My favorite fishing these days is nearshore and offshore topwater fishing. I've got 4 set-ups that are my go-to. 2 Shimano Tranx 400s on Dobyns DC 867s and 2 Tranx 500s paired with Shimano TLC80MBBLs. The 400s are spooled with 50 pound and the 500s with 65 pound braid - both Sufix 832 with a 40-60 pound fluorocarbon leader. I'm usually throwing a Yo-Zuri Hydro Popper on these rigs. Heading to the Keys in August and will post some photos of these bad boys in action. I've caught yellowfin and blackfin tuna, dolphin, grouper, barracuda, false albacore, tarpon, snapper, jack crevalle, and shark on these rigs. Hoping to hook a sailfish this year on topwater.

Anyway, just wanted to share what has become my fishing passion after so many years chasing so many different species.









In the photo below is one of our moderators, Chris Stewart (Fish KIller), with his first tarpon caught on one of the Tranx 400/Dobyns rigs. We were wade fishing around Boca Grande Key between Key West and the Marquesas. He and Monte Coon had to cross a cut that was about 10 feet wide and 4 feet deep. A few minutes after they crossed it heading back to the boat, a huge bullshark went ballistic in the cut. We think it got the tarpon he had just released.

Here's where Chris, Monte and I were fishing. One of my favorite spots in the Keys. Great place to chill on the beach, drink a few beers, cook a meal and fish. Most evenings, the boats clear out and you have the island to yourself - there are usually no more than 4-5 boats there at any time. We were wading along the beach and casting towards the channel. All kinds of gamefish and baitfish load up in the mouth of the channel where it spills into the Atlantic. Come to think of it, I took Rick Vincent (Treebas) there a few years ago as well.





Here's a photo of Rick and I on the boat at the same spot - Boca Grande. We then went on to Marquesas and caught tarpon and sharks.

Nice J.P.!!! Thanks for sharing

First off I would like to thank you for the awesome post with pics of some great fishing adventures. One question i had was how many yards of 65# braid those reels hold. Curious because most the anglers I have seen are throwing top water poppers/plugs with the large spinning reels loaded with 50 or 65# braid for YFT.

The Tranx 500 holds 270 yards of 65-pound braid and the 400 holds 275 yards of 50-pound braid. I have a few of the big spinning rigs used for YFT, but really enjoy the over-sized baitcasting reels. I think the 500 would handle a 100+ pound YFT. I caught a 35 pound YFT on the 400 rig off the coast of San Diego.

Anyone who has done a lot of bass fishing would enjoy fishing with the over-sized baitcasters offshore.

Thanks that is good info . I am not a huge fan of spinning reels but I want to catch some Tuna on top water plugs as well

This reel is way larger than your average baitcaster.

Indeed that photo puts the size difference in perspective.

Nice. I know some king mackerel and cobia that would really like those.

Wow!....never compared the size difference in reels in person. DEFINITELY has changed my planned reel and pole for my upcoming first ever Texas coast fishing trip...thank you

Going to have to check this spot out making me rethink some rod set up too.

Lifetime Memories!

J.P. , your pm box id full! Would like to send a pm to get some information. Thanks Daniel