rod/ reel advice
 

Just looking to see what different people recommend as a rod/ reel combo for your surface irons/ lures. Ive been digging the lures and fly lining, but what ive been using is a huge workout to get my goods out there a bit, and its time to just invest again. Currently interested in the shimano torium 20.

I go with the ol' reliable budget friendly Sealine 20.

I started fishing surface irons from sports boats and still think of a jig stick as a parabolic 9-10' 40 lb rod. I use a seeker ulua 93H because that's the rod I have and I like it.

If I was getting a surface iron rod just for the yak I'd go with an 8' 20-40 lb fast action trigger stick. Some thing that might be considered a heavy swimbait rod. I've used a buddy's 8' seeker blue lightning with a Trinidad 20 on it and was impressed with its casting and how it handled fish.

I can't really give a brand and model number but the seeker blue lightnings are nice. I know phenix makes several rods like this. You can use big bait casters like the lexas, curado 300, or okuma komodo but your torium will work well too. Mike

I have high hopes for the Okuma Cortez 5 that I just put on a 40# 8' Makaira jigstick...but I haven't actually fished it yet, so who knows! For me, 10' jig stick was a PITA to handle on the kayak. Saving it for any boat trips I may or may not take.

Try an Ugly Stick rod, they are pretty nice, a Daiwa Saltist 20. I have a level wind version of the 20 (arthritis in my thump) and it is a sturdy reel.

That should get you started for a reasonable cost.

9' cal star gg690j with avet mxj. heavy and lite irons
8' cal star gfdh-800ml with avet sx. surface irons only