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gmack · 04-19-2008, 05:56 PM

First of I would like to make a formal introduction of myself. Name is Gary and I live in South Louisiana. I've been reading, researching and doing searches on the site before asking questions. Great information for people without experience with jigging/popping.

Before finding this site I purchased myself a couple of budget jigging setups. So I'm good in that department..........at least for now. I haven't really been able to try them out yet due to the weather. So if I really love the style of fishing I may upgrade later in the year.

I am able to make a couple of overnight trips a year to the "floaters" on a friends boat. I only have one trip under my belt so far, but hope to do a few more. My boat is not capable of a trip out that far. Although I don't have "bluewater" fishing experience I have been fishing inshore and near shore (with live bait mangrove snapper fishing being my favorite) all my life.

My inquiry is about a popping setup to be used for the school size yellowfin and blackfin tuna we catch at night. I want a reel to spool with 50 or 65# braid (300 yards +/-). I must admit that I am a fan of Daiwa products. Because of the limited use I want to purchase a mid-priced (expensive to me) reel. It will be paired with a OTI 7'6" rod.

The reels that have caught my eye are the Daiwa Saltiga Blast 4500, Daiwa Catalina 4500 and Shimano Saragosa. I'm willing to shell out the extra money for the Daiwa's IF they are better products. If the Shimano is actually better (and cheaper) than that will be my reel. Can any of you comment on what would be the better reel? Are the 4500 Daiwa's large enough for my intended use (remember I have limited experience)?

I have seen the Quantum Cabo mentioned, but I owned a 20 size reel I used for inshore and near shore fishing. I take great care of my products and it quickly deteriorated cosmetically and lost it's "smoothness" in quick order. So I have decided to pass on the Quantum.

One last question is about the rod. Again limiting my budget is the OTI popper the best rod in that price range? It sure does look sexy! Does the 2 piece design limit it's strength or longevity?

Sorry for such a long post. I'm sure it's due to not being to sleep in over 24 hours (dang oilfield).

Once again great source of information here guys!

Thank you for any help/direction you can provide.
Gary

04-19-2008, 05:56 PM	#1 (permalink)
gmack Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Houma, Louisiana Posts: 100	School Tuna Popper Outfit First of I would like to make a formal introduction of myself. Name is Gary and I live in South Louisiana. I've been reading, researching and doing searches on the site before asking questions. Great information for people without experience with jigging/popping. Before finding this site I purchased myself a couple of budget jigging setups. So I'm good in that department..........at least for now. I haven't really been able to try them out yet due to the weather. So if I really love the style of fishing I may upgrade later in the year. I am able to make a couple of overnight trips a year to the "floaters" on a friends boat. I only have one trip under my belt so far, but hope to do a few more. My boat is not capable of a trip out that far. Although I don't have "bluewater" fishing experience I have been fishing inshore and near shore (with live bait mangrove snapper fishing being my favorite) all my life. My inquiry is about a popping setup to be used for the school size yellowfin and blackfin tuna we catch at night. I want a reel to spool with 50 or 65# braid (300 yards +/-). I must admit that I am a fan of Daiwa products. Because of the limited use I want to purchase a mid-priced (expensive to me) reel. It will be paired with a OTI 7'6" rod. The reels that have caught my eye are the Daiwa Saltiga Blast 4500, Daiwa Catalina 4500 and Shimano Saragosa. I'm willing to shell out the extra money for the Daiwa's IF they are better products. If the Shimano is actually better (and cheaper) than that will be my reel. Can any of you comment on what would be the better reel? Are the 4500 Daiwa's large enough for my intended use (remember I have limited experience)? I have seen the Quantum Cabo mentioned, but I owned a 20 size reel I used for inshore and near shore fishing. I take great care of my products and it quickly deteriorated cosmetically and lost it's "smoothness" in quick order. So I have decided to pass on the Quantum. One last question is about the rod. Again limiting my budget is the OTI popper the best rod in that price range? It sure does look sexy! Does the 2 piece design limit it's strength or longevity? Sorry for such a long post. I'm sure it's due to not being to sleep in over 24 hours (dang oilfield). Once again great source of information here guys! Thank you for any help/direction you can provide. Gary