OldTrack, last time we talked to F.W. about rigs, they did not offer rentals, but that may have changed. Talked to them this morning, before reading your post.
FAW and TOO talked a few days ago, we will see if we can get him lined up but as his post mentions he has some gear and is looking for a popping rod, for a spinning reel if I remember correctly.
As I told FAW, I am not the best source of information for tuna spinner popping rods. Glad jig and TT offered to help, just as predicted.
Others hopefully will offer suggestions on popper spinning rods.

FAW, for deep drops, I'd suggest a package or two of 9/0 or bigger circles.
Fluoro, a spool of 50# if you chunk and for casting/jigging.
Maybe 80# for deep drop leaders w/bait.
The Scat Cat will have some leader, weights, and hook material, those that have been on these trips can tell you exactly what is avialble/supplied.
Large spools of 50# fluoro and 80# are expensive, but cheaper per yard compared to smaller spools, need to decide if you want a cheaper overall cost or spend less for less yardage.
Read PM's sent, and a group Oct.21st-23rd email has been sent to those committed to the charter.

jig/tuna texas,

fishing experience mostly 8/12hrs party boat 1-2 times a year. i went on deep sea headquarters last year for tuna fishing (24hrs) using party boat gears its tough to jig on those but i got hooked on this type of fishing. i bought a used spinning set up from a friend spinal 350g with shimano saragosa 18k, trevalla (40-!00#) with daiwa saltist 4000 spinning this i use for snapper and conventional spinal 350g with JM PE6 loaded with pe5 jb hollow core.

Q #1- can i use my conventional set for chunking?
Q#2-saltist 4000 spinning reel can i use it as a popping reel. if i can what type of rod it can go with (cheap one please) i'm planning to buy one.
Q#3- do i need deep drop gear on this trip?
Q#4-lines, leaders , hook , and lures required for 1st three questions.

thanks,
russel

You are not needing much, sorry thought you were starting from scratch. The gosa will be a common real on the boat for popping.

Fishatwork,
Sent you a PM - about gear, etc.

spinal 350g with shimano saragosa 18k - PERFECT, I WOULD HAVE 60#JB HOLLOW ON THIS. I ASSUME THIS IS A JIGGING ROD? IF YOU GET A POPPING ROD, YOU CAN PUT THIS REEL ON IT FOR TOPWATER TUNA.
trevalla (40-!00#) with daiwa saltist 4000 spinning - IMO, TOO SMALL FOR THIS TRIP, BUT GREAT SETUP.
conventional spinal 350g with JM PE6 loaded with pe5 jb hollow core. PERFECT ALSO I ASSUME THIS IS JIGGING ROD TOO.

MY ADVICE IS THAT YOU HAVE TWO IDENTICAL CLASS HIGH JIGGING SET-UPS. I WOULD SELL THE SPINNING SPINAL ROD AND GET A 7 1/2' TUNA POPPING ROD (8 1/2 IS TOO LONG FOR PARTY BOAT). THEN GET A TIDEWATER HEAVY SOLID FIBERGLASS ROD FOR $50, AND A USED PENN 6/0 FOR AROUND $75 AND PUT 80# MONO ON IT FOR CHUNCKING AND BOTTOM FISHING. yOU WILL BE SET FOR EVERYTHING!

Q #1- can i use my conventional set for chunking? NOT IDEAL, SEE ABOVE.
Q#2-saltist 4000 spinning reel can i use it as a popping reel. if i can what type of rod it can go with (cheap one please) i'm planning to buy one. THE GOSAS IS MUCH PETTER, SEE ABOVE.
Q#3- do i need deep drop gear on this trip? YES SEE ABOVE.
Q#4-lines, leaders , hook , and lures required for 1st three questions. SEE NEXT POST

thanks,
russel [/quote]

Sorry this is so disjointed; TFF forum doesn't let you have much space! For topwaters, swimbaits, jigging and chunking, I use 60# flouro leader. so get a spool.

if on a budget, get a few magaroni lures and Owner st66 3/0 hooks and 185 spro split rings. This is a best bet scenario without going overboard. If you have the budget, get some poppers too.

I use benthos 7oz jig clones from ebay and 8oz hammered diamond tuna jigs almost exclusively.

If you have some 2005 eagle claw or Owner 39950 circle hooks in 7/0 and 9/0, you will be set. The boat has bottom leaders, but I make my own with 200# mono.

Hey jig, could you shoot me a pm on where you get those benthos clones from on ebay?

Click here for Tuna Countdown to the Second

If you can't tell, I love to fish.

Jig, thanks for the info this is gonna help me a lot on this trip and yes sir! You are right both is a jigging set up. I may keep the spinning rod as a back-up. It's time to hunt for a good used popping rod. Thanks again sir for all the help.

Fishatwork

Take a look on 360tuna.com Buy/Sell board. There is a lot of tackle on there used in excellent condition. Those guys buy high end stuff just to try it out and then sell it. If you cannot find anything, you can get the rod I recommend and used for years for under $40 at Acadamy - Roddy Gatortail 7', rated 50-80# I believe. It's heavy but works just fine. It's an ugly yellow-brown spinner with a tuna on it.

The Saltist 4000 can be used to land tuna up to 80lbs no problem. However, you'll need to swap out the drag washers because it will get a little sticky when your drag is set at 16+lbs. The line capacity will also be a bit of an issue, since you won't be able to get but about 220-240yds of PE4 on it.
The Saragosa 18K can be interchanged with your jigging rod and popping rod. This however becomes a bit of a hassle on the boat. Best thing to do would be to sell your Saltist 4000 and Trevala combo for $250, and replace it with a Shimano Saragosa 10K. That Trevala and Saltist combo isn't ideal. The gear ratio of the Saltist is blazing fast. Jigging with it is a pain in the rear (trust me, I've tried it).
Otherwise, looks like you've got very good quality gear. If you're looking for a popping/casting rod, and don't want to break the bank then go with the OTI 7'6" Extreme (blue color) 40/60 popping rod. It's a good rod for the GOM. Another good option would be the new Terez rods from Shimano. They come with lifetime warranty as well.

You can use your conventional spinal 350 and JMPE6 as a chunking set up. I do it all the time when I get lazy and don't want to go upstairs to grab my chunking setup. LOL
You can technically chunk with anything if you want to.

Don't get caught up in trying to get everything right the first time around. Watch and learn from those around you and you'll pick it up pretty quick.

*free tip - The Gamakatsu 16 Treble hooks are just as good as the Owner ST66's and much cheaper. Check them out at JDMtackle.com.

good advice there IGS.

A lot more info! options are getting better and better. Thanks a lot IGS/JIG this will be a good guidelines for me and others who are new to jig and pop. Again thank you!

Fishatwork

Here are a couple of videos to watch before you go.... A few of them were made by yours truely...

Videos on mechanical jigging and some useful knots

Some tackle reviews and tips. Should help you choose the right gear and lures

Nice videos sir, very informative now I can't wait to go home to practice those fg knot and mechanical jigging. A know how is the best gears you can have before you dip yourself into something that you don't know. The good thing is I still have 2 mos to practice all of this acquired knowledge lol. You are very helpful IGS thanks.

Fishatwork