Line for 50TW?

[taJon]

I think I want Momoi diamond but does anyone use Trilene Big Game?

[big jay]

I run 80lb momoi hi-catch on my 50 wides. Alot of people like the diamond - we run it on our 130's - but imho I don't think the diamond has that much advantage over the standard to justify the increase in cost.

[Mr. Sandman]

Momoi is what most of the guys I know out here use. I have it on my 50w's. I was thinking of loading it with braid this year and having a topshot of mono. I think there are guys on this board that fish with this setup and like it.

[taJon]

I was thinking of using 50# test, but you use 80? Do you use the clear or one of the colors?

[Mr. Sandman]

I think I have 80 on there, I know it is not 50 but I might have opted for 60 last year, I have to look. And the color is a light blue. Replacing all that mono each season is not cheap. I don't use them as much as I use to anymore now that I have a smaller boat , and that is the reason I was thinking of going to the braid as I could just replace the mono topshot each season instead of the entire spool. Most guys like the mono on troll as they can see it better and it detangles easier) hence the top layer of mono on there. (but personally I enjoy fighting a fish on the braid)

[MakoMike]

I have big game on some of my reels (actually most of them) but they are 80Ws spooled with 100 big game. On big reels like that line capacity isn't an issue. On a smaller reel I would go with a good, thin, 80lb mono, like Jinkai.

[big jay]

I go one line class higher than the reel on all my trolling setups. ex 50 lb on 30's, 80lb on 50's, 130 on 80's, and 200 (or actually 130 daimond -same thing) on the 130's.

A 50 wide is rated to hold 550 yds of 80lb (actually a little more with small diam line like momoi) so that is more than enough line capacity plus you get the advantage of heavier line - which is nice when you're towing expensive spreader bars.

I'm not a fan of backing w/spectra - just don't see the cost justification.
It's a great system if you need massive line capacity - like on the long range boats in cali where it was developed, but those guys are fishing big yellows from stationary boats. Here, if a fish takes 500 plus yards, and you can't turn around and chase him down, you're probably not getting it anyway.

That said, on my 30's where line capacity could be an issue, I do back with spectra. Otherwise, dacron with a couple hundred yard topshot spliced in.

color - smoke blue - but it doesn't matter for trolling, but nice for chunking.

[MakoMike]

Jay,
You are assuming that you're fishing from a moving boat, or at least a boat that can get moving in short order. IMHO the spectra has a good use here in the northeast, when you're anchored up out in the canyons at night and big yellowfin or bigeye decides its time for a fight.

[big jay]

Mike - that was exactly my assumption. Like I said, spectra is a great system if you need massive line capacity like on long range boats - and your right, anchored up at night in the canyons would certainly qualify as well (I fish cc-bay and north so the canyons aren't really an option for me).

For my purposes with the 50's- trolling sbft/small meds - I don't find the spectra necessary. If we are on anchor, its for giants, and then we use the 130's and drop the ball when we go off.

Now that I've said all that, I will probably get a 50W spooled first time out this season. But if I do, it will be my own fault for not moving on the fish in time, and I'll have fun telling the story and eating some crow.

[MakoMike]

Jay,
On my trolling rods I only use mono, as you say, line capacity isn't much of an issue. It's only on the chunking rods that I use the spectra (atually Jerry Brown) backing with the mono top shot.

[taJon]

Well I went for 50# mono. Should be good enough. If not, I'll get some 80, or maybe even do an 80 topshot like 100 yards?

[taJon]

nope actually went with 80# test.

[thefishingfreak]

yeah... 80# momoi. good stuff.
don't forget the rod tethers to keep your 700 combo IN the boat

[quick decision]

I am using 50 pound braid with a top shot of 80 pound mono this year. I have three 114 senators with smoothie drags. If I had a 50 I would use 50 pound test. You can catch a 150 pound fish no problem with that setup. Matched with the right rod of course. Did you ever read the book TUNA? Great bookl on tuna fishing.

[taJon]

No, where did you get it and who is the author. I have been reading on another site of how to use a standup harness to your advantage though. Looks like a combo of the harness and person driving the boat to get the fish in quickly.

FF where did you get the straps and reel covers?

[quick decision]

Tuna, by Capt. Bill Smith
I bought a used copy on Amazon for short money.

[taJon]

thanks.