I know someone that caught tuna of steelhead gear. I can't remember what he said he was throwing.But he said it was a blast and an epic battle.

 

You'll either smoke the drag or get spooled with the 5500.

 

Avast! Long lines and open spaces be the key! Grog be of most importance! Many o me mateys been hooking those fish o'sail and long nose wid light line!

 

The most common gear for swimbaits is medium spinning rigs that can reach out. I'll normally use 20 lb Spiderwire for a main or tie on a 20-30lb floro topshot if they are finicky. Just make sure you have something with a good drag and you are good to go. You might also seriously consider using a butterfly style jig. Gman did a decent write up http://www.sportfishermen.com/board/f172/gmans-intro-vertical-jigging-67557.html.

 

you'll be fine!

we boated 30 fish one day this summer on live bait using calcutta 400's spooled up with braid and lamiglas 8' 15-25# rated rods.

9 more that day were on my Quantum Cabo40 on a shimano Trevala spinning setup.

You'll have a blast on the light gear!~

 

Thanks Fellas,
This is going to be one of those "Here hold my beer, I'm going to try something..." moments.

Might cost me a reel :lol:

Thanks again,
B.W.