What is the best reel for Halibut?

rfishman47 · 05-20-2005, 01:41 PM

I need some help,What is the best reel I can get for halibut that will hold enough tuff line for the ranch's 600 plus feet of water?I just picked up a shakespeare tiger 7' rod from fisherman's and I would like to get a levelwinde
reel for my new rod.Thanks to all salty dogs that can help!

Boatdog · 05-20-2005, 01:48 PM

Here is a link to a recent thread with all of the info you will want to know. -->> Halibut/TUNA reels

psst...AVET 2-speed

KEITH · 05-20-2005, 01:57 PM

warn winch would be good no complaints about bait checks

PeterMac · 05-20-2005, 02:06 PM

When I asked the same question a while ago, I was encouraged to stay away from level winds. Less moving parts to get trashed by the salt, etc...

PeterMac

bait boy · 05-20-2005, 02:36 PM

The issue with level winds is on fast moving fish the parts can get skewed and break. for halibut I love my level wind and the penn 330 (mine) needs new wormgear and pawl after 5 years of service on tuna and halibut. Not bad for a "cheap" levelwind. so penn 330 or 345 will more than fit the bill for a "halibut" reel.

Hillbilly · 05-20-2005, 02:40 PM

Well, I agree in the theory about less moving parts mean less problems. And depending on what you wanna spend. I was at the ranch on the opener and caught a rock that must have weighed 6 lbs add that to the 48 ozs I was using for weight. . My two speed reel (shimano tld-30) made it manageable to reel this dead weight up. It still was an nasty thing to do. I am contemplating an electric reel myself for this fishery not that I want to use it on fish but the bait checks are killers. Also not having the automatic spooling made it rough on my thumb. My thumb was tore up trying to keep the 100 lb. tuff line spooled equally on the reel. I should have worn a leather glove or something. The Shimono runs $300 ish dollars the Avets are awesome but again can get pretty spendy depending on the model. The Penn 330 and penn 340 are a lot more reasonable and if keep well-lubed should hold well for Hailbut plus Electra-mate, dolphin, and Weisenhut (I think it is spelled that way) makes an attachable motor which mounts to these reels. Should you down the road decide to go motorized. As far as I know Penn has the most variety of attachable motors. The larger penns also have plenty of line capacity for the Ranch. I also think power handles can be bought to give you a little better edge. Just my Two-cents..

charltoncharters · 05-20-2005, 02:51 PM

I have chartered for halibut for many years,I use two types
of reels,daiwa 600h & penn 340 gti, I like both the daiwa
is slower retrive but a bigger reel, the penn has a 3.25-1
so its faster up, the daiwas are heavier built but I personally would pick the penn, and just make sure you wash the reel off with fresh water after the trip, check the screws, oil often and loosen the drag when stored.

good fishing,

Capt. Mark Charlton

Herring Problem · 05-20-2005, 02:58 PM

One of those new gasoline powered augur reels. Has a 7.5 HP honda motor and 3/8 inch line with small grappler hook set up with 5 lb lead ball.

A good Diawa 340 GTI reel is good and dependable.

Reelentless · 05-20-2005, 03:55 PM

Precision Electric Reel coupled to a Penn 340 GTI. All this is sold at Englunds. Heres a link for some info:

http://www.fish-ng.com/shop_cart/en-us/dept_1.html

greenbuttskunk · 05-20-2005, 04:00 PM

penn formula 10 LD or penn 340, or tekota 700 maybe.
I've used the 320, but I think it's a bit small for deep fishing with alot of weight.

TrinhTD · 05-20-2005, 04:18 PM

I like my Daiwa Sealine Rockcod Special 910H. Hold more than enough line than you'll ever need and will crank up anything from the bottom. The only down fall is the weight of the reel.

lor · 05-20-2005, 04:33 PM

Being the proud owner of a Penn 114HLW, it performed flawlessly at the ranch during the opener.
However, my next reel will be a 2 speed something.
Probably an Avet.
Unless its electric, 600+ foot bait check is a killer of your arms and moral.

CrazyFish · 05-20-2005, 06:44 PM

If Halibut is all that your going to use it for and your only going to fish the Ranch or deeper then go for an electric reel all the way

I have 2 Penn 113 4/0 , an Okuma CN55LW, and a Penn 340 GTI and use all for Halibut, TUNA, and even Salmon (a little heavy for salmon but they'll work).

OuterLimits · 05-20-2005, 07:01 PM

I use a Penn 345 and has performed very well. 50 yds of dacron for backing and fill the rest with 150# PowerPro using a Custom Made 5'6" works for me! I also attached a larger "winch" handle to the reel.

05-20-2005, 07:08 PM

If you MUST have levelwind I'd suggest a Penn 340GTI, it has the same line capacity as the 113H. Fill it with 65lb Spectra and 10'-20' of 50lb mono and your set.