Bluefin Tuna Fishing Rods and Reels - How to Choose the BEST Setup [Gear]
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- Опубліковано 28 лип 2024
- Huge thanks to Anthony for opening up the shop and taking the time to share with us his experience and expertise when it comes to choosing the best rod and reel setups for fishing bluefin tuna.
Also a huge thank you to my friends Kris and Alan for taking time out of their busy schedules to help make this video happen. I am beyond grateful for your behind the scenes help and support. Thank you.
Video has time stamps below for your convenience.
Sav-On Tackle
9917 Orr and Day Rd
Santa Fe Springs, 90670
(562) 864-2911
Please note that this video is NOT sponsored by Sav On Tackle, this is simply a shop I support and have a positive relationship with.
Reels covered in video:
Penn Torque 25, 30 - $599.95
Penn Fathom 25, 30 - $309.95
Makaira 15T - $579.95
Penn Torque 40 - $619.95
Penn Fathom 40 - $329.95
Makaira 20 - $609.95
International 20 - $629.95
Rods covered in video:
Phenix Axis 780H - $255.00
Calstar 800H - $489.95
Phenix Axis 720X2H - $259.00
More Inshore/Offshore Videos:
Yellowtail Rods & Reels - • SoCal Yellowtail Fishi...
Yellowtail What's in the Box? - • SoCal Yellowtail Fishi...
Bluefin Tuna Boat Limits - • Bluefin Tuna Fishing -...
Bluefin Tuna Boat Limits - • EPIC BIG Bluefin Tuna ...
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00:00 - Introduction
01:02 - Reel Overview
01:35 - 30 pound reel
02:04 - 40 to 50 pound reel (sinker rig)
02:50 - 50 to 60 pound reel
03:30 - 60 to 80 pound reel
04:16 - Reels for knife jigs
05:44 - Is there one do it all reel to get?
07:20 - Rod overview
08:33 - 30 pound rod
09:38 - Sinker Rig rod
10:35 - 60 to 80 pound rod
11:28 - Rail Rods explained - Спорт
![SoCal Yellowtail Fishing - Choosing your BEST Rod and Reel Setups [Sav On Tackle]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/AvJkQchf8CQ/mqdefault.jpg)
I am a big time gear junkie. Videos like this are so dangerous!!! I have impulsive purchase problems! 😅 Thanks Benjie! The few times I've been bluefin fishing, they were very line shy. I was using 15lb. Test with super small bronze hooks and anchovies. 20 pound test wasn't getting bit, and even a shiny hook would turn them away. I'm sure that the conditions change from moment to moment. Thanks for another informative video sir!
haha you're not a true fisherman if you can't relate to this lol!
Agreed with the BFT, the first one I ever got bit on 20 lb test. It was only like a 30 pound schoolie but it still kicked my butt!!
Yup I'm buy a pole and reel
@@BenjieKimFishing Would penn Regime II spinning poping 50/100g do as a Rod ?
I’ve had the pleasure of fishing with both of these guys on my first offshore experience. Anthony is a fountain of knowledge and extremely outgoing. Benjie, you have some great fishing experience as well and I believe you have a rare gift for interviewing. Your input and “interruption” as you called it was my exact thought, great insight and forecasting. Hope to see you both again in the future! Keep the videos rolling gents. Thanks
Some of the best tackle tips on youtube, finally. This guy knows what he is talking about!
Anthony is the man!! Full of knowledge and super articulate and easy to understand!
@@BenjieKimFishing Would you ever go on a boat with a 10 foot rod?
Went to Sav-On Tackle and Anthony set me up. Picked up an Okuma Makaira MK-20II SEa with 135lb Izorline Hollow Spectra and a United Composites Centaur. Bring on the cows!
YES!!! I'm so glad you were able to go as I know you were in the market for a setup. Can't wait to see what you catch with that setup this year Eugene!
Another great video. Very helpful. Thank you Benjie & Anthony! Savon Tackle has the best selection of gear in the area!
Thanks so much Chris, I hope you're well and getting ready for an epic season!!
Thank you for going over the Penn reels. I picked up a couple of the Fathoms for my first BF trip in SD.
Fantastic explanation of gear vs. needs. Excellent guys. 😊
Anthony always dumping knowledge on us! Great video Benjie!
For sure Josh, he's definitely gifted in not only his knowledge, but his ability to clearly articulate and teach!
