Can't go pass the Shimano TCurve Tiagra 15kg Standup ... I guess some people will have them used here if you put a WTB Post (slim chance though with everyonegearing up for the coming season). Got a Live Fibre also, and it's not bad at all.

 Stick with the Tyrnos mate. Just got back from Exy where the Tyrnos reels had no issues with small marlin and good sails amongst other fish. I've had a 30 for about 4 years and hasn't failed me on a big trip north yet with a lot of big fish to its name.

As for rod, I'm with Hesh as I've got it matched to a Tiagra 15kg, although a mate invested in a shimano trolling rod (entry level which has superseded the old Tyrnos trolling rods) which did the job. Live fibre do a good value rod also.

ive got a tiagra 30 wide on a tyronos roller tip 15kg pretty good outfit

i would love a tiagra combo, but thats stretching the budget too far. budget is $1500 for 3 combos, $500 each

tld 30 2speed may be in ya budget

I've got a pair of tld 25's with upgraded handles for sale. Spooled with 15 kg.

 Where can you get the upgraded handles for the TLD. 25 mate?

have them

tld is cheaper than a tyrnos and will easily do that job if you want to save a bit. Personally I wouldnt bother with a 2 speed for that sort of fishing.

If its just for trolling I wouldnt be to concerned with the rods either maybe something out of the wilson range good value so you can spend more money on lures

Hi mate,

For what you are looking at I would suggest using as mentioned the Shimano Tyrnos 20, Spool it up with Stren Gold than pair this up with a Ugly Stik Bluewater 15kg rod. This combo is capable of handling Mackies with no problems. I just recently got back from Exmouth a few days ago and this time of year there are plenty of Mackerel around aswell as Cobia hanging under Manta's around the Murions. There were plenty of Sail Fish around that are more than willing to hit pushers just be sure to take a drop back bait for those that come up and bill whack your teasers constantly!

The combo is more than enough for what your looking at and we can do it at a price that fits your budget, Let us know if we can help with anything else to get you onto Billfish too.

Cheers

 Alan Tani rates the Penn Squall as the best in it's class. I reckon they are worth a look. Due to the budget I agree on the above post on getting ugly stick blue water rods.

Ive got a uglystick gold paired with a okuma Tl20 that i have had for 10 years now and still going strong landed many macks gts etc etc great combo for the price !!

Thanks a tonne fellas

Bunny - I did a search on the Penn Squall and they sound awesome, But after reading that the parts are made of poor grade stainless, I think the tyrnos will be a better reel. Due to the drag system and two thrust bearings, my bet is the Squall would still be better then a TLD, but i dont think they will hold up to a few beakys.

Oceanside - I guarantee you i will be visiting your shop many times between now and August, i just hope there isn't a limit to the amount of questions i can ask :)

I wouldnt be so sure about the TLD's not holding up to the Billies. Mine have probably more than 20 each to their name. Not big fish though. Only up to about the 70-80kg mark were the biggest.

Anyone used one of these? http://www.campbellsprotackle.com/store/product.asp?ID=5584 Would there be much difference between this and a live fiber / ugly stick / Wilson rod?

Notice how it says Pac Bay components are used. They are low quaility compared to the Fuji guides on the standard T curve range. It's one of the main reasons for the slight price drop. A mate got a PE 6 one of these and they feel great. He broke the tip guide on teh second trip and was only using 50lb line so well within the rods range. You would be better off buying a T curve 200 deep jig.

Shimano TLD Range are  great little reels my family have them on their charter boat running out of cairns on Back Bone Elite sticks they stand up to the task of all pelagics for as long as i can remember we have penn internationals and tiagras as well. Value for money you cant go wrong as said 2 speed not really essential as you can use the boat to chase the fish down.

another vote for the tyrons maybe check out the 30 though just a little bit extra line capacity. I have one matched to t-curve 15-24kg tyrons and spooled with 15kg streng gold. cant fault it and would happily recoomend it.

Ben

Go the Tyrnos, 20 or 30 will do the job. I got both and they are ball tearing reels. After 3 yrs of bottom bouncing and trolling they are in good order and have never let me down. I have them matched up with 15-24kg Live fibres and also use Tcurve for trolling.

No worries mate, Drop past and we are more than happy to answer your questions.

Gotta agree with sea-kem Tyrnos 30 tied to a Wilson Live Fibre, spooled with low stretch mono to take the jumps

be safe  Rob

I was only considering the 20, over the 30, due to it being narrower and easier to lay the line onto the reel. But the 30s bigger capacity would be better.

Tyrnos 30 are magnificent reels but very big for mackies in my oppinion.

Have them but do not use it other than Tuna/bill fish trolling and or big Sambo's.

They are serious reels.

Daiwa  Sealine X Interline SL-XB70 IMF-1 12/40LB rod matched with a Daiwa Sealine SL50SHB or even the 30 would be more than adequat for the job.

about $300 for this complete combo plus line, 500+ mtrs of 20pound braid it takes.

Very sensitive tip/rod with plenty of power/strenght.

For trolling lures it just makes the lures swim better and outfishes the "normal" rods we found.

Since fishing with it ,it has been my favourite bit of fishing gear and I have bought a second one.

Try one. 

Interesting i always wanted to try a interline. Is it a pain to get the line back through ? I assume braid wont go you would have to push the leader through ?

No problem getting the line through using the drawline provided with it.

I use 20lb braid on mine and have caught some good fish with it.

It just has so much more "feel" due to the fact that the whole line inside is in contact with the rod.

$159 @ Campbells in Oxford street but they have to order it in as they do not keep it in stock or show.

Also excelent for long distance salmon beach casting, I get 100mtrs distance with 165gram lead rig