if this doesn't totally embody the attitude of a tuna-man, then just shoot me!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwNHsoOgIok

Nice. So very cool! Just have to think I would want a stouter rod than they seemed to be using ... for that matter, I think I'd be using a Newell casting outfit rather than a spinning reel ...

In any event, they sure were having a blast.

A Newell casting outfit smaller than a 500 series probably wouldn't last vey long. Those are very stout rods, and the spinning reels are capable of over 30lbs of drag (Shimano rates the Stella SW's at 55lbs). You are talking about 150-300+ lb or more fish

D

doesnt matter what reel you use.. it better be able to sustain 20#'s of drag and hopefully mid 20's at that

I have a Newell 546 with a 4.6:1 retrieve ... I call it my 'bluefin' reel. That's kinda what I had in mind, matched with a x-heavy action jig rod. On the other hand, I've had plenty of hour-plus long fights with 60-80# YFT on a Penn 500 with 25# line because I felt in the mood for a light-tackle spankin. Those are the days that other people think I'm nuts.

Those guys were having fun - ultimately that's what matters.

That newell is the reel I recommend for a newbie (but in the 540 size). I think its about the perfect first reel. I only moved on because I wanted a two speed.

Dem boyz ain't right in da head