Just bought a 22ft bay boat, looking to get into some saltwater fishing. Have been mostly exclusive bass fishing so really most comfortable with a bait caster. What kind of rod/reel combos should I outfit boat with for redfish trout flounder?
I personally use spinning. I like all of my Shimano stuff. I have had Sahara, Nasci, and Spheros. I like the Spheros the best. 3000 and 4000 sizes are usually good enough.
2018 Sea Fox 226 Commander
I like to use a 7’ 6-12 lb. fast action rod. Agree 3000 size reel is more than adequate. I find 10 lb. braid is plenty strong and casts well, which allows me to keep the boat as far away as possible.
Baitcaster is perfect for bass. Spinning is perfect for salt. My reason is accuracy isn’t as important (no trees in sight), skipping docks is easier, you’ll be throwing into the wind (baitcaster nightmare), will be throwing light bobbers with light live bait, making long casts, using finesse baits in winter.
PSA generally has pretty good prices on the Shimano reels, though I have no experience with them. I’ve picked up some supposedly saltwater-friendly Penn stuff from Dick’s for decent prices, but that was before they made certain business decisions that caused me to look elsewhere. I have a Battle II reel (3500) on a 7’ medium-heavy rod, and a Penn Fierce (2500) on a cheap medium-light Daiwa rod. Both are spinning reels.
I’m the wrong person to tell you whether or not they’re effective in catching fish–I could fish a stocked bucket with an AR-15 and still get skunked–but, in terms of pure function, both reels have performed flawlessly. The Penn rod has been functionally great, too. I have no read on the Daiwa, as it’s brand new. Ask me next week, hopefully.
However, I feel your pain on the baitcaster. I might as well just strangle myself with a long leader and fling myself over the side of the boat. Pick up a Penn combo
2017 Sportsman 211 w/ F150XB “Marital Property”
#TheWorstFishermanInTheWorld
stick with you bass fishing gear. i suspect you already know how to pitch and flip docks, and how to manage wind and distance with the brakes and control knob. there is a reason the best light tackle fisherman in the world primarily use casting tackle
Your baitcasting tackle is perfect for inshore fishing. Just wash and maintain it.
And your bass tackle? Use it. It all works for trout, reds, and flounder.
I use Penn Battle & Fierce reels, have had really good luck with them. They can take braid without backing it with mono, so that is a plus.
Jpg,
Welcome to the saltwater fishing world. I always tell people that no rod and reel will fish everything perfectly. I fish a wide range of reels from a 1000 size for trout and light artificals to a 3000 for my dock and cork fishing rods.
I personally don’t fish anything larger than a 3000 and have no issues catching most of what I would like inshore. Some people will say pick up a 4000 but it probably isn’t necessary.
The combo rods are great but the rod is meant to be temporary, Daiwa and Penn make awesome combos. I have been happier with the new BG Series than the Penn Battle or Fierce combos.
If you buy a Penn, Shimano, or Daiwa from Haddrell’s Point we offer a two year warranty with the reel if something breaks we fix it. (This doesn’t cover submerging the reel and salt corrosion)
Stop by either location we can pair something up for you that works. I would urge you to get a spinning reel because they seem to hold up better in Salt BUT some of the manufacturers do offer some salt rated Baitcasters.
Simon O
Haddrell’s Point West
HADDRELL’S POINT TACKLE & SUPPLY
Your Complete Sportfishing Center
www.haddrellspoint.com
www.facebook.com/Haddrells.Point