Best bait casting combo for a yak? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Jonesyak · 03-22-2012, 08:09 PM

Hey guys,

Im heading to the Fred Hall Show tomorrow and I want to look for a bait casting combo for targeting bass...

Whats the best rod/reel combo for ocean bass fishing?

Thanks!
-Aaron

Mobsan · 03-23-2012, 08:19 AM

I loved my Shimano Curado 200E and Clarus. Unfortunately I lost it when I dumped coming in. The new Curado 200G is getting a lot of mixed reviews and the major complaint is that it just seems cheaper and lighter. Shimano is able to sell the new G series for about $20 less then the E, which leads me to believe lower production costs d/t cheaper materials. On the upswing, the new bearings are supposed to be a little better and more corrosion resistant. The Shimanos are now being made in Malaysia opposed to Japan. I think Shimanos are still nice reels though. Just pick a reel you like and then match it to a nice 7' stick that feels balanced with it. I just started ocean fishing last year though, so my experience and knowledge base is rather limited. Hopefully some of the old pros will chime in before you take off to the show and steer you in the right direction. Have fun today and happy shopping.

Mobsan · 03-23-2012, 09:07 AM

I think the Shimano 300E is still made in Japan and goes for around $250. With 15lbs of drag it can handle YT. This is not from my own personal experience of course, but from my internet readings. I kinda want to get one now. I think it is a very sexy reel as well.

tacmik · 03-23-2012, 10:16 AM

Try Squidco. Let them know what you are targeting and the price range you have. They will set you up.

Amish Ed · 03-23-2012, 11:42 AM

How much do you want to spend. A Curado 200 or 300 paired to a 7'6" 15-30# Teramar would be perfect. Shooting Star makes a comparable rod that retails about $40 less. And/or you could get a Cardiff instead of a Curado and save another $50.

JeffB · 03-23-2012, 12:09 PM

All I have is Shimano Curado 300's and 200's and it's all I have thrown for literally like 12yrs with a chronarch and citica here and there. The only downer is they are not super great in saltwater. You forget to rinse your reel off once or twice and then your replacing bearings. The drag is a little on the light side too.

I just bought a new reel to try out and it is my new favorite reel hands down, Okuma Cj 273. It's the size of a Curado 50 and holds almost as much line as my 300. I love using it in the bay and even fish it in 165'-200' for rock fish with my lucanus jigs. The reel has enough drag power to handle giant fish. It is smoother than all my shimano's and way more powerful too.

03-22-2012, 08:09 PM	#1
Jonesyak Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 45	Best bait casting combo for a yak? Hey guys, Im heading to the Fred Hall Show tomorrow and I want to look for a bait casting combo for targeting bass... Whats the best rod/reel combo for ocean bass fishing? Thanks! -Aaron __________________

03-23-2012, 08:19 AM	#2
Mobsan Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Carmel Valley Posts: 40	Setup I loved my Shimano Curado 200E and Clarus. Unfortunately I lost it when I dumped coming in. The new Curado 200G is getting a lot of mixed reviews and the major complaint is that it just seems cheaper and lighter. Shimