Rod Strength?

[George]

Hi guys,
i'm planning a boat trip to hopefully catch some tope at fleetwood nr Blackpool.
Just wondered what the average weight is for tope and what best suited strength boat rod shall i use?

[John Marshall]

Hi George, Tope do get quite large, think the record is in 80lb range,
most are smaller, here off the mid south coast most are in the 2 to 50lb range.

A 20lb outfit will give you loads of fun, and the sport is fantastic.

The reel has got to be a multi, I'd go with a pen 525.

John

[George]

Thanks very much, some sound advice. Ill bare that in mind when purchasing some new sea fishing gear!!

[KKK]

In the south wales area I only ever use an uptider capable of casting 10oz leads and have had tope upto 55lb but if you are downtiding in deepish water a 20lb class rod would be ok