Sav-On is the spot for sure! Great selection and staff.
Thanks Kevin and agreed 100%. They're customer service is fantastic for both the newcomer and seasoned angler alike.
This was such a great in depth video, keep em coming!
Thank you so much, more coming soon including one tonight!
Benjie thank you for asking the right questions for the new offshore fisherman. I’ll try and head up there next weekend !
Thanks Eric, for sure man, I definitely learned some things shooting this video. It can be confusing when starting out. Hope you can make it out there, Anthony's awesome!
Excellent video-thanks so much for all the great advice!!!!
Hey David, sorry I missed this comment, thank you so much brotha!
Keep these types of videos rolling! Love them! Great work!
Thank you! Def have plans for more of these in 2023. Happy New Year!
@@BenjieKimFishing Awesome! I just added another setup to my quiver…a Makaira 16SEa with a United Composites Centaur. Hoping to put it to some good use on these bluefin this upcoming season if they’re still around in July when I go on my first trip.
Great videoBenjie! Definitely learned some new things 🤙
Thanks Dino...if you learned some new things, I learned A LOT of new things lol!
Man how do you not have more subscribers, the information and vids you're providing are top notch!
Thank you so much, one video at a time, one subscriber at a time!!
I agree 👍!
I needed some information and I just got it, so I can take the half a second it takes to push a button. Subscribed. Thanks for the information.
Great vid. You got that pro light set up also! Good job 👍
Thanks Dwayne, all credit goes to my buddies who took time out of their busy lives and let me shoot this with their awesome gear!
So cool to see you comin up
Thanks brotha, you've seen me from the very beginning. One day at a time, one video at a time...the grind is real! I hope you're well!!
Super video fellas! I have a TRQ30LD2 in the mail. Will be used for daytime flatfalls and Bralla sinker rig. Don't forget the 16VISX as the reel that fits between 40NLD2 and the 20VISX. 300# fish capable and much more fishable than the 20 VISX. Keep the videos coming!
Great video! Love the Gear videos!
Thanks always Derrick, the goal is always to help and hopefully that can be the case with this one!
What an awesome video. Anthony is great at explaining this.
Benjeeeeeee! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and sharing anything u learn new!
Thank you so much Minh...always! This is a new game for me so I'm grateful to learn alongside others getting into the game!
This was a great video. Lots of good info.
Thank you Chaz!
Learned a lot. Thank you.
Can't wait to get on the boat...ill be there to get my first setup!!!!
Oh dude that's awesome man, would love to hear what you end up with, getting new gear is so exciting!
You guys should consider doing a “learning how to charter”. I would pay extra for a full day with you guys and tips/tricks
Nice! Can’t wait to see part 2-4.
Thanks Gayee, the hope was to film it all that night but this one took a bit longer than anticipated! lol
I’ll tell Alan to stop asking questions. Lol.
@@omeridium lol I actually have enough footage for probably 2 more episodes just from the side conversations. And the content in there is actually incredibly legit lol 😂
Sav on tackle really great shop 🐟
I agree man, huge selection and superb customer service!
Great video-thank you!!!
Thanks so much for checking out the video David, appreciate the positive stoke!
Love your channel
this season started off pretty good. looking forward to getting out there
Man I agree...I'm almost nervous that it WON'T be good given the reports we're seeing. But most definitely, it looks like it'll be a good year!!
@@BenjieKimFishing DOOOOOOOOOD i got a 150 (129 gutted and gilled) BFT! Thanks for the recommendations, the Phenix Axis HXX did work!
nice video & great info for BFT🐟 👍
Great video. Now we just need to get you on a boat and fill that fridge. I'm going May 13th on the O95 with Charter group so cal. Day and 1/2 out of Point Loma.
Awesome Sean, no doubt you'll slay on that trip (weather permitting of course)!
Great presentation! If you haven't been to SAVE ON Tackle you gotta go.They have you covered and know what their talking about.
Just the video i needed
Thanks for checking it out!
Thanks for sharing 👍. Subscribed!
Thanks so much Charles, greatly appreciated!
Informative! Thanks.
Thanks Tom 🤙
Thanks for putting this out, Benjie, I'm jumping on the new Lo-an in a few weeks, I will need to head over to Sav-on to stock up on Knife jigs.
I will shoot you a report. I'm fishing with Jacob in July as well. Hope your season goes well.
