Gt Popping

Warwick

New member
Hi Guys

 

I found this site some time back, been absorbing info whenever I get the chance, amasing info here.

Anyway I am going on Honeymoon/fishing trip to Linene Island in December, I have been searching endlessly for the "right" popping setup (Boat based). I don't want to spend the price of a farm on the tackle, but really don't want anything that will let me down, and that I can ideally use here in CT for Yt etc hence the size question on the reel.

I have been thinking of the Daiwa Monster Mesh popping rod with a Sustain 8000 FE spooled with PE6, Is this reel big enough? Is the line heavy enough? I have also found a Stella 6000FA for R4999.00 (new)but the 8000 spool is big money and I don't think the 6000 will cut it.

Should I rather just cut my losses and get a Spheros/Saragosa 14000 for the trip (bit big for Yt etc)

Any comments on the rod?

Please guys I need help, this is driving me mad and the prices continue to climb!!

Looking forward to the input

Chow

W
 

Fin-S

Sealiner
Sorry to bear bad news Warwick, but you will need 2 reels. Anything that is big enough for good GT's is too big for tail. I have been using an Exceller 4000 for tail and it suits me fine. Good fun, good drag - sure it takes a while to play the fish but that is what I enjoy. For the GT's you will need something beefier - particularly if you get into a decent fish. 8000 would be minimum, I prefer a 10000 unless in shallow water with big fish where a 20000 would be better. Maybe get a 4/5000 for tail and the 14000 Spheros for the GT's and longies. Having said that, pm Nepptune for the latest specs, colours, handle lengths, spool radius, pimpability, date of manufacture, etc!! He has the wealth of knowledge and water experience to assist.
 

Warwick

New member
Hi Fin s

 

Thanks for the thughts

I have been using an exceller 3000 for the past 2 seasons on my light stick, pulled plenty tail with it and still going strong. This last seaon I used a exceller oceana 4500J on my heavier stick and also very nice just a little on the slow side for plugs.

 

I was just hoping to get a reel that I can use in CT and not have to leave it in the cupboard hence the 8000 idea.

 

The spheros seems like it may also be a little on the slow side retrieval wise, I reckon the larger Saragosa may be the answer unless somone has a Stella 10000 fa at old prices somewhere!

 

Thanks

W
 

Nepptune

Sealiner
Hi Warwick,

As Fin-S has said, finding a reel that is right for GT's, and one that will be a pleasure to fish for our little Yellowtail down here in the Cape is a tough call.... But it can be doable if you are willing to comprimise a little on both...

Realistically, if you are going to be out chasing BIG GT's, ( I know we all fish for the bigger fish, but you know what I mean ) then you are gonna need a Stella 10K or the newer Stella 18000SW, or a Saragosa 180000 or something similar, as you are probably wanting to fish 100 to 130lb braid, with drag pressures up to 14 or 16 kilos.... now this is "Lock and Load" fishing, and one obviously needs a rod that can handle this kind of pressure as well.... But this type of gear is certainly not always necessary for chasing GT's....
What is the structure like where you are fishing? Is it crazy super shallow coral head infested water, where if you give the fish 6ft of line he's gonna cut you off? If so, then you need something along the lines of PE 12 braid, a Stella 18000 and a SERIOUS GT rod like a Ocean Revolution Widowmaker, Or Carpenter Wild Violence or similar...

At the same time, many HUGE GT's have been taken on MUCH lighter gear, case in point is the image below, which is a 40 plus kilo fish taken on a Certate 4000 and 50lb braid...the tackle in picture.. fish was landed in 15 minutes..... and released safely to fight another day...

30wrtza.jpg


This is just one example.

Also, does one wnat to spend MASSIVE dollars on a reel you will only use once or twice a year?

So one can certainly get away with using something like a 8000 size reel, or certainly the new Stella SW1000XG which is smaller than the original 10000 FA, but fits the bill nicely... it will be a little bit overkill on our little YT here in the Cape, but considering the size of our YT down here, we should all really be fishing with 2500 size reels and 20lb braid....

Spool up a Stella 6000/8000 with 40 to 60lb braid, and you can certainly stop some SERIOUS fish, so long as you aren't needing to stop them on 100lb braid over a distance of 3 metres....

