question : Diawa Tournament SLT50W

[rodbender]

Hi Folks,
would like to know if anyone is using this?

I read the specs on this reel.. and its very similar to the Tiagra 50WLRS.... except maybe not for the drag cams found in the Shimano....

Anyone can comment on this reel?

I am looking for a reel to handle tunas and small marlins.. probably more on the 80lb tackle size.

[Makaira]

Hi rodbender,

Can't comment on this particular series, but the previous generation of the SLT game reel is fantastic, but extremely pricey. If I am not mistaken, this new generation of SLT is made in Thailand (please correct me if I am wrong) ....... not that it compromises the quality of the reel though.

Based on your target fish i.e. small marlins & tuna, imho, you do not really need a 50lb class reel or 80lb line. A reel as small as a bluprinted classic Penn 16S or the new Penn 16 VSX series to a Penn or Tiagra 30W will suffice. Loaded with 65# braided & topped with 100-150m of 50lb mono is sufficient to handle most marlin or tuna that we catch within the region.

Hope this helps.

Best regards,
Makaira

[rodbender]

Hi Makaira,
thanks for your reply... actually.. I may be wrong on the size of the fish where I will be fishing next.. apparently, according to the very experienced fishing guide.. he said down there we will have to have reel sizes to hanlde the 50 to 80lbs tackle size.. basically there will be good trolling action where we are going.. (S.Sulawesi, Takabonerate)

This reel looks really nice.. wanted to know if the 2 speed activation is it the same as the Tiagra or is it done manual much like the Penn reel...,

Attached a couple of pictures of this reel...

[rodbender]

I have seen the Penn S16.. its a beautiful reel... unfortunately, my kaki would rather it sits in his home cupboard then to fish with it..

Due to that.. I am thinking.. I better get my own reel..

[Makaira]

Hi rodbender,

The previous generation of the SLT only comes in single speed. Cal Sheets does a 2 speed conversion for that reel though -- used to at least.

From the pictures you have posted, it looks like it uses the same system as the Penn. They are all manual anyways, with the Avet, Accurate & Shimano ones have a spring-loaded mechanism. Even the new Penn reels uses a spring loaded system these days if I am not mistaken. Personally, I prefer the old Penn system for the ease of use i.e. the "S" designed reels. For the spring loaded systems, sometimes when the reel is under pressure, the switch to low speed (when you push the button in) may not activate on the first try. The only reel currently in the market with an automatic speed switching is the Tiburon SST series.

Now that you have mentioned specifically where you will be fishing, perhaps a 50lb size reel may not be an "overkill" afterall. Imho, the rule-of-thumb to use when deciding what tackle to bring on a trip is to make sure that it is something that can handle "largest" fish that the location potentially offers. While up to 99% of the fish you catch will not challenge the tackle you choose, what you don't want is when "THE ONE" hits your lure, you are undergunned to handle the situation.

Hope this helps.

Best regards,
Makaira

[rodbender]

Hello Makaira,

Thanks for your information. I am looking for the spring loaded 2 speed reels, because when I am under pressure doing stand-up fight with a monster, I dont want to be loading my mind with SOP to work my equipment... Wat to do?! Newbie mah!

Our last trip to S. Sulawesi, trolling around the Selayar and also Bira areas, saw several burst off... The fish were really sounding alot... so I guess they weren't tat big... both reels used were the Tiagra 50WLRS and the Fin NOR Ahab...but I believe that what went wrong was the rigging method and also but setting the poundage correctly... because both reels didnt belong to me... and because I want to start owning one of these larger reels.. thus this thread was born!

[DaFrogman]

Rodbender dude,

As always, Makaira's advice is very sound indeed and based upon actual experience.

I would just add that the new AVET 50 sizes look very good also, but I have not used them. That said, the Tiagras and Internationals are the benchmark big game reels for a reason and I don't believe that you will go far wrong with either choice.

You may also wish to keep in mind that you will need a matching rod for the reel and unless you are running a fighting chair setup on your vessel, you would best invest in a decent harness system. Better ask the guides what kind of harness they may use for heavy drag settings and take into account the height of the railing on your vessel, as that will affect the harness type and maybe even the design of the rod butt on your rod.

Finally, if you do get a harness, make the most of it by practising using it and most importantly, fitting and adjusting it before hand so you are familiar with all its features. Braid, Black Magic and Smitty all make some great harness/plate products.

Regards,

Saimee

[Makaira]

Hail Master DFM!!!!! Long time no see! Are you getting a bad case of cabin fever yet?? It's probably next to impossible to even launch a boat safely ... let along going fishing eh?

Yes, the Avets are nice & relatively cheaper than other alternatives. The Tiagra & the good old reliable Penn Internationals are hard to beat though.

Harness-wise, which ever alternative one decides on, the most important thing is to use the right technique. The problem is many still end up using their arms to work the rod rather than their lower body. Take a look at the intro video on the Braid products website. The product catalogue photos also shows the correct posture when using the full harness.

