I’m starting to put together my gear for inshore fishing. Always been a freshwater guy, so none of my rods/reels will survive the salt.
So let it begin:
What kind of entry/mid level combinations are you guys using? Rod length, 6’6" or 7’0" or longer? Reel sizes, 300(0), 400(0), or bigger?! 1 piece or 2 piece?
Since my experience for inshore fishing has been in someone elses chartered boat, I’m not familiar with what kayak fisherman have found to be better in the long run for chasing down spottails and speckled trout… I’m looking to put two rods/reels together for around $100 each (or less).
This is also your chance to pawn your used gear off onto me for an exhorbitant price since I am admitting my lack of knowledge
Agreed. You can get a Penn Battle Combo for just over a $100. I like the Penn Battle better but both are very good for the price.
Personally I like a 7’-0" 2pc rod.
I don’t like taking my more expensive equipment on the yak with me just because there is a much greater chance of losing my gear out there. For yak fishing I use Daiwa Crossfire reels. One is 3000 and the other 4000 and neither have ever let me down. They are pretty tough reels imo and have no issues handling the salt and fresh water. Just be sure to rinse them down after salt water excursions. Rods I use 7 foot shimanos. Combo is a little over 50 bucks in the academy near me. Like I said you aren’t going to blow anyone away with this setup but if one decides to take a swim and drowns it’s not nearly as heartbreaking.
I have a Pursuit reel. I have had it a couple years but only used it in fresh water and only a few times catfishing. So far no problems. The Fierce throws smoother but definitely worth the $ so far.
Cant go wrong with Ugly Stick. Almost every rod I own is Ustick and I’ve only had one break in 18 years of fishing. A 2 piece broke at the connection on a 3’+ Gar hook set. Still caught him with half a rod. It was an old rod that had been used a ton and I don’t baby my gear. I can play rough with a penn and Ustick and expect 10+ years of fishing. Money WELL spent.
Thanks for the input everyone! I think I’m going to put together a medium-light ugly stick 2-piece 7’ with a 3000 pen fierce.
And my other rod will be a medium fast 7’ ugly stick 2-piece with the 4000 pen fierce.
Up to you. I like fishing for the catch (and release) mostly while others are there for the art of the fight.
If you’re a catch guy then go heavier with both. Bigger gives you more range too. Do you have trouble getting distance casting from a yak?
If you’re a fight guy go light.
If you’re unsure go with one of each.
Keep in mind that you will run into 30" reds in small creeks and grass flats. You can always upgrade the strength and capacity of your rig by switching from mono to braid too.
I don’t know the terminology but, I like a fishing rod where the last 1/3 or so of the end is light & flexible so you feel the bite. It also seems to be better when fishing artificials. My favorite “cheap” setup is an Okuma Trio S on a Berkeley Lightning rod. $100 buys you the entire setup and mine has been dunked numerous times and still works/looks like new. I’ve caught large reds on it here and flag yellowtails on the same rig in the Keys.
“Apathy is the Glove into Which Evil Slips It’s Hand”.
Why buy a rod at Walmart when you can get quality stuff at the local shops for close to the same pricing ?? Also your local tackle shops can show you how to rig the rod and how to fish for a local fish. Just saying.
Local is nice but it sounds like Z is on a budget and local isn’t as budget friendly. When he’s ready to take it to the next level and invest a little more he can. He can take his money savings and go local to get rigs and info. Usually you have to to get a good selection anyway.
Penn Battle combos are probably youre best bet. You want a 7’ rod at least in a kayak.
No offense but Walmart stuff sucks. Plain and simple. Oh yeah and good luck actually getting anything remotely helpful from an employee… but to each their own I guess
Why buy a rod at Walmart when you can get quality stuff at the local shops for close to the same pricing ?? Also your local tackle shops can show you how to rig the rod and how to fish for a local fish. Just saying.
I am on a budget right now… trying to buy a house, have a toddler, etc. BUT I’m still trying to get started learning. I know for a fact that without the knowledge of the area, and what the fish are biting, it won’t matter if I’ve got a $1000 rig or a $10 zebco… I won’t catch anything. So while I won’t be able to get what I want today, I can get something that will work for a time, let me learn a little (and lose a little if/when I dunk) without breaking the bank. I do get it though… If I spend $75 bucks on something that only lasts a season or two then drop the dough on a $150 set up that will work for years, I’ve really wasted my money from the get go!
