Can you catch yellowtail with a quantum blue runner by using a live sardine with out trolling on a boat?

Question

I don't want my reel to be a trolling reel, i want to use it on a full day boat at catalina island.Does my reel make the sardine go far?

Answer 1

If you're talking about a quantum blue runner spinning reel, yes, it should be adequate for the school-sized yellowtail (6-12 pounders) you often see at Catalina, as long as it's the bigger model and you have it loaded with 20 pound line. (Lighter line is iffy because yellows tend to like to make long runs and go into any kelp or rocks nearby.)

If it's the trolling model, however, you'll have problems because trolling reels are not made for casting. The level-wind mechanism means you'll need more force for casting than you can manage with a 2-3 ounce sardine. You generally have to get a bait well out from the boat to get a yellowtail to bite, unless you're lucky enough to get out there on a day when they're going crazy.

If that's the reel you've got, save it for trolling or bottom fishing and save up a few bucks for a casting reel. (If you're just making one trip, you might be best off renting an outfit.)

Penn, Newell, Daiwa, and Shimano all make good reels for yellowtail (and other SoCal fish like albacore, bonito, barracuda, and bass). Look for a reel which holds 200-250 yards of 20 pound line, has a lightweight (aluminum or graphite) spool, and has a gear ratio of 5-1 or 6-1.

In addition, you should practice casting beforehand -- casting with a conventional reel can be tricky and you don't want to waste your fishing time pulling tangles out of your reel.