I’m buying/assembling 4 new combos for general inshore use. Trout, reds, flounder, sheepshead are the primary targets, so that’s an assortment of throwing artificials and live baits. I don’t have a lot of money to blow on these and have it narrowed down to a couple choices. I’ve was beyond pleased with a Pflueger Trion combo I had before, so it’ll be either Trion or President reels, 35 and/or 40 model (I believe these reels are slightly small on capacity for their stated model size…comparing to stradic capacities).
I know for sure 2 rods are going to be 7 footers.
Either the 7’ Trion/President combo rod for the 40 sized reel medium power, 6-12lb, 1/8-5/8 oz. lure.
Or the 7’ Cabelas Salt Striker medium/light power, fast action, 6-15 lb, 1/8-1/2 oz lure.
For the other 2 I’m debating whether to go 6’6" or 7’6".
The 6’6" rod would just be the Trion/President combo rod for the 35 size reel medium power, 6-12lb, 1/8-5/8 oz. lure.
The 7’6" rod would be a Cabelas Salt Striker medium power, fast action, 8-17lb, 1/4-5/8 oz.
So, would you rather have a pair of 6’6" or 7’6" rods for general purpose inshore use?
EDIT:
And I’m throwing in a pink Lady Trion 6’10" rod and 35 sized reel combo just for good measure. They’re in the Cabelas bagain cave for $40 right now. She hinted the other day in the store about me providing her with her own rod when she picked up a pink one. So really, if in dire need, that could be in the arsenal as well, as long as there are no other visible boats around
Why are you getting away from the 7 footers? That is a good all around rod length for inshore. I would just change the action for the rod used for Sheaps.
A wise man once said “Do as I say not as I do” Good advice when I tell you that.
Why are you getting away from the 7 footers? That is a good all around rod length for inshore. I would just change the action for the rod used for Sheaps.
A wise man once said “Do as I say not as I do” Good advice when I tell you that.
Just economics of what the available options out of my preferred choices through Cabelas since I have a gift card to spend. The Salt Strikers are on sale for $50 (regularly $100) and are 3 choices. 7’ med/light, 7’6" med/light, and 7’6" medium…all fast action. I have already bought a Cabelas Tourny Trail 7 footer and I think I may take it back in favor of the Salt Strikers. I also have a Sports Authority gift card to spend and was looking at the Hurrican Calico Jack rods. But I didn’t want to have to spend extra on shipping from them when I can have Cabelas ship to store for free and just pick it up. I’m close to the Augusta Cabelas.
Why are you getting away from the 7 footers? That is a good all around rod length for inshore. I would just change the action for the rod used for Sheaps.
A wise man once said “Do as I say not as I do” Good advice when I tell you that.
Just economics of what the available options out of my preferred choices through Cabelas since I have a gift card to spend. The Salt Strikers are on sale for $50 (regularly $100) and are 3 choices. 7’ med/light, 7’6" med/light, and 7’6" medium…all fast action. I have already bought a Cabelas Tourny Trail 7 footer and I think I may take it back in favor of the Salt Strikers. I also have a Sports Authority gift card to spend and was looking at the Hurrican Calico Jack rods. But I didn’t want to have to spend extra on shipping from them when I can have Cabelas ship to store for free and just pick it up. I’m close to the Augusta Cabelas.
What is your preferred rod action for Sheaps?
Maybe that doesn’t make much sense…let me explain my thought on that a little better. The Pflueger combos are 40 reel with the 7’ rod. The 35 reel comes only on a 6’6" rod. If the 6’6" rod would be preferable over the 7’6" rod then I’m probably going to save a few bucks and just go with straight combos for all 4. If the 7’6" a little heavier rod is more preferable, then I’ll buy 2 40/7’ combos, 2 35 reels, 2 7’6" Salt Striker rods. Then switch the 40 reels to the 7’6" slightly heavier rods, and put the 35 reels on the 7’ slightly lighter combo rods.
Sounds like you already have it figured out. Get what you think will work for you and your pocket can live with. I have some rods that when i bought them my friends said i wouldnt by that, they have lasted 10 plus years and I’m still happy.
A wise man once said “Do as I say not as I do” Good advice when I tell you that.
Stopped by cabelas to return the tourny trail rod. Went ahead and stepped it up one notch and bought the pair of president 40/7’ combos. Burned my gift card but they gave me a $20 off coupon to use by the 11th.
I got away from my question a little. What advantages would a 7’6" rod give me over 6’6" rod? Casting distance vs accuracy tradeoff. And 7’6" will be a little better for popping corks and baits and live bait? 6’6" better for small jig heads and ? I can’t say I’ve ever fished with a 7’6" inshore rod so need some help on that.
There’s a little more to it than that. A higher-quality 7’6" blank will handle like a “shorter” rod. The higher-quality blank will be much lighter and therefore easier to handle than a heavier blank of the same length. Thus, making accuracy a non-issue with the longer rod. I skip under docks and cast to fish while sight fishing with a 7’6" and have zero problems doing so. The longer rod will definitely help with casting distance and handling rigs with long leaders. It will also help you with hook sets. The longer rod moves more line and therefore gives a more positive hook set; especially if the bite comes when you’re not expecting it and in an awkward position. I used to be a 6’6" and 7’ rod guy, but since switching to higher quality blanks, 7’ is the shortest rod I use. All of that said, buy what does exactly what you want it to do, the way you want it to do it, at the price you’re willing to pay. If it does those three things, it’s the perfect rod for you.
Thanks archer, good info. Think I’m going to get a 7’6" rod at least just to try out. I can always sell it and buy something else if it doesn’t work out to my liking. Wont know for sure until I try it.