Its a Catch 22 situation in most cases, as you obviously don't want to lose what may be the fish of a lifetime ( and Linene will certainly hold a bunch of them ) due to using tackle thats not up to the job, and at the same time you don't always want to be winching in Cape Yellowtail on a reel thats overkill for them....

As you have the Excellor already, the 3000 which has served you well on the Yellowtail, and will work fantastically for fishing plastics and small plugs up at Linene, you need to ask yourself if you want to put the dollar into a bigger reel for the GT's and of course Longfin down here, or not... bearing in mind that a 6000/8000 size reel is more than enough to handle Longies, and probably a hell of alot of good GT's.... think how many big GT's have been landed off the beach using Trinidads and SL50 etc... I can guarantee you that a Stella 6000 will whip the sh*t out of any stanadrd Trini/SL40 etc....

Also take into account you are on a boat, so you can follow the fish if you need to, and get on top of them as well which greatly assists you....

Lost to think about, and as its a fair bit of money you're looking to spend, its good you've got plenty of time to think about it....

Warwick, if you'd like, you're welcome to test cast and have a look at my reels, I've got Stellas in 6000,8000,10000 and 20000 if you'd like an idea of how they fit on your rod, and in hand, and for the size lures you are going to be fishing.....

Some fantastic alternatives to Stellas would be the Saragosas which are available in a wide range of sizes, and are absolutely suprb reels, without the Stella price tag.

Hope this helps a little, and doesn't add more confusion.... :)

Nepps
 

Warwick

New member
Hi Nepps

All I can say is wow! thanks for the effort.

Ya I never was looking for a YT reel just was hoping to not leave it in the rod rack till the next trip, but I think this would be the wise way of doing it.

I have caught some Longies on the Oceana it it had no problems so maybe I must just get the right gear from the start. Even though I would love that 6000FA at that price.

The Mrs has murmurred that she wants to go to Bassas next year anyway and then we will be bullying the fish.

So do you think the saragosa is up too the task? or must I pay the 5k extra for the 10000 SW, Lots of money considering, I have to pay for a wedding and looking for a boat.

No one have a 10000Fa needing a good home???

Rods? what do you guys have ? I am currently looking at the monster mesh (2k)or saltiga GT (3k) , the Jap stuff seems to be serious money.

Thanks for the offer, I would love to come have a look at all the bling gear, this jigging and popping story is really grabbing my interest. Whittle rock is an option for some jigging this time of year for YT I reckon????

Thanks again

W
 

FREE THE FIGHTER

Senior Member
Warwick - have both those rods and sure will be fine. Havent caught any beasts - up to 30kg. 8 k reel may not balance well though -  bit small IMO. I use a Stella 20K on the Saltiga GT86 and a Saltiga Z6000GT on the MM - think its an 8 ft  3 rod. But sure these reels are expensive.
 

Mike Pike

Sealiner
Completely off the topic but man that avatar of yours FREE THE FIGHTER really cracked me up and made my day.. LMAO.. !!!
 

sparky

Senior Member
hey warick, imo the stella 6000 or 8000 size is plenty for most gt's, especially bearing in mind not every fish is 45kg's. these reels certainly have the mucsle & stopping power for the job, guys like rob kyle have landed many good fish on dropshot & even smaller size reels . line capacity could be an issue with the 6k although if a fish manages to take a couple hundred metres of string then he's probabley gonna cut you off anyway. i also reckon one would use this size reel a lot more in everyday fishing. just my opinion though. good luck.
 

Warwick

New member
Hi Guys

Thanks for all the input,

Decided too can the boat idea for this year, so will let you chaps know my decision.

That 6000fa is calling my name!! gonna go look at a stella 10000 sw, is this the right one? Maybe the saltiga 6000Gt is worth a look?

Thanks again

Chow

W.

 

 
 

Nepptune

Sealiner
Warwick

The Stella 10000SW is slightly bigger than the 6000/8000 series of the FA's.... 50lb braid Capacity ( with Power Pro ) is about 400 metres...which is alot of line....

If you were to go to a higher quality PE braid and get PE 5 which is about 65lbs on the top lines like Varivas and YGK, you'll probably get the same kinda capacity, but with 65lb rather than 50lb...its got a nice fast 5.8:1 retrieve, and is actually lighter than the SW6000 and SW8000.... Pretty insane reel infact.... It will give you years of incredible service....

