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