I've never been so confused. I originally bought a Penn Torque 200 and a 700m with 50# spectra and a 30# top shot.

After reading some posts on the Torque, I took it back and got a credit but kept the 700m. I came to the conclusion it's a good reel but a bit over priced.

I'm now leaning towards the Accurate boss 870 2 speed. I'm know it's an over kill for 30#, but I have some extra money right now and I can afford the upgrade.

So is a boss 870 2 speed and a 700m a good 30# combo for 1 to 2 day trips out of San Diego?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: 250plus,

Great reel. So long as you are in that price range, take a look at the Tiburon 7540 as well.

LT

The Torque TRQ200 is definitely not overpriced for what it is, it's only $10 more than a TN16 and vastly superior.
As for whether a Boss 870 is worth another $60 to get the lever drag for just 1 and 2-day trips is your call.
In particular the TRQ200 can cast a sardine or small iron further than anything in its' performance class, and on a 30-pound rig that is often more important than a drag designed for 100 pound-plus fish.

I bought an Accurate 870 single speed from Chark last August and a 700M. So far I have only gotten the chance to test it out on some 5lb Barracuda and 5-10lb Bonito, but when the drag is on strike, I can just tow them in. I think the 1-2 days can get into some nice tuna when the time is right, so a 2 speed may not be as overkill as you think (if I am wrong I would like to know it).



Check out this thread for more info

http://charkbait.evecommunity.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/4381010491/m/3911084152

I stand corrected by Walt. He would know so I am going to agree with him and say get something lighter than the 2 speed 870. I am kind of wishing that I had gone with an Accurate 270 and a 700ML for my 30lb baitstick. Maybe I will get that set up and have my 870 respooled as a 40lb outfit.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Trapt in Arizona,

I should have completed the thought, and said it is your call if it's worth $60 more for the lever drag, and $170 more for the 2-speed.
The basic decison is whether casting distance is more important than what a 2-speed lever drag gives you.
I've caught plenty of 30-50 pound tuna, a 40-plus pound yellowtail and even a striped marlin on my TRQ200, and it does a good job of bridging the gap between previous-design star drags and the 2-speed levers.

I've never paid no where near this much for a rod & reel. Foretunetly the job is going very well right now and I have a little extra scrath and I can't think of any better way to spend it then on tackle.

I really like the idea of a lever drag. This would be my first one. All my other reels are star drags and sometimes / most of the time I forget where I am with the drag setting. I vision that happening less with a lever drag. Is this true?

As far as the 2 speed, that is going to give me the bottom end I need in a much smaller reel then the torque.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: 250plus,

So far switching from Star drag to lever has not been easy for me. I am used to poping into gear with a turn of the handle, and setting the hook. This has lead to some mishaps when I have tried using this method with my lever drag. Oh well, practice makes perfect.

"So is a boss 870 2 speed and a 700M a good 30# combo for 1 to 2 day trips out of San Diego?"

Good is relative in fishing gear, it is very subjective. On 1-2 day trips out of SD you would be extremely lucky to see anything hit the deck over 30 lbs. mabe an occasional Shark or Black Sea Bass. The rig you describe is for a 5 dayer where you have a chance at 60lb'ers. For the most part a good 20 lb line like Big Game or Izor XXX on an Avet MX 4.5:1 single speed (or similar sized reel) on a 700ML is a primo set up for 1-3 day trips out of San Diego. Yes you can use an 870 2/spd with 30# line on the 700M , you can also use a T-Rex Wide with 800yds of 100lb with a 40lb top shot.

A very important consideration is casting ability. Like Mr. Steve states, casting ability overides the ability to catch a 100 lb fish. Getting that sardine away from the boat is one of the skills that separate the boat riders from the fishermen. The 870 by design has low casting potential for light wt. sardines. The twin drag feature and all of the additional component parts increases the spool mass which reduces its ability to cast light baits. And the heavier the line used the less the casting distance.

Also for the money you are considering spending I like FLLR's idea, would seriously look at the small Tiburon, mabe a SST7530, lever drag, 2 spd., auto shift, lighter spool mass. Very delux for 1-3 day'ers.

Its your decision for sure, but please remember, they call our obsession, "Sport Fishing".

Walt

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Walt,

Hi. I am new here. I just want to say that I have been scouring these boards for helpful tips in purchasing a new quality rig for the last week and the above post is the most informative that I cam across yet.

Well, it sounds like the 700M is the right rod for the type of fishing I do. I haven't heard anyone say different.

As far as the reel goes, it sounds like the 870 2-speed is a way over kill. I'm trying to buy a cannon when all I need is a BB gun. I really appreciate everyone's input.

I have an Accurate 870 single speed but with the cam lever on a G.Lomis Pelagic 84-30 25-40# class. Its spooled with straight 30# mono and I had such a blast on that 10 day hooking 25 poound YT and 20-30 pound YF. IT casts very well and launches sardines, cranks jigs for yo yo action, and has power to muscle down on a loaded rod. The YT and YF were no match for the 870 and I was not even pushing it. THe double drags were phenomenal. ONce the fi htook the hook, I just push the lever foward and it's solid.

If the single speed is so good, the 2 speed must be kick butt killa. But at $500 a pop, it's just too steep to just replace my new 870 and 665 with them.

Hey Ollie, what do you think of setting up my 870 singlespeed with 40lb mono on 50lb spectra with a 700M as a 40lb stick and buying a Boss 270 and a 700ML as a 30lb baitstick?

I don't think I would push my 30lb rig passed 30lb YT and YFT, and I wouldn't mind something a little sportier with better casting and lighter freespool so the bait swims better.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Trapt in Arizona,

Lost of folks are using 50# spectra with 40# mono top on the 870, 60# spectra and 50 mono topshot for the 665. The 270 should be one shweet rig for 30#.

700M ought to be really nice for the 40 and the 700L for the 30.

I'm really happy with the two Loomis Pelagics. The 84-30 is the 25-40# stick so 30 is right in the schweet spot. I use the 665 as a 40 reel (60# spectra with 40 topshot) on the Loomis Pelagic 84-40 (30-50 pound rated rod. That makes it the perfect 40# rod. I feel the Pelagics are stiffer than the Calstar Grafighter 700m and 700L. It certainly put the hurt on them fishies and strong backbone to pull. We had numerous skippies taking the bait, and while skippies weren't the greatest eating, they wer good tuggers too. Try a 30# skippy on for some fun.

I think you'll be real happy with those Accurate Boss reels.

The 665 would be a good 50lb set up right? With a 700H? And after that go with a 2 speed ATD?


Wow, thanks for the great info Ollie. I guess I know what I need to save up for now.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Trapt in Arizona,

I may be just scanning the replies too quick, but are we seriously talking about a 2-speed set-up for 30lb. line? Just my opinion, there really is no need for a 2-speed until you hit 50 lb. line. Am I the crazy one here?