Reel line capacity

[Vezo, Part II]

What is realistic? I just bought a custom built reel from a 23 year old Mechanical Engineer. Turns out I met his father about 10 years ago while a close friend was having his home remodeled. Same age kids, the parents became friends.

The son, Zach, is an NJIT graduate who seriously disliked paying a lot of money for trolling reels, so he designed one himself. They are now being built for him in China, with some fancy grade aluminum imported from Japan.

He uses it for large Striped Bass, jigging and even trolling, as well as bottom fishing for fluke/flounder. The reels drag system tested at 33+ pounds but he modestly admits, that would be extreme, and not probable.

Thing is, it’s a 6.3:1 retrieve with a monster crank and handle, and the spool looks like an inshore bass reel. He loads it with minimal mono backing, and 30 lb. PowerPro, at 300 yards. I bought one, took it to DICK’S to try to match a rod to it. Picked up another Shimano Talavera to match a set of four, with Torium 20 HG.

We did the conversion from 30 lb. to 65 and it seemed it may hold 200 yards. I don’t cast these reels very well, but this will strictly be used in the GOM, for Gags and ARS, no more than 80 feet, depending on fuel range of the MA. If trolling, I’d use the Toriums. So, could this be the next lightweight reel for these targets? Is 65 lb. PowerPro really necessary? I’m not intending to boat a Goliath,though I have broken two significantly well built meat sticks to date.

I don’t believe he has a patent yet, but has plans for designing a new, larger reel, and possibly having made in the U.S.A.. Oh, my buddy was visiting his Dad last night, while Zach was in Colorado snowboarding. He left them both a sample of his bedroom made Bourbon, which got rave reviews! Haha

Vezo, Part II

[Vezo, Part II]

Well the rod arrived, went with the 6’6” because I’m tired of breaking tips while sticking out of my truck bed. This model is rated Heavy vs. Medium Heavy of the 7’, both Fast Action. The blue PowerPro Silk should be in stock now, so what does the brain trust say? 45 or 65 pound? Thanks.

Vezo, Part II

[kmoose]

I run 80 jerry brown on my trolling and bottom rods and 65 on the big spinners. 40 on the light spinners. I also use either matching topshots or wind on leaders in Diamond mono from Blue Action tackle. He has the best prices on quality JB line one and hollow core if you like doing your own splicing. Also carries a complete line of floro and high end mono. Power pro is fine and I still use it on some of rods but I don't cheap out on the mono top shots and wind ons.