Hey Rudy great to hear from you brother!! That's awesome man please let me know how you do on those trips, I love hearing your updates. I'll be jumping on the New Lo-An in July for the first time, excited for that one. Dang, would love to fish on Jacob's boat again some time!
@@BenjieKimFishing Lo-an is a great boat, super fishy, I Just booked a limited load in september on the success. Im pretty stocked up, need to grab one or two more knife jigs in 400 gram and im set.
Antony is the mannnn💪.
100% agreed!
Great video.. Awesome.. 👍
United Composites Rods for the win
Thanks Benji/Anthony!!! Just picked up a Fanthom 40 and Phenix rod. Can't wait to go out there now!!!
Dude that's awesome Will! Glad you were you able to get there and pick up that setup! I've got a Fathom/Phenix combo myself and I love it!
Awesome vids Benji, keep ‘em coming. I’m heading down to sav on tackle this weekend to get my first tuna set up. I feel informed and now have an idea of what I want. Also, what charter do you recommend to catch my first tuna?
Hey Jesse, sorry for the late response and thank you for the positive stoke. I hope you made it to Sav On, definitely a great shop. For boats, I'd take a look at the New Lo An, Tribute, Old Glory, and Tomahawk for starters. And I def recommend a min of a 1.5 day for Tuna. A lot of times, the night bite is when we see a lot of the action and a 1.5 day can capitalize on that. Tight lines!
Really liking your videos
Any a video yet on the “modified dropper “ some have ing luck with BFT instead of the rubber band
UC !!
I find it a bit strange how equipment changes from coast to coast.
Here on the east coast, the 5.5 - 6.0 Tuna sticks rule head boats for the compact size and stopping power.
I've always gone heavy on line unless tournament fishing, then it's IGFA equipment and line class only. Hi-Seas Quattro or Ande Back Country or Tournament line in 40-100 lb rating. Also, drop weight usually is 16-20 ounces. Peeler crabs rubber banded to a 6/0 hook. Anything close to the surface goes for some type of spoon with squid or pork rind streamer..
Hahaha, I love this cover and the guys on it!
haha thank you! Anthony hates it but I force him to play along lol!
hwaiting!
Thanks Francis, appreciate you!!
Thanks for the information! Will there be more parts to this?
Hey Brody, yes there will be more parts, we haven't filmed them yet but it is definitely in the works.
It's All hype to get u into there store and unload your paycheck back in the day all what you needed to fish for tuna was mono & penn 4/0 reels it still gets done easy to take apart and service
Would you recommend a Shimano Tiagra 30 reel for a rail rod in Southern California? Or is that pushing it? Thanks so much for the info. Great video
Saltiga LD60 or international vixs30 which one is good for night jigging thank you
AYE!!! WHATS UP EAST COAST!!! LONG TIME NO SEE....YA LAND LUBBER.....MISS YA BRO
Q.....SOUF JOISEY
first off thank you for very informative videos. i have a question on line rating on rods. i understand power, action and lure weight but Rod line rating doesnt make sense to me, the rod cant detect what line you use right? you can use rod rated for 40-60lbs you can use 80 (20 above max) or 50 middle or 20lb (20 below) line and put 10 lbs of drag on your reel and the rod will all bend the same. i think drag rating on a rod will make more sense than a line rating right?
what is the application for a SS6490? would surface irons be used for tuna?
Surprised you skipped the Penn 16 VISX. I find that much more comfortable to fish flatfall than the 20 sized reels. Being only 5’7” I prefer the 6.5’ rods for most BFT. An 8’ rod for a guy my size is just painful.
Spinning reels work for yellowtail?
If so what size and brands ?
What line would y’all put on the okuma makaira 15t
What is the less amount of line, on your reels used?
Can u use a spinning reel for tuna..?
UC for me..amazing with mak or visx
🔥🔥🔥🔥
Your missing the shimano ocea jigger and the daiwa saltiga slow jigging reel and rod
Is this for Bluefin or Albacore tuna fishing? The clips you included look more like Albacore tuna. Maybe I'm mistaken.
Hey that’s my local tackle shop
Hi Benjie. I love the Phenix Black Diamond Hoodie! Where can I purchase one? I don't see it on the Phenix website.Thanks!
Hey there! Man I just checked there too after reading your comment and you're right. I'm not sure, I actually picked mine up in person at the warehouse so they definitely have them. Maybe they're a new merch item and they've yet to put it up?
