod. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

I fish my SX up to 20lbs - sure it can handle a bit more - but I'd suggest the MX or JX for your application. With 65 spectra - you can topshot with 25lb-40lb mono for different situations.

As far as rod goes - there's several to consider in the Seeker/Calstar arena - maybe a Calstar 700H or 800H...

For the 1.5 & 2 day, stay with single speed reels. I use 2 LX (1 30 lb., 1 40 lb.), and 1 JX (30lb.). The 30lb LX setup is on a Calstar 870, the 30lb. JX setup is on an All Star 870, and the 40lb LX setup is on a Calstar 700M. I run straight mono to tuna rings, then run floro leaders at about 5-6 ft. - same strength as main line. I have taken my 20lb. MX setup on a Calstar 270 on an albacore trip, it did the job, just took awhile.

My 2 cents on the matter... I like Reeveals suggestion of upping to the MX or JX and AZ's idea of staying with the single speed. The JX is one stout reel, have 2 of them myself. At first I was using it for 30# & 40#, as is your intention, however after using it as such for 2 seasons I have reached this conclusion, it will work beautifully for 30# or 40lbs, but it is definetely ...OVER KILL. My usual trips are 1.5 to 2.5 days in length, except for and occasional Black Sea Bass, Ray or a Shark, I have yet to see anything over 35 lb hit the deck. Have down sized to the MX and 25# changing out 10 ft fluorocarbon leaders as needed. The JX worked fine but the MX is a lot more sporting.

You did not say what part of the country you are fishing out of, but in the So Cal region you will rarely hook anything over 30-35 lbs. during a 1 to 3 day trip and they will be few and far between.I have landed (and released) a 60lb black sea bass on my MX with 25 main line and a 23lb fluorocarbon leader. Do not under rate the MX it is more than enough reel for what you describe. And a lot more fun too.

But, if you must have the JX, if you want to be ready for anything, say a possible 5 day'er, would reccomended a Seeker SD8 for a JX. You could back the JX up with 300 yds of 50# spectra and just change out your 100 yd top shots, 30#-40#-50#, you would have a lot of options with the JX - SD8 combo. You can move up with comfort if needed. If you prefer a shorter length, would consider 20-30-50 rods, again giving you options. But for your needs, a real shotgun.

This whole rod-reel thing is vary subjective. The best we as a group can do for you is make suggestions from own expierences and hope they make some sense and aid you in your own personal decision. If you can, get down to the shop and fondle some "STUFF" that always helps. LOL.

Walt

Thanks for the advice. I live in San Diego and I go out of Seaforth. Usually when I go out on a 1 1/2 trip, I land tuna close to 40, yt over 40, and dodos around 25-30.

That is great SeaD, what time of the year and what boat are you going on. Yellow Tail over 40 on a
1 1/2 er is excetional to say the least. Have been out of Seaforth on the Pacific Voyager many times and have rarely seen anything over 35lb. hit the deck. I would be all smiles to see anyone on board duplicate your success.

Walt

I want to go on that boat!and i'll even let you try my MXJ and my JX.
MMM

dorados and yellowtails up to 40 lb, shucks i,ll go too, whens the date.

He may have gotten a little ahead of himself when pitching that grade of fish on a 1 1/2 day trip... sound more like a 4-5 day Guadalupe fish count...

I love the optimism though!

maybe he knows somthing that we dont, hhmmmmmm.