The Hunt For Big Fish with Larry Dahlberg

Mr. Dahlberg:

My son and I are going fishing in the gulf this summer and we expect to catch sharks and tarpon up to about 100 pounds. I'd like to get a couple of relatively inexpensive rod and reel combos that can be cast with 6 inch jigs or chunks of cut bait. Casts don't need to be long, but I do want to be able to cast, so a Penn Senator type rig doesn't seem to be the answer.

The main function of these rigs is fish fighting, not delicacy or castability.

If possible, I'd like one of the reels to be a spinning reel because my son doesn't know how to use a baitcaster yet, but I prefer something with a level wind rotating spool.

I'm also concerned about rods. This seems like a good application for fiberglass.

For line, I'm thinking 50# braid because it's strong and probably is a better choice for a spinning reel.

I did say relatively inexpensive rigs, but not cheap ones. I just don't need or want primo equipment in this case.

Of course, feel free to second guess my thoughts because I don't really know what I need for this application.

If you can point me in the right direction, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks for your time.

By the way, I still enjoy watching that DVD set you were selling last year. Hopefully there will be another set someday. My brother-in-law is enjoying the shows now while recovering from surgery.

Questor, I'm not Larry, but I do a lot of tarpon and shark. I live in the
Tampa Bay area and have caught Tarpon up to 165lb and 100lber's
are caught almost everyday from late May to July. Shimano Baitrunners
work well for both tarpon and shark. The 4500 size is what I have used in
the past and had no problems. For baitcaster I use to use a calcutta 700.
I'm not so familiar with the Shimano line any more so you might check.
50lb braid with 80-100 floro leader for tarpon and 90lb steel leader for
sharks. Will you be fishing from a boat or land?
If by boat I would worry less. Last year I brought a 60lber to the boat
fairly quickly with 15lb braid and a short bite leader (was Mackeral
fishing) on a 2500 size reel and medium action rod.

Scott

Hi q
If you've got a 400 calcutta musky rig it'll be fine, and fun. The baitrunner is a great choice for your son.
Given how clunky glass is and how inexpensive good graphite composite rods are I'd skip the glass.
The 700 reel would be better suited, especially if you're shore bound, but IMO is too large to be comfortable casting large lures for other species so isn't as versitile as a 400. The trinidad 12 or 14 could be another consideration.
Have fun!
best,
L