@@BenjieKimFishing Thanks Benjie!
I dont understand why the last reel he showed the Makaira 20 is bigger than the 30 and 40 reels he showed earlier? I huess im just not understanding how they rate reels.
on the phenix axis 780H , Anthony mention that is a heavy 30lb rod , what did he meant by a" heavy 30lb" is there a light 30lb and medium 30lb rods??
Hey Tony, the Axis 780H is rated 25 to 60 so 30 pounds is on the lower end of that rating. What that means is that it will have more backbone than for example, a rod that is rated 20 to 30. Both rods are rated for 30 pound, but the 25 to 60 will give you more power and therefore, a bit more leverage and control when fighting fish in that class.
This is why Anthony emphasizes holding a rod and choosing one that fits each individuals comfort level as there will be multiple rod options within each line class and what fits one person might not fit the next.
I hope that makes sense!
@@BenjieKimFishing ohh ok that makes lots of sence, great info on your videos , be waiting for the rest of the videos to gear up as the tuna is here
Anyone have experience with the Penn Squall 2 speed? I've got a good deal on a lightly used 30 but not sure about the graphite frame. It would be nice since it's not so heavy and the line capacity is nuts.
Big fish break the graphite frames, bro. Word.
@@johngeddes7894the shimano tiles are what we used for 2 speeds 20 plus years ago. For 100lbers they work. Especially on a budget.
Benjie just saw the video with the Blue fin you caught. What rod and reel combo were you using? And how big were the fish?
Hi David, do you remember which video you're referencing? I have 3 videos where I caught bluefin. I only have 1 setup as of now, a Penn Fathom 25 paired with Phenix Black Diamond 8'. All other gear I've been borrowing from my friend so I may have been using those. I've caught a total of 5 bluefin ranging from around 30 to 125 pounds (I barely count the 125 as mine as it was a handoff and I had tons of help) and 1 yellowfin.
@@BenjieKimFishing Thanks Benjie. The video was from Bluefin Tuna Fishing - Boat LIMITS!! [Pescador Sportfishing]. I'm going on my first tuna trip in June.
@@davidgarside8697 hey david, gotcha. For that trip I exclusively used the fathom 25 2 speed/black diamond (psw 809xhj 25-60) setup that i mentioned in the above comment. I caught 2 bluefin and 1 yellowfin on that trip ranging from maybe 30 to 40 pounds. I hope that helps and good luck on your trip in June!
I currently have a Lexa 400 and a fathom 40NLD. I’m wanting to buy another setup. I’m currently on the fence of either going heavier than the fathom or lighter to get something that fits in between my Lexa 400 and the fathom. Any suggestions? Been looking at either a Shimano Trinidad 16NA for the light setup or for the heavy a Okuma Makaira. I’ve primary only fished rock cod in Cen Ca but this year I have my first 3 day trip planned out of San Diego. Thank for any advice.
Hey Bryan, I had some opinions on this but I also asked Anthony about his thoughts and they more or less lined up. I'd consider getting something like the Penn Fathom 25 NLD 2 speed as opposed to the Trini 16. The 2 speed will come in clutch on those death spirals. The Fathom (or something similar) will serve you well for the 30 to 40 pound class fish.
If and whenever you have the budget, the Makaira will be a great addition to your heavy setup.
Apologies on the late response, but I hope this helps. Let me know if you have other questions and I'll get back to you faster next time.
@@BenjieKimFishing thanks, your suggestion was the way I was also leaning. For my first extended trip on the pacific queen in May I’ll probably just rent my 100lb setup. Make sure I want to keep doing it before I drop 1500$ on quality setup. Does Anthony do rentals?
@@bryan34wable yea that’s actually a really good call in my opinion. Anthony doesn’t do rentals but you can rent from any of the landings (not sure which one the PQ is out of) and they are cheap and it’s solid gear.
are you in san diego
What pound braid would you put on the penn 40
80
Whats the sale discounts on reels and rods?
Hey Daniel, I apologize as I wasn't given specifics. My suggestion is to call the store (number is in vid description) and ask if you can talk to Anthony.
What do you think about graftech rods?
Decent rods for the money. You should be checking out rods based on what your using them for. Like I wouldn't use all graphite for throwing iron. But if I was vertical jigging a stiffer rod would be better for that style. Live bait you would want a softer tip.