Braid Products

That is the correct way of using a full harness setup -- left hand on top of the reel laying the line as well as pushing down on the reel. Having the hand on top & slightly pushing down on the reel also prevent the rod from giving you a bloody nose should the line give way & the rod recoils right at your face!

Rodbender ..... if you are fishing with Chris Seo's operation, he is the man to give you the right advice for the tackle required.

[rodbender]

Hi guys,
thanks for all the good advice...

I have been adviced to consider the Penn Internationals as well, "a good big game reel, is one with few moving mechanical parts.." so says this guru who has been a frequent hanger of Marlins in Aur (previously)...

Yes, Chris should be our guide.. if the price and the SLA (Sales Level Agreement) is rite . . the previous experience was really not a A1 trip due to the many hitches along the way... at least we will know what to sign up for, for the next trip...

Harness-wise, I will be get the full Black Magic set.. trust-worthy, reliable.. not exactly the cheapest..

As for rod... we have 2 rods that are both custom-build, the ever reliable Calstar, baby boomers... 50-80lbs.. one of them with Afico roller guide system...

For now, there's a million and one things to learn and practise... not just equipment but also tackle and final tackle... I guess.. this is the most fun part about the whole preparation thingy...

Certainly appreciate the video link... fortunately.. one of us has got a garden.. so practising with the harness and setup will certainly give us a good feel for what we up against!

Once again.. thanks!

[DaFrogman]

Hail Master DFM!!!!! Long time no see! Are you getting a bad case of cabin fever yet?? It's probably next to impossible to even launch a boat safely ... let along going fishing eh?

Hola Master Guru Mak,

Yeeessssss...... the fever is strong .... especially since the crew launched without me on Saturday .....

That said, there have been a few days when its been fishable, but usually only in shorter periods. Today the wind has definitely freshened up a bit, but I am hoping for a window this Thursday so that I can try a new toy....

How's it been going your side of the pond?...

Rodbender dude,

The Calstar Baby Boomers are pretty good, but if you guys are still contemplating adding a rod, the GF755H/XH or the TS6455XH/XXH could also be alternatives to consider. I personally use the GF755H and it is an established favorite with me. The GF series is a composite extra fast action rod (as Mak would say "Gonzo Nosed" action). The TS series are all glass rods and would be more forgiving on the angler and are more similar to the baby boomers. I have an all roller TS6455XH lying around somewhere....

Good luck dude.

Regards,

Saimee

[rodbender]

Hi Saimee,

Myself, having just customed a GF special for jigging, have become a believer in the Calstars...

But wouldnt a 755 be too long ?

My next question is regarding the rollers on a rod.. are they really necessary to be ALL roller guides.. or just the top ? Afterall, we're now talking about SIC guides now rite?

Am contemplating on a custom trolling rod... but I have been told that stock rods.. especially those from Penn or Shakespeare are great value for money...

Comments? Advice?

Cheers!

[DaFrogman]

RB dude,

The GF755 and GF6455 series are both only 5 feet 5 inches long.... Which jigging blank did you use?....a GF410 or a cut down 760L?.... I have an sic GF410 that is quite cute and packs a punch.

As for all rollers or just roller tip and sic guides, its up to you really. The rollers are handy on the heavy troll rods because 90% of the time, you will be running mono on these rods and it helps to reduce/eliminate friction on long runs. I have two all roller Calstars that I use for bottom bashing (!!!), but have found that sic is just fine for most applications running braid/PE. If you want to use an off the shelf rod like the Penn Internationals/Tuna Sticks or the Shakespeare, I guess they would be just fine, but the great thing with custom rods (as I am sure you have discovered with your new jig stick) is that they fit you....

If you are running on a bit of budget, then a roller tip (and option of roller stripper too) and sic guides should be just fine.

Regards,

Saimee

[Akudou]

Hola Master Guru Mak,

Yeeessssss...... the fever is strong .... especially since the crew launched without me on Saturday .....

That said, there have been a few days when its been fishable, but usually only in shorter periods. Today the wind has definitely freshened up a bit, but I am hoping for a window this Thursday so that I can try a new toy....

How's it been going your side of the pond?...

Rodbender dude,

The Calstar Baby Boomers are pretty good, but if you guys are still contemplating adding a rod, the GF755H/XH or the TS6455XH/XXH could also be alternatives to consider. I personally use the GF755H and it is an established favorite with me. The GF series is a composite extra fast action rod (as Mak would say "Gonzo Nosed" action). The TS series are all glass rods and would be more forgiving on the angler and are more similar to the baby boomers. I have an all roller TS6455XH lying around somewhere....

Good luck dude.

Regards,

Saimee

Hahah, saimee, long time since i saw u in the forum. So u heading off on thrusday? Any chance of tagging? got a bunch or arsenals to try out too if possible. gimme a holla! btw lost most of ur crews number dues to my N91 and spare phone diving into a lake,can u pm me their numbers?

[DaFrogman]

Akuduo dude,

Sms saja laaaa...

Saimee

[Akudou]

Akuduo dude,

Sms saja laaaa...

Saimee

hahaha...ok. so any chances of you going out to the deep blue water?