Topwater Caranx Ignobilis: Giant Trevally (GT) > Tackle & Techniques

GT Combo Advise

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Dave Sinnott:
I have the upgraded Saltist 6500h with Carbontex drag, line roller bearing and power knob all purchased on Ebay.  Worked great on GT's up to 70lbs and my buddy landed a large Wahoo 72lbs without any problems.  In the same boat as you.  Maybe only use the reel once a year at most.  420 yds of 80lb braid.  It worked great.

Like Steve said, it may not be a reel for everyday use on 100lb fish but for the odd time out it is more than fine.  For our fish up to 70lbs the drag was NOT cranked down to the max and it stopped the fish in it's tracks.  We even used $45 rods that stood up to the fish.

Wayne Brown:
In that price range and given the size of the fish, I would consider the Okuma Salina 3 combo at around around $350 (Ray and Annes). These reels have stated drag of 24kg and a gear ratio of 5.7 but most importantly come with a lifetime warranty. For the type of fishing you are doing the warranty might well be an important facet of your purchase.  I know its well below your budget but I really don't see a lot out there in your price range and if you were going to spend more I would be spending it on the rod (something like the Berkley Taipan or Venom Viper GT), or upgrading the budget to a second hand Stella 10k / 2012 Catalina / Penn Torque etc.


In terms of the ecooda, I have not used one or even seen anyone using one. I did pick a few up for a look one day and was not impressed with their "quality". I would take the warranty of the Okuma.

Ross Dalzell:
You used the venom taipan at all Wayne?  I'm on the verge of buying one and would be keen to here some feedback.

Wayne Brown:
In terms of the Venom Viper GT I think it is an excellent rod for the price. It casts well, handles a good range of poppers and had no trouble at all handling high levels of drag.  if you are in Sydney you are welcome to take mine out for a session casting etc. PM if you want any further detail.

Wayne Brown:
Apologies you asked about the Taipan. No I have not personally used one but a friend who fishes with me regularly has and loves it. It seems to throw lures in the 60-100 gram range well (maybe less but I have not seen it). Parabolic when loaded, good running gear (Titanium sic fuji guides etc). I would consider in my limited experience of seeing this rod in action as to be PE 4/5 rod, not a PE8 rod.  It is also light, lighter than a comparable specked  Daiwa Monster Mesh, Wilson Venom etc.

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