TROLLING REELS AND RODS

Our model 16W is a jewel of a reel. Made for a big US tackle company I can’t mention, because they have an agent out here. It’s a 2-speed, with high gear of 3.6:1 and low gear of 1.7:1. It has a loud ratchet which is just what you want, for trolling or livebaiting, and we supply it with 300 metres of 30-pound mono pre-spooled. Everyone loves the handle, an oversized silicone rubber mix which feels fantastic, in the hand. When they arrive from the factory we sent them over to Steggs, who installs carbontex drags and Cals Drag Grease. Then he greases all the screws, to reduce galvanic corrosion. That extends the working life of the reel. It’s perfectly matched to our five foot six rod:

Charter fishing clients are notoriously rough on boat-supplied gear, and I’ve heard some absolute horror stories of rods being dropped from the overhead racks, and even worse. Apologies to those of our readers who use charter boats regularly but it’s true - a lot of the gear supplied has a short and brutal life. So when Andy from Rocks Charters phoned up to inquire about our 16W overhead I understood completely that he was a bit nervous, as to whether it could survive rough handling. He’s been using it recently and was kind enough to send in a report. Looks like the reel has passed testing with flying colours:

Andrew

Received the reel and have given it a run this week, we tested it out today on some Bar Cod, kingfish and then some Sampson fish to finish off the day. At this stage it is super smooth and is an ease to wind with the large handle. I am sure in the next couple of months we will put it through it's paces but at this stage I am wrapped in it, they certainly get a good test out on charter boats. I am running the 50lb braid I have been getting off you and it seems to work a treat, looks like another sampson fish coming up I better go and grab it. Thanks again, Andrew Trappel

The Rocks Fishing Charters, South West Rocks www.swrfishing.com.au

Here’s a size comparison with a TLD 20:

 

 

Peter writes:

 

Andrew, the reels arrived today and look every bit as good as they do in your emails. Thanks for the service- can’t wait to get out and try them. Will let you know how they go when we get some pictures.

 

Glad you’re pleased, Peter! Just to explain, these are not no-name reels. They are made for a big US company but I don’t advertise that fact, since the brand already has an agent here in Australia. Here’s a size guide, maybe helpful for those wanting to know more, models and pricing as follows:

From left to right:

 

Penn International 50TW;

 

20W 2-speed lever drag, carbontex drags, spooled with 500m 50-pound mono. 8 ball bearings, high gear 4.1:1, low gear 1.8:1. Price $270, or with matching bent butt rod $380;

 

Shimano TLD20 lever drag;

 

16W 2-speed lever drag, carbontex drags, spooled with 300m 30-pound mono. Price $240, or with matching five feet six rod $340.

As to the 16W rod and reel combo, here’s the profile with 2 kilos of load:

And here’s the curve with 4 kilos of weight:

We preset the drag for 4 kilos, ideal for 15 kilo line. This reel is ideal for trolling and livebaiting:

 

 

It’s supplied with a rod clamp:

Mine’s been great, on kingfish:

 

 

Price $240 including line, carbontex drags, rod clamp, and delivery. That’s a good deal. We just received the perfect matching rod too:

Five feet six long, underbound guides with a Fuji tip, the rod looks beautiful too – which is always a plus. Price, just $110 plus delivery. A client writes:

I purchased a 16W off you at the Rosehill Boat show with 50pd braid. I got to go out live baiting with it in the weekend and the first fish caught on it was a 75 cm kingie and I must say it left me very impressed. My mate whose boat I was on is looking into getting one as well and I will be purchasing another in the near future.

 

Call or email for more details, or stop by if you’d like to try the reel yourself under load on various rods. Thanks for reading,