Reel Question

[Duke]

Hey guys!

I'm trying to decide between the Shimano TLD Speedmaster IV and the Daiwa Sealine X50SHA. I plan on using it for trolling live bait for cobia and king mackerel on the East Coast, and using it for T-sharks and WSB when I visit LJ later this year.

Which should I pick? How well do they cast? Jig?

Thanks
-Santosh

Also, what rod should I pair them up with for trolling? I have many OTI rods that I'll use when I jig, but I'm not sure for trolling or pitching live bait. Thanks

[Useful Idiot]

I fish Shimano largely because of their warranty. Every time I've sent back a busted reel I've gotten brand new replacements back in return for no cost. I've had a TLD 15/30 that's been abused in a kayak for years, not a single issue, one of my favorite reels. Won't cast like a torium or calcutta will, but great live bait reel.

[Duke]

Thanks man! Has anyone casted the Sealines? How do they cast?

[Shortbite]

Originally Posted by Duke

Thanks man! Has anyone casted the Sealines? How do they cast?

They actually cast great! If I were you I'd pick the sealine between those two and the sealine 40 instead of the 50, it feels much better since it's a narrower reel that holds plenty of line. One more thing get the lower speed, 4.6 i think, you'll thank me, way more torque, much easier to crank those toad fish!
What's your budget on the rod? Any blank rated to fish 30 to 40 pds string and around 7 feet should get the job done. Good luck!

[Duke]

I'm looking to spend up to $150 on the rod. What's the capacity of the 40?

[Shortbite]

You can load the sealine 40 with about 400 yards of 65pds spectra and add a 3 feet fluorcarbon topshot, way more than you ever need.

[Billy V]

The Sealine X 40 HA is the way to go. $119

280 yards of 30 mono, 17.5 lbs of drag, on the 4.9:1 ratio.

Bulletproof - casts great - and has a carbon fiber drag upgrade available for $14

[Duke]

I'm guessing they hold up to salt water pretty well too, right?

[Oolie]

Originally Posted by Duke

I'm guessing they hold up to salt water pretty well too, right?

they rarely require maintenance, a sealed drag really helps.


that and they just never break.

the only ones i've seen that didn't work were filled with sand.
cleaned them out and they worked great.