Shimano TLD

I'm about to invest in a new reel, and after reading some threads, I'm trying to decide between the Shimano TLD Lever Drag and TLD Star Drag reels...I want to spool it with heavy 50lb braid. Any suggestions regarding these reels? See links below:

http://www.islanddiscounttackle.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=Shimano_TLD_Reels

http://www.islanddiscounttackle.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=Shimano_TLD_Star

Thanks again!
Andrew

What do you plan on fishing for?  50lbs is kind of heavy for most of our prey in norcal, even sturgeon........

Both those reels are nice, and take 25 or 30 easily.

Allen

....

Well, I'm thinking of rigging all my diamond bars with bronze hooks that will bend out on snags, hence the heavy line. Maybe a silly idea and not that practical, but I hate losing gear!

I have the TLD Star and think it is a great reel..I have it spooled with 30 pound braid with a mono topshot, and on a Trevala rod....

To be honest I haven't used it a ton b/c the set-up is a little heavy for the small rockfish I usually catch, and I have a Shimano Clarus/Sahara 4000 set-up that is my go-to rig, but when I have used the TLD Star it worked great!!!

Good luck!!

Sincerely,

Jim

Any reason to go with star drag vs lever drag? I've always used star drag reels...I'd like to be able to fish for albacore on occasion with it. I like the gear ratio of the TLD Star Drag but the Lever Drags have more line capacity...I'll think it over a bit more. Any more words of wisdom from any one?

I had a TLD 15 lever for a while and it was great for flylining live bait with its open top.Great for small tuna and yellowtail. The leverdrag is easier to make small contolled adjustments during the fight.
 It's kind of big for the other stuff up here though, especially with spectra, the 15 will hold 500-600 yds of 50lb..

I had a TLD 15 lever for a while and it was great for flylining live bait with its open top.Great for small tuna and yellowtail. The leverdrag is easier to make small contolled adjustments during the fight.
 It's kind of big for the other stuff up here though, especially with spectra, the 15 will hold 500-600 yds of 50lb..

I think that's the info I was looking for...thanks!
Andrew

I have two of the TLD 15s and one TLD10 and they are awesome reels. Super durable and a great drag system. I used to use them for salmon trolling and also live baiting albacore. For a spectra reel I would look into the Charter Special 1000 which is about the size of the old TLD5 but with a level wind.

I think a level wind is nice with braid because it doesn't wear on your fingers as much. There is nothing wrong with the star drag TLD15/30 but I think it is better for mono because of the big line capacity. Check out the Charter Special and if you prefer a non level wind look into Alan Tani's conversion kit.

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,19917.0.html

Good Luck!


-Eliot

I break out the TLD 15 every now and then, but for the most part it is too big and heavy for every day kayak fishing use.  It's a solid 30# mono rig for albacore though.

-Allen

The TLD-15 is capable of higher drag settings while the star is a little smaller in size.
I have both of these reels which I use for tuna and Yellow Tail.
My prefrence however, for the yak is the Daiwa SLX-20 or 30
http://www.daiwa.com/Reel/detail.aspx?ID=190
this reel is every bit as strong as the shimano's but a lot lighter and smaller plus a much better free spool.

I think I like the star drag on the 15 , but probably just because I am so used to the star drags from the penn satlwater reels I used to use. I have learned to be able to adjust the star while reeling with my right hand at the same time so as not having to cross my rigt hand over the reel to adjust the drag. So while my right hand is able to manipulate the drag and the reel handle I can reel anytime I want if the fish runs hard straight at me. Does that make fucing sense? DOH!

I have a Charter Special that I use for downrigger salmon fishing. It's really convenient for that and love it when I have a big fish on. I liked it a lot when I had some of my largest sturgeon on. It is pretty big and heavy though. For rockfish I'd go with a lighter reel for sure. TLD is great for that, just have to upgrade the tiny handle.

Z