Several drawbacks: most notably the heavier braid and much heavier spool of the larger reel will restrict the bait's swimming ability. Heavier rod makes it more likely that the relatively small hook will pull out. Also, the heavier rod won't flex much, which is part of the key in tiring the fish out with the fairly light drag.

It would be an excellent choice for yo-yo fishing. Assuming you mean the 6-6 30-80 Carnage III "West Coast" model, its working title during development was "Panga Special".

Thanks for the quick reply!! Yes it is a west coast model. Glad I picked wisely. One of the many Penn rod setups I picked up this season from your suggestions. Your short and to the point tackle tip Thursday's are great. I’ll give it a slow troll shot as well. 👍

In most cases, the San Diego Jam is my terminal knot of choice.

On the very small jigs, you are just using a #1 treble, not that thick, but still stronger than what they come with from the factory.

Hook sizes depend on the jig size, anything from a #1 to a #2/0 is the usual.

@@tunanorth thank you

That definitely works when the fish are right up on top or in a foamer.

@@tunanorth awesome thanks, when the chances at fish are few and far between I’m hesitant to throw anything other than the norm sometimes, I’ll give it a shot again with the bluefin🤙🏼

usually a #1 to a #2/0.

No I wouldn't want to hook anything over 50. You need a 30 or 40 for this type of fishing

The reel is absolutely capable, but should only be used in those exceptional circumstances when the fish won't bite otherwise. Short version: set the "Strike" drag at 8 pounds, let them run [remember that you have 400 yards of line]. If you actually get spooled, the fish was likely over 75 pounds. Get as much line back in "high" as you can get, while the fish rests. The fish will probably make another very long run against 8 pounds of drag. After that, bump the drag to 10 pounds, and keep getting back as much line as you can. Once the fish is "straight up and down", you can bump the drag to 12 pounds, and drop the reel to "Low". All of this depends on fresh line, and properly tied knots.

@@tunanorth thanks!

PENN Carnage III "West Coast" model; 8 footer rated 30-60.

I think 7’6 is the longest 30-60?

@@mnomad9173 CARWCIII3060C80

Correct. In general, you will set the Strike Drag at 8 lbs, and Full at 10 lbs., which allows you to go to 14-15 at Sunset if necessary, which is the absolute highest you would ever go with 30 lb. line.

An old trick from the days when boats used to anchor up at the Coronado Islands. Due to the sea lion population explosion, it is no longer practical.

Depends on the trip length and what the target species are. I'd suggest calling the specific boat you plan on going fishing with.

It is a bit "counter intuitive", but is extremely effective.

It gives more precise depth control, which when the fish are deep is very important. Also tangles less.

Interesting. If you look in many knot books, it shows this knot with only two turns, which may be OK for trout etc, but not nearly strong enough for SW species. Probably three would be sufficient in many cases, but four adds just a bit of extra margin, especially if you are going to "clip" one of the legs as shown in the other video. In line this heavy, five just will not tighten up properly.

I generally like my braid to be one "level" heavier than my topshot.

The time constraints for TTT are fairly tight, there are always numerous things that could be added. Rest assured that the Searcher crew will assist to whatever level is necessary when you are out on the water.

@@tunanorth Thanks Steve, for covering solid information in just a few minutes! Your videos are teasers for those looking to get more from their gear and then jump on a boat to experience the real thing. Yes, Team Searcher is there to instruct further, in real time, right by your side when fighting a fish.

The rig is usually fished with the reel in freespool. The fish are feeding aggressively, the sinker does not bother them.