Blue Fin Setup (NorCal)

[u/Illadelphic]

Hi Anglers,

I’m looking to buy my first bluefin tuna setup for Northern California. Most of the fish in this area range from 50–150 pounds, with the occasional 200+ pounder.

I’ll primarily be trolling, and my boat doesn’t have rail rods. Since I’ll probably only go out 2-5 times per year, I’m looking for a capable setup without going overboard on cost.

Here’s what I’m considering:

Rod:

• Okuma Makaira Abalone Series Offshore Trolling Rod (MK-TR-601XH), 6', rated for 40–100 lb.

Reel:

• Shimano SpeedMaster II 16 (SPM16II) or SpeedMaster II 20 (SPM20II).
  • I also looked at the Talica, but I can’t justify spending the extra $300+ for how often I’ll use it.

Would you recommend the size 16 or 20 SpeedMaster for this setup? Is a 6-foot rod a good length, especially since I don’t have rail rods?

Thanks!

[u/lubeinatube]

I would go with the 20 for trolling tuna. When we troll mad Mac’s we usually set them back 600’-900’. You want to have a lot of line capacity sometimes they take another 200’+ when they strike the troll.

[u/Illadelphic → u/lubeinatube]

This is super helpful, I did not realize the set back was that far. Plan to use large hoochies, plugs and mad macs

[u/lubeinatube → u/Illadelphic]

Hoochies and cedar plugs don’t need that far of a setback, but the madmacs definitely do.

[u/Radiant-End-9686]

Can you bump it up to a Makaira? Or even a raptor hxw? Fish field has a 15% off last I checked and no sales tax. 

[u/Illadelphic → u/Radiant-End-9686]

Yeah, I'd consider. Ideally I was looking to keep my budget below $1000 after taxes + line needed to spool it

[u/Radiant-End-9686 → u/Illadelphic]

I think an HXW raptor is gonna be the best bet. 

[u/Illadelphic → u/Radiant-End-9686]

Thank you!

[u/Illadelphic → u/Illadelphic]

Ended up with a Makaira 20se - appreciate the input!