Recommended Rods and Reels on Long Range Boats Websites

[conchydong]

Is it just me or has anybody else wondered why most/all of the Long Range Boats websites regarding recommended rods and reels are somewhat antiquated. I know the reels (and rods) they have listed are top quality but they haven't kept up with the ever changing fishery where the use of smaller, lighter reels is becoming more common. Also, new rod models by Calstar and Seeker have yet to show up although I did see mention of a 2x4 on one website.
I realize the Captains and crews probably don't have time for doing this but sooner or later you would think these lists would be updated by someone so newbies to long range fishing can refer to these guides when they start to amass their gear and purchase more up to date and efficient equipment (if they have the means).

Although I have fished all of my life, I am a newbie to long range fishing and when I started planning my first trip, I went to all of the boats websites to try and figure out what additional tackle I needed. I didn't know about the various forums at the time, so the boats websites were a very important source of information for me and I probably would have done a few things different if the websites kept up with the new gear coming out.

I realize they do not want to recommend unproven reels but many of the reels not mentioned have been around long enough to be considered. Most sites still show Penn YT Specials, Trinidads or their Newell equivelents for up to 50#s. Much more out there to choose from now. And the cow gear obviously has gotten much smaller so if any of you veteran long rangers have any clout with the boats, see if they can bring their lists up to 2010.

[bunilio]

True That!!

[sactotuna]

Website updates and maintenence are not big priorities for the LR fleet. I'm just happy with the trip reports!!

[Steve K]

Website updates and maintenence are not big priorities for the LR fleet. I'm just happy with the trip reports!!

With the tackle revolution in full swing and the advancements being made constantly, it's understandable why there is not a single Long Range tackle list that includes the optimum quiver of rods and reels, especially for the longer trips.

If each of the offices had somebody assigned to reading websites like this one and a few others they would be even more confused. With the raging debates over which manufacturer and model of reels and rods are the best, that would probably confuse them so much that they would just abadon that program. It's interesting to see many of them suggesting 6455XXH rods and 50W reels. No where do you see a suggestion to use an ATD30 spooled with 100 lb hollow and topped with 50 yards of 13o lb and then topped with 50 feet of 200 lb. If they tried to keep up with all of us "tackle tweakers" it would just drive them crazy.

Probably the best approach would be for Brandon to take a close look at the sites for the RP and the Shogun and update those with a fresh look. And the best guys to do the tackle lists would be the deckhands that see it in use every day. Probably the best advice on any of the websites comes from the Supreme:

"There are several variations on model numbers and types of rods and reels too numerous to list here. Your favorite California salt water tackle store can help you with these variations. If you need information on the location of the nearest qualified tackle store near you we would be glad to send you a list. Just drop us a line."

[bunilio]

Or how about- "The best gear to use is what 'YOU' feel comfortable with" - (Now that one really amuses me) P.S.= Ghostboy can ask about which boat uses that phrase.

[Bill W]

Look at your local small tackle shop.... That poor guy's inventory has all the old tried and true stuff. He cannot afford to stock the latest trends... (ie. mustad 39943 hooks, Blackwater or Seaguar Premium) The latest hot reels, Seeker 2X4, Calstar 770XXH exc...
Stuck with the inventory on hand...I really feel sorry for the small shops.

I'm just now converting to the longer rod for the rail myself.

As far as Cow gear goes, my style of fishing and where I hook a bait requires casting. I can cast a light versions of 50 size OK, a 30 better and a 20 great. Light spool reel is the key word... Right now there is two reels that fit in that slot in my mind, an Accurate and a Makaira. The long rail rod on a 20 is lethal.

Butt hooking bait, I can use my short, old trusty Baja Boomer and my older stuff. (just my view...)

What works last year is old news.. But it still works. The tackle recommendations are a rough guide. Sometimes infleunced by the boat's rod sponsor. Thanks to the internet, the latest greatest techniques and gear are reviewed and we can make up our own trip list. I'm waiting for someone to make the 100% titanium reel. See how much that baby is going to cost....

[conchydong]

Just happened to look at the Shogun site and it looks like they have "updated" their recommended rods and reels, i.e. 2x4's and other Superseekers. They also are recommending short 25' topshots on the cow rigging. Maybe other boats will follow suit.

[bunilio]

Oh. I am soooo happy now!!! I hope that the other boat people will learn from the SHOGUN!!