What do you use? Do you like it? Not looking to spend 3 bills for the Braid set up with back harness, though it would be nice.

The biggest problem I have wading into gearing up properly is; getting stuff that won't break the bank, yet won't need replacing because it is not up to the task. (Glad I started gathering gear a couple of years ago, because if I had just decided to get it all at once, the $$$$ would have sent me running. Wish we saw more gear in the Classifieds.....

Buy the larger Braid set up with the back harness, though The Hook Up down in Orleans has a real slick belt that is very quick to put on..
Neither of them are cheap, but when it comes to boats, what is !!!

I have the Braid shoulder harness with the straps to adapt to a spinning or conventional rod where the reel doesn't have lugs on it. I got it at the Hook-up in Orleans (about $70 for the harness and $10 for the straps). You have to use a shoulder harness for this application due to the angle need to connect to the rod.

I have an AFCO "butt/waist" harness for my regular standup tuna gear (where the reel has lugs for connecting the harness). I feel that this type of harness is superior to a shoulder harness in fighting a fish because you can "sit down" on the fish and really use your weight rather than leaning back on the fish (which is more tiring).

Either way, the gear isn't cheap but necessary for BFTs given the estimated size the fish will be this season. Talk to Eric Stewart at the Hook-Up in Orleans...he'll give you the no-nonsense scoop on what will work for your application.

I also have the AFTCO setup (Clarion Unlimited plus belt). I picked up most of my tuna gear over the last year from eBay or mail order mostly from mid-Atlantic shops. Not sure why their prices seem so much less even when adding shipping and no sales tax.

I also have the AFTCO setup (Clarion Unlimited plus belt). I picked up most of my tuna gear over the last year from eBay or mail order mostly from mid-Atlantic shops. Not sure why their prices seem so much less even when adding shipping and no sales tax.

I have the same, its pretty good but isn't cheap. None of the good ones are. Bought at FO last year. Keep checking ebay, you may score a deal.