Quote Originally Posted by huntinslabs View Post
Guys at Bass Pro think I am crazy spooling my reels with 325 yards of braid instead of just topping with 125-150 yards. Get a big jack or big bonito and they can make quick work of 200 yards of line in a hurry. Speaking of bonito, that is next on my list to tempt. Talked to a fellow that said to bleed and ice immediately and then after about 15 minutes in ice slush gut and gill. Clean em and take all bloodline out and treat like tuna and will not be able to taste the difference. Gonna try one next time i catch one. I have kept in past for cut bait and chum. But if they make table fare, even better to catch em.
I only do about 125 of braid w/mono backing w/uni-uni connection...had my share of experiences, including 125 lb. class Tarpon, 2 bonita, keeper cobia, huge Snook, with only one occasion of a spool-out because of an anchored up, one man scenario. My opinion, it's all about the run & gun rodeo to chase 'em down. I bleed/ice all the appropriate fish(including JC) but I personally would not try bonita again. Two(legal) leader touches on Tarpon on trout tackle over the years. Fifty - sixty minute run/gun battles, somewhat inhumane on Mr.T, but the adrenaline rush was stellar. They all swam off easily on their own.