2 Speed Offshore Reels

All the guys that I fish for tuna and yellowtail with use the AVETs. What weight line do you use for snapper/grouper? If you're using larger stuff (50# or so) then jgo with the JX (3") and you should be fine. But then again I watched one of my buddies haul in a 72# Opah with the SX and some 25# mono. I love those lever drag reels.

65# braid, you could get away with on the SX or MX but you'll more available strike drag and ultimate drag force as you go up in diameter. AVET has all of the drag numbers on their online chart...worth a look if you get that technical about your fishing.

I've got a bunch of old (and free from a generous uncle) Shimano TLD Stars (star drag) and a few old Daiwa lever drag rigs that I do all of my offshore fishing with. Only exception is big old Penn that I troll with.

My take, find yourself a used penn 30W II. They can be found used for under $300 in good shape. Then take it to a pro to have it clean and service if you can't do it yourself.

Now about drags and offshore fishing.

65lb line, the most you want to set the drag at is around 17 lbs pull. Reason is that the more line one has out, the more the drag will increase.

As far as a two speed for snapper, WTF? You got to be kidding.

Grouper, yes due to deep dropping.

Not really for snapper, my biggest mangrove (just over 10#) was landed on a calcutta 200. I don't need one for snapper, I meant that ill also use it for snapper.

I just want a 2 speed.

The guys I go with just got a pretty large boat. So I'm gonna be needing to upgrade tackle to chase the even bigger fish.

I have an 8500 and 5500 I don't need another spinning set up right now.

My next set of days off i am getting some avets. I think i willget an sx and the raptor. The reviews on them are all good.