Tackle suggestions for newbie?

[txcards]

I have been reading the board here for a while and I am gearing up to do a few fall trips on the big e. I read the forum with the recs for long range GOM trips, but there were a lot of options on there. I have fished private boats before in California and Mexico (yft and albies), but realize the fishing here is quite a different style going after tuna. I plan on doing this quite frequently, so I will not shy away from spending some $$ on the gear. Thanks in advance for the comments and suggestions

I figured I would start out with 2 rods on my first trip to try to get some good ones flapping blood on me in the boat.

Chunking, live bait, and bottom setup
1. Shimano tiagra 30 or 30W (which one) w/
a.Offshore angler deluxe standup
b. G-Loomis pelagic
c. Seeker classic or black steel
d. Some better rod I don't know about
(help here please!!!)
(or could go with the accurate 665 two speed?)
Do I want a rod with rollers or traditional guides?

Spinning and Jigging setup
2. Shimano stella 20000 (get the new SW or the old FA?) or Saragosa 18000? Or perhaps the Accurate twinspin SR30?

a. Probably the OTI 7-1/2 everyone recommends in 50-80

Thats all I've got for now. Again fellas, I appreciate the guidance!

[rtran]

You got a good selected outfit for your spinning/jigging but I wouldn't use a 7'6 rod to jig with, popping yes.

[BretABaker]

as far as the SW or FA....depends if you want a brand new toy and don't mind spending a bit extra, or whether you're fine with an 'older' reel that is still excellent.

you can get one reel/2 rods for jigging and popping if you like. If you did that, I'd get a stella 10k.

as far as rods for chunking, I have a custom rod wrapped on a Calstar blank (forget which model). Go play with some blanks and see which you prefer.

[Deep_Sea_Gull]

Live baiting will be hard with a roller rod. A roller rod is better suited for trolling and bottom fishing. To me, live baiting in the GOM is not taking a hardtail down for AJ. A roller rod can do this. Live baiting involves flylining a bait in my opinion. Hard to do with a 30 or 30w. Practice is needed. You'll find ring guides handy.

Go for a reel that has enough capacity without going to a wide version will be more user friendly. The wides create problems with wobble and laying line on smoothly. Narrower is your friend.

WELCOME!

[feeder]

As far as rods I would stay away from the offshore angler setup. I've never been impressed with them.

For bottom fishing rods you could also consider:
Calstar GF755XH, GF755XXH or GF760XH - depending if you stick with a 30 or larger size reel.

The Seeker brand is also really good especially the black steel line you mentioned. If you have the cash and want you could upgrade to the Super Seeker models. You just need to figure what size rod you want to use and the weight you're willing to deal with for extended periods of time.

As Deep_Sea_Gull mentioned our idea of live baiting in the GOM usually involves dropping live bait down to predators instead of freelining them so either rollers or guides will work. It's your call since both work well in this case.

I'm not too sure the 665 would work too well as a bottom fishing rig. I'd stick to something larger since it's usually a game of tug of war for the first few feet to get the fish away from structure.

[Capt Richie]

txcards. have you looked at the Avet 30.. I think is a much better reel than the shimano .. Rod Seeker Blacksteel its the best one on your list. I like the Super Seeker sweet rod..

Spin the Accurate is at the top of the food chain but all the reels you list will work fine.. Rod; I always buy american there rods are much better than the offshore far east made ones..I like the GUSA rods..Or a Calstar Grafighter The GUSA is only custom & I dont know you time frame & if you can wait or need it now..The Calstar comes both factory or custom..Ther listed with a S after the # for spin..
There is a grip called rail rod grips its a rubber cork grip made just for the long range boats..
I hope this helped........

[txcards]

I appreciate all of your feedback, its been very helpful. I think I am somewhat settled on my gear, and I have a short trip planned Oct 16-17 on the Big E, and I am looking to do one in Nov as well. As far as gear, this is what I have planned, let me know if you think I am making any big mistakes.

1. Super Seeker 6470-7 (40#) spinning rod paired with Accurate twinspin 30L (4:1) gear ratio. I am thinking the 4:1 may work out better than the 6:1 on bigger fish. This rod will be for poppers and some jigging

2. Super Seeker 6470H-7 (50#) rod paired with Accurate B2-30 reel (new one). This rod will be for heavy jigging, chunking, and bait but probably not bottom fishing

[Billy 40]

You hit the nail on the head with HEAVY.

[BretABaker]

how long is that spinning rod?

[txcards]

The spinner and casting rod are both 7'