[SpecialK]

Casting poppers with my new Avet LX or JX when I decide which.
Not being able to look at certain brands makes my decision a lot harder. While I was at Cabelas I looked at the Trevala TFC58H 5'8" Heavy Medium Fast 65-200lb 270-325gram and the TVC66H 6'6" Heavy Medium Fast 80-200 270-325. I was pretty impressed but has anyone used one of these "bay rods" haha on a tuna before. The guy workin in cabelas says he swears by them for tuna popping and jigging. Both of these rods seem overkill for the reel class I am looking at but the wieght and flex made me think they would be very good for casting.
Give it to me straight. Do I need to get the reels and do some parking lot comparisons?

 

[Ragman]

The Trevala rods are very parabolic and were designed specifically to be used in Shimano's jigging system.

I've read reports where some people didn't like so much bend and others who thought the rods weren't up to the task to handle bigger fish.

The spinning rod guides are sized for jigging and not necessarily casting big poppers. I've seen guys not be able to make even one cast w/o multiple wind knots!

I've read reports from those that used the rod as it's designed and they thought the rod imparted great action on the jig with less of their effort.

This rod especially I believe you should try before you buy.

 

[papio]

If you like fly fishing the Trevala will be perfect. I gave mine to my brother who fishes Lake Mead in Vegas, the rod is so overrated but good for freshwater and inshore fishing IMO. Suspect here is the line rating, a rod that calls for 80lb-200lb braid but can only handle about a 10oz lure is definately a noodle. Unless you're the ultra light type fishermen, the Trevala might be for you. I like the OTIs, not no powerhouse but strong, sturdy, finesse rod.

 

[SpecialK]

Thanks for the input guys. I got talked out of these real fast. I knew that something had to be tooo good to be true with a rod that small in diameter...

 

[Rottweiler22]

For pure casting distance, longer is better. Trade offs are fighting power and being cumbersome on the boat. I think anywhere between 7.5' and 8.5' is ideal for popping tuna from a private boat.

 

[Uncle Russ]

I don't know why people put these rods down. I have a Stella 1,000 that will handle 200 pound line too, just as long as I don't try to spool too much of it on. It puts out about 7 pounds of drag, and I suspect with that setup the Trevalas could handle 200 pound line just fine.

 

[tbuckshot]

First of all, the trevalas are vertical jigging rods, not popper rods. As for those nay-sayers, I've caught tuna up to 60# on the 5'8" model and find they can handle much more. I fish mine with around 12# of drag--no prob. I believe a much better rod for you would be the 700 MLX calstar. This 7' parabolic rod is marketed as a vertical jigging rod, but is actually great for winging a popper. Better yet would be an 8' stick like a calstar 800-M that will wing that popper across the horizon. It handles great with foam grips so you can use it on the rail after that tuna is handing you your ass.

 

[SpecialK]

Thanks for the input. I should be getting my new reel this week
I will be trying to get a new rod for it soon. I want plenty of play time with it before hand!

 

[Mako]

I have caught several #80 class yellowfin on an Avet LX paired with the Trevala XXH on topwaters, they work well. I have also been witness to #100+ Yellowfin caught on the trevalas as well. I like them for jigging, but I am also looking for a longer casting rod to throw poppers with a Stella 8000.

 

[tbuckshot]

I have caught several #80 class yellowfin on an Avet LX paired with the Trevala XXH on topwaters, they work well. I have also been witness to #100+ Yellowfin caught on the trevalas as well. I like them for jigging, but I am also looking for a longer casting rod to throw poppers with a Stella 8000.

For the spinning gear, I was really impressed with the OTI spinning rods. They got the guts for tuna, no doubt.