Purchasing the right size rods and reels

Question
Mr. Arnov, I have just relocated to Cape Canaveral and purchased a 33' Blackfin. I have fished offshore in Cape Cod most of my life for Blues,Bass and Tuna. I would like to outfit my boat for Florida and the Bahamas.I am eger to try my luck for Dolfin,Wahoo and sails. The boat is rigged to fish 2 poles each side on the outriggers, one flat line and a chair w/ rocket lounchers soon. What size reels can you suggest? One Captain suggested Penn 30's and 50's. Thank you Steve

Answer
Hi Steve:
If you have fished that much, you must still have tackle from Cape Cod.  What you used there works here, as well. Tuna, of course, require a reel with more line capacity than a blue, so for the largest fish such equipment would be okay.  However, dolphin, for example, rarely make long runs but take to the air more, so you can go fairly small.  Most sport fishermen I know use 20 or 30 pound test for trolling or live bait and any reel that will take 3-400 yards would work--and a rod to match that the tackle dealer recommends.  Penn 30s and 50s are too big for my money, but you can use them, too (commercial captains would recommend them as they usually go larger than do sport fishermen).  I think the real sort of tackle you should aim at is light spinning or fly.  Much of the fishing here is sight, putting a bait near a floating object or fishing a rip, ideal for casting.  Wahoo usually are deeper in blue water and blind trolling is the general method.  Sails are sight-fished, especially during a cold front.  See my book for this info--it's all there.  Good luck.  Boris