Rookie here you keep referring to fly line. What is that?
Hey Mickey, fly line is using only a hook and live bait (usually sardine) and letting the bait swim away from the boat while your reel is in free spool. No sinker or any other rigging technique. This is usually the easiest way to get bit as long as the fish are feeding near the surface. Hope that makes sense!
No spinning reel at all, are they not suitable?
haha it has been a month, it seems about time for part 2. i bought you an anthony a cup an a half each
Hey Nolan, thank you for your support man, I saw that and greatly appreciate it.
We actually just filmed part 2 - 4 on Friday night, and I just started editing part 2 this morning. My goal is to get all of them published before June. Stay tuned!
when is part 2 coming oyt??
Hey Tony, we just filmed parts 2 - 4 on Friday and I just started editing part 2. My goal is to get everything done before June but we'll see how it goes. Part 2 should be out by end of next week at the latest though. Stay tuned!
@@BenjieKimFishing right on 👍
I called Sav-On Tackle yesterday, and the guy who answered said there was no sale planned. Is the sale real or not?
Hi Paul, there is 100% a sale just be sure to talk to Anthony on the phone or in store. I just got off the phone with him now. The staff was not aware but they are now. I apologize for the confusion.
@@BenjieKimFishing Thanks! I'll be visiting the shop today.
@@BenjieKimFishing Hi Benjie. No worries. I went to Sav-On Tackle today, met Anthony Casulli, and it was well worth the drive from Long Beach. I went in for a big tuna rail rod trying to keep it under $300, with the right length and feel for someone who is 65yo and has a bad back. Anthony steered me toward just the right rod to match a reel I already owned, one of the new Penn Carnage III Boat Conventional West Coast 7 ft rail rods. Anthony took two rods in trade as well. Did you know Sav-On buys used rods? (In good condition, of course.) Sav-On also has the best selection of slow pitch and deep drop jigs around from what I've seen, and I picked up two.
@@paulrye2301 hi Paul, glad to hear you were taken care of, Anthony is one of the very best when it comes to knowledge and customer service. Thanks for checking out the video and tight lines!
Thank you so much for this video I kept looking for one like this cause all I could find was these fake Ai voices talking about Random rods😂😂
Why do you refer to the fish size as a “Model”? Never heard that before
Blue fin tuna =model 🧐
Right wtf…. Why
Video #2 ???
Hi John, I just dropped it yesterday!
ua-cam.com/video/LuxvBaJztCQ/v-deo.html
UNCLE BENJIE THE PLUG FOR KNOWLEDGE
Thanks Chance, hopefully some folks will find it helpful!
safe to say, to be conservative, you could get most done with 2 rods. must kinda be a drag to look after and deal with 4-5 set ups,..
I can't disagree with you here on a personal level. I currently only have one offshore setup and I borrow the rest from friends whenever I get out there. I've always had at least 3 setups on my tuna trips and on a couple of occasions, only used one the entire time lol. With that said, most guys dedicated to this game have been building out their gear over a period of years, and it is nice to have options for multiple and unpredictable scenarios. Tight lines!
I found this vdo late… today is may 9 😅 no more discount
Ever heard of Accurate, Avet, ????
Serious Product Pushing !
The volume sucks on your video, I have my phone maxed out and can barely hear it
Hey Jordan, thank you so much for the feedback, that's the only way I can fix mistakes in the future. This is the first time anyone's mentioned this issue for this video and it actually sounds fine on my devices. I'm going to look into it more deeply to see if I need to fix anything on my end. Thanks again.
No way I'm paying $600 for okuma
Hope that helps!
To late today is 26 lol
imagine riding the rail because you cant fish smfh Spinning gear 4 life
Spinning Tackle :
Fly Line and Jigging - Daiwa Saltist MQ 5000-8000 size reel
Deep Stuff - Shimano Saragosa 10000+
Kite FIshing/Live Baitting Mackies - Shimano Stella 10000+
Much respect to the spinning the game! Super common around the world, not so much in SoCal for whatever reason.
I DON'T KNOW WHY YOU ANYONE WOULD BUY A PENN WHEN THEY CAN OWN AN AVET?? MORE DEPENDABLE AND AVAILABLE IN LEFT HAND MODELS.
The asian dude looks so silly with his looks.
Penn??? Are you joking???