Match it to a Ocean Revolution Oceanus 710 or Black Devil 100 and you've got a serious weapon in your hands!!!!!
 

FREE THE FIGHTER

Senior Member
Warwick - without wanting to confuse the issue I understand Daiwa will have  Saltist spinning reels out soon in similar sizes to the Saltiga series. The US shops are quoting them at USD200 -220 which is a much cheaper option also. Dont know when they will hit SA shelves though.

 
 

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Warwick

New member
Hi FTF

Ja that Daiwa does look interesting! I wonder when that will be here?

I had a look at 5 reels today, Stella 10000fa - R6750, stella 10000sw - R 7500, saltiga 6000 gt - R7100; saragosa 18000 - R3500ish Sustain 8000fe R 3300ish

All are awesome, but the newer stella though smaller is very nice - not sure about PE8 on this?

And then I must be honest,I am not wanting to stir up the poverbial hornets nest, but I picked up the Saltiga, it just felt so dam solid and the gearing felt smoother than the fa. Even though the drag needs fiddling.

The Saragosa I'm not sure???

Sustain a little small, but heeps of reel for the money.

Other than that I am no closer to a decision, the size issue/versatility issue is still bugging me. Driving myself potty here!!!

What would your choice be??

Thanks guys

W
 

royboy

Sealiner
FTF - aka Bruce my cousin?

I have to ask one question......just one?

Why? Dear Lord WHY do you prefer the "D" Saltiga Spinning reel over Aunt Stella? Why - please Why?

You have an educated opinion based on owning and using BOTH; which is the best and why? - indicators for those who don't own either?

No Andre - don't say a word. We're cut from the same "Stella Cloth"!

Best Regards - RB
 
Warwick I own both shimano and diawa spinning reels for popping and can not say wich is better I bought both on ebay because the price was right.In japan the land of jigging and popping just as many diawas get sold as shimanos.I know on this site shimanos are punted very heavely but I have heard of as many shimano faliures as diawas,this happens because of the fish we target.If the price is right buy the reel, just remember rather have to much reel on a big fish than a undersized one because you might never get a shot at that bomber again
 

FREE THE FIGHTER

Senior Member
IMO Roy...both very good reels. Sorry, above where I stated the Saltiga is the nicer of the two I was refering to the Saltiga GT86 popping rod vs the Monster Mesh popping rod, not the reels.  Dont want to reignite the Saltiga vs Stella debate. The only thing I will say with certainty is that the Stella drag out the box is better than Saltiga's. I put Carbontex washers in my Saltiga and is now as smooth as the Stella.

I agree  with Crakerkids thoughts - I have no brand loyalty whatsoever - to me the most important thing is the reel feels good in YOUR hands and does the job you need it to do.  My Z6000GT feels dead right for me, maybe coz I have shorter arms and the stem is shorter. That doesnt mean it is a better reel than a Stella. My son Greg who is a big lad with long arms prefers the Stella maybe coz it has a longer stem.

Aftersales service is a seperate debate !

Warwick IMHO, take your time and better still if you can borrow different rigs from mates and spend a few hours throwing diffrent size poppers to see how the reels feel all the better.
 

royboy

Sealiner
Sorry...no "Brand Loyalty"? - OK - We're trying to make a difference.....not a direct JSA punt......but friggen hell we're trying to up the Game!!!!!!

Customer = Service etc etc etc.

FTF, we're brothers from different mothers.

::S::S::S::S::S::S
 

werries

Senior Member
Howzit Warwick, I've been to Linene a couple of times (april this year the last time) and all I can say is better be overgunned than undergunned!!!!We lost 7 big GT's in our group cause we were outgunned . IMO at least get the 10000SW Stella and load it with at least 80lb braid!Anything lighter than this you WILL get reefed. The reefs at Lighthouse Reef is between 12-20m deep with lots of structure and if your reel doesnt have drag of around 20kg+ you will not be able to lock and hold and turn the fish.Its first run is hard and deep and if you wink its over !! Trust me and specially if you're thinking of going to Bassas as well you shouldnt even think of anything less than 10000(absolute minimum)with 80lb braid. Adrian,the lodge manager and sublime guide does not fish with less than 80 lb braid,in fact most of his own reels are loaded with 100-120lbs. Remember that , when fishing from the boat ,you will be okay with 200-250m of line on the reel.
 
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