Fishing equipment

[Jesper]

I have some questions regarding fishing equipment.
I will be on Elbow Kay between 20-30 of may.
Hopefully fishing all day, every day if the weather permits.
We will try all kind of fishing.

I have the following fishing equipment:

For the bigger fish
Shimano Torium 16 http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=51661&hvarDept=151&hvarEvent=&hvarClassCode=1&hvarSubCode=3&hvarTarget=browse
I use a standup rod Edge Siege 48lbs.

Shimano Tekota 600LC http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=51660&hvarDept=151&hvarEvent=&hvarClassCode=1&hvarSubCode=3&hvarTarget=browse
My rod for this reel brooke this summer in a fight with a halibut in northern Norway.
Both reels are loaded with 50lbs Berkley Fireline.
We need to use braided line for deepfishing in Norway.

For the spinning
Penn® Captiva CV4000 http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=52964&hvarTarget=search&cmCat=SearchResults
7 foot matching rod (don't remember name)

My questions:
WIll this equipment work for the fishing on Elbow?

I need to buy myself a new rod for the Tekota. Any suggestions?

I think I will upgrade my spinning rod before the trip to Abaco. Suggestions?

Im thinking about this one: Quantum® Boca PT 40 http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=51684&hvarTarget=search&cmCat=SearchResults
What do you think about that one?

Is the braided line good for the Abaco or should I switch to nylon?

What else do I need to think about?

Lure suggestions?
Best regards
Jesper

[big fish]

Hello Jesper,

Quite a switch for you...from northern Norway to Abaco. I expect that the water is much warmer in Abaco.

All of your choices seem fine for the Bahamas. It really depends on what type of fishing you like best, but you seem to have a good variety. I have never used the Quantum reel, but it is a good size to have.

I personally use Star Rods from Florida, but there are lots of good rods made there. I have used Star for about 15 years, and they work very well, and the company stands behind them.

I don't use braid except for deep dropping. I feel that the stretch of mono helps when you get a fish that might be bigger (hopefully) than your tackle can handle.

Tackle is limited in Abaco, so bring any lures, line, and terminal tackle that you can't do without. Assuming that you are from Norway, I'm sure that you have lots of Rapalas. An excellent choice!

You will love it in Abaco. The water is warm and clear, and the fish are BIG!

tight lines-------------------------------------<')))))))))><

Bruce

[menegaux]

You will be fine with what you have, no suggestions on equipment, I always go with what looks cool and throw functionality right out the window!!!!

[SamFamAustin]

I love the way you said that! One of the biggest issues I see is the leader. For mackerel and baraccuda you realy need a wire leader, as these kinds of fish have a notorious set of chompers. Clear flourocarbon leader is usually used for other applications. With braided line such as Spectra the leader acts more like a shock absorber (shock leader). Make it as long as you can stand it. For fishing deep such as around coral you might not want any shock leader at all, since a grouper will instinctively head for a hole and you have to pull his head away before he can get in there. We call those hung-up kind "granite grouper" down here in Texas.
Tight lines, ;)
Sam

[Wonkee]

I am planning on using my new Boca 40 here in the next few days, if you are using a braided line remember to put a few yards of mono on the reel first it will keep it from slipping, I tried mine today but had a line slipping problem right away, I plan to fix it tonight. It is a great feeling reel, and casts well, I just have not had a chance to reel anything in yet. As soon as I have a chance to use it I will send a report to you.

[Wonkee]

I am planning on using my new Boca 40 here in the next few days, if you are using a braided line remember to put a few yards of mono on the reel first it will keep it from slipping, I tried mine today but had a line slipping problem right away, I plan to fix it tonight. It is a great feeling reel, and casts well, I just have not had a chance to reel anything in yet. As soon as I have a chance to use it I will send a report to you.
First I fixed the line slip problem, and today I go t to go out to Snake Cay and do some fishing. Teh Day was an interesting one that bears a trip report, but This is about the Reel. I had my Boca 40 spooled with 15lb Diam 40lb test Fireline. I used it on a 7' Med/Hvy action Quantum BlueRunner 3piece travel Rod. Both preformed without flaw. Opperator Error being the only true problem. The reel never tripped bail, NO back lash, no nots from umspooling to fast, just a plain easy to opperate reel, it handled several small fish as well as fish in the 10# range with no problems. It brought a small shark @4ft to the surface before the Mono Leader "20lb" broke. it was a great fight, both rod and reel preformed flawlessly. I would highly recomend the reel for its durability, and ease of use it never failed to do what I put it to. If you are after smaller fish a lighter action rod would be more practical, and easier to feel strikes.
So The Boca is a Go in my book, I will probably buy another in a larger size after the performance today.
I got enough today to feed me for the next couple days, then it will be back out to try it on Cuda, and Bones on the Marls

[SamFamAustin]

Hey Wonkee sometimes I use backing for braided line but really it is not necessary. Just go trolling for a while and set out a surface plug, something big, and let out all you can, maybe 150 yards. Drive the boat about 2-3 knots and reel in. Your fluff / slip problem will now be history.

Hope it works for you. As to the leader, try 30# fluorocarbon. I attach them using a double Uni knot since I'm too stoopid to figure out the blood knot and surgeon's knot. A drop of Super Glue seals the deal for me! The longer the day, the shorter my leader gets ...
Sammie

[Jesper]

Thanks alot for the information everybody.
Wonkee-I will buy the Boca. Thanks for the report.

[Steve B]

I need to buy myself a new rod for the Tekota. Any suggestions?

I just got back from Abaco and fished every day with a Tsunami stand-up I bought new off an E-Bay seller. Rod was less than $200 - worked great on large barricuda and a 60 lb. black grouper.