Hi guys, first time posting, but have been following the Boards for years as a guest. I will be purchasing a Mak 20SEa for a 5-day on the Shogun over Memorial Day. We are hoping for the big Bluefin. Question is, what is the best way to have this reel rigged to fish 80-100# for big Bluefin?

I like that reel spooled with 100# hollow core, 600 yds, terminated in a splice loop. Then run wind-on leaders of about 25 feet, perhaps have also one or two in mono at 50 feet. Set your drag at 30 lbs, and hope for some big ones to make a show during your trip.

How many wind-on leaders would you recommend taking for a 5-day? I would think 60#, 80#,and 100# fluoro...4 or 5 of each?

Thanks,

Tim

Hard call, depends upon style of fishing, how many big ones, grade of fish being caught. On a similar trip, I'd probably have 3 of each size I intended to fish in the most used tests and no more than one or two of the least expected needs. So, on a typical 5 day, I'd have a single 100 & 80# (okay maybe two @ 80#) and 3-4 at 60#. On a 5 day'r, probably you'll be using 40# primarily for yellowtail/dorado and schoolie tuna. Heading towards Guadalupe Island, well that would cause me to double up on the heavier rigs. If instead the boat turns right and heads towards the bluefin off San Clemente Isl. you'd need to be prepared for fishing 30# on up to 60# most likely.

I'm thinking you're going to Guadalupe, and the grade of fish expected may result in one fish per wind-on given stretch and higher drag loads. Two years ago the tuna bit anything, even heavy lines. Last year best success was had by those fishing 60 lb. Bait was rather small, especially on the later charters, so small hooks and lighter lines of 50-60 got the best results. About all I can say definitively is that you want to have all your bases covered, having leaders of 50-100 makes sense. I'd be inclined to drop the length, nothing longer than 25 feet, and a guy might make a case for 12 feet (but only if the angler is sharp and follows their line, keeping the bait straight out in front of themselves). Every year is different, the more boat pressure the stealthier you'll need to be. Getting bit is the first problem, bringing the fish in through the sharks that's the next problem. On one hand you want lighter FL lines, given the toothy critters hungry for some tasty tuna...there's an incentive to bump her up to 100#, hammer down the drag and bring in the tuna ASAP! Better have your bases covered.