A do-it-all rod?

General Fishing Discussion
1

Just picked up a couple TLD 15/30 star drag reels on sale from West Marine. Figured I’d use these for everything from reds at the jetties to trolling for Spanish to Kings (eventually).

I know this is three different styles of fishing but anyone have a suggestion on a rod that would handle all three situations or am I going to have to get separate rods if I want to live bait troll for kings?

As for line, I’m going with 20 lb mono.
Thanks

2014 Key West 203DFS
1987 Landau

2

The TLDs are lever drag, not star drag. But yes, one rod could handle all that.

Capt. Larry Teuton
Swamp Worshiper

3

don’t they make a star version? I’d get 7 foot rods of your favorite brand and appropriate line rating (15-30). should do fine for what you’re asking for

4

Capt Larry,
Here’s the TLD 15/30 star drag.

http://2catchfish.com/store/image.php?jpgname=/home/serve/spot/store/images/l264.jpg

2014 Key West 203DFS
1987 Landau

5

Wait until the prices go back up (i.e. not on sale anymore) and exchange them for “store credit” and get the lever drags. Especially if you are going to live bait troll… Lever drags are the way to go… I want to know how much drag is on there, and I want to be able to adjust it in a fight… Sure, someone may argue that you can do that with a star drag, but I am not that smart.

6

I have 2 TLDs (leaver drags) on 7 foot live action bait rods that were intender for the same reasons you have mentioned. Mine are loaded with 15 Lb mono and the only issue I have run into is was the egg sinkers (2-4 oz) seam to eat into the momo prety bad when bottom fishing causing a few break offs. So I got some plastic slides that go on the line and a weight attaches to it.

Sabalo 21 150 Yamaha

Key West Stealth 150 V-max (SOLD)

7

Shimano used to make a king fisher series rod. I have 3 of them. they are excellent for what your talking about. Of course I tried to buy another one and that don’t make them any more. Dag Nabbit!!! But any way the specs on the rod are 7 ft, power medium, line weight 10-20, action extra fast. The model number is TLC 70MKA. Maybe you can call Shimano and find out what in their line is equivalent to this. It’s a great live bait rod and perfect for big reds at the grillage. It actually is great for fishing for sheep head and black drum at the nearshore reefs also. It snatches the fish up quick but doesn’t over power them.
I hope you can find what your looking for.

Dorado II
Carolina Skiff 25DLV

8
quote:
Capt Larry, Here's the TLD 15/30 star drag.

I stand corrected, I’ve been wrong before and learn something new every day :sunglasses: I’ve only seen them with lever drags, always thought that’s what the “LD” meant.

http://fish.shimano.com/content/sac-fish/en/home/products/fishing-reels/beach/tld-star.html

I prefer the star drag for bottom fishing and a lever drag for trolling.

Capt. Larry Teuton
Swamp Worshiper

9
quote:
Originally posted by Flat Bottom

I have 2 TLDs (leaver drags) on 7 foot live action bait rods that were intender for the same reasons you have mentioned. Mine are loaded with 15 Lb mono and the only issue I have run into is was the egg sinkers (2-4 oz) seam to eat into the momo prety bad when bottom fishing causing a few break offs. So I got some plastic slides that go on the line and a weight attaches to it.

Sabalo 21 150 Yamaha

Key West Stealth 150 V-max (SOLD)

Albright knot 8-10 more feet of leader for the sinker to slide on... For a carolina rig, this would be the area above the swivel... This is different than the leader that goes from the swivel to the hook.

I use this technique bottom fishing… If I have braid, then I albright in about 8-10 of monfilament at the end of the braid. Sinker goes on that, then a swivel. So, the sinker doesn’t slide up and down braid, but mono instead.

10

They make a good Ugly stick that would fit would needs as well. They are reasonable priced too. I have never been a fan of the ugly stick but they make a nice rod for what you want to do. I would defiantly get the lever drags though,

Charlie
www.tidedownsportfishing.com
(843)312-2981

11

thanks for the comments/■■■■■■■■ gents.
On my way to Beaufort yesterday, stopped by the West Marine on 17 just to check out the TLDs on the shelf. Their 15 lever drags were $139 (seems really high?) which is over twice what I paid for the star drags.
May have found a rod: Penn Legion, 7ft 15/30lb, med/hvy extra fast. Has a gimble butt and all Fuji components.
If this NE wind ever goes away, maybe I’ll actually get to use these on the water instead of just looking at them in the garage.

2014 Key West 203DFS
1987 Landau

12

My go to rod is a 7 foot ugly stik tiger rod. I think they’re around 70 dollars. They’re excellent on kings, big reds and sharks in the harbor.

Capt. R. Killin
“Day Tripper”
Shamrock 20 cuddy
Ford 351W