04-09-2009, 03:55 AM
I've caught a 27lb blue cat on the TIDEWATER shakespeare reel with 20lb shakespeare CAJUN LINE (high abrasion resistance).
I had to set the drag at about 20% of the 20lb line.
Then I had to work that fish for probably 25 minutes. Everyone knows I use shakespeare now that I can't afford the more expensive but I tell you, if you maintain your gear and keep it clean and greased it will perform.
I was using a 8'2"ft ugly stick (Heavy) and had no problems.
There are guys here in Arkansas that have caught 30lb blues at the river here near my house on 10lb test line and 6ft medium rods because they know how to let the fish play itself out and have their drag set properly.
That's their deal catching huge cats on light tackle. It can be done.
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I had to set the drag at about 20% of the 20lb line.
Then I had to work that fish for probably 25 minutes. Everyone knows I use shakespeare now that I can't afford the more expensive but I tell you, if you maintain your gear and keep it clean and greased it will perform.
I was using a 8'2"ft ugly stick (Heavy) and had no problems.
There are guys here in Arkansas that have caught 30lb blues at the river here near my house on 10lb test line and 6ft medium rods because they know how to let the fish play itself out and have their drag set properly.
That's their deal catching huge cats on light tackle. It can be done.
[signature]