|
Shimano Torium 30: Fast Savings
Speed jigging is the hottest new method of bluewater fishing, and to get into this game, you need a lightening-fast reel. Unfortunately, most offshore-capable reels with big gear ratios cost big bucks. Want to get into this game without breaking the bank? Shimano’s Torium is a relatively low-cost reel that has the speed you need, yet costs less then the competition.
I experimented with a Torium 30 while jigging in the deep for tilefish, wreckfish, and grouper, and found that at 23.3 ounces, it was light enough to swing all day without growing tired. Its 6.2:1 gear ratio is plenty fast for zipping jigs through the water column, and the star drag is positioned so I could adjust it with my thumb without taking my hand off the handle. Sure, a lever drag would be even better, but that’s a cost-boosting item that the Torium does well without. These reels have a diecast aluminum frame, a stamped aluminum side plate, and an aluminum spool. I also took note of the handle and crank, a part of many inexpensive reels that’s woefully lacking. I found it comfortable to grip, and cranking up from 600’ wasn’t nearly the chore it feels like with some gear.
Freespool is silky-smooth, and the drag is, too. Line capacity is a bit less then you’d expect from a reel that’s tagged a 30, at 350 yards of 30-pound test, but spooled with braid (as any jigger will be) the Torium holds more like 600 yards. And remember, this isn’t like a big, bulky offshore trolling reel, and it’s not what you’d choose for pulling ballyhoo and spreader bars; it’s far more compact and designed to be held by the angler all day long. That doesn’t mean it can’t take on big fish, though. During our test we tagged a 30-pounder, and caught several 20-pound fish, and didn’t even begin to really test the limits of this reel. It’ll do fine on tunas, wahoo, and the like up to the 100-pound class, and a skilled angler could even take on larger game successfully with this rig. It also doesn’t mean the Torium won’t come in handy for other types of fishing. In fact, rigged with a naked ‘hoo this would make an excellent reel for feeding whites pitch baits, or for chunking yellowfin in the 40- to 60-pound range. If you want to get a reliable reel that will get you into the offshore speed jigging game and give you a lot of versatility at low cost, the Torium is the ticket.
Price: A hair over $200.
The Highs: Unexpectedly low price for a reel that gets you speed-jigging with reliability, yet can also handle other offshore chores.
The Lows: Relatively low line capacity for a “30” class reel.
Who Wants It: Those just getting into the speed jigging game, who want their reel to also have some versatility.
Contact: http://fish.shimano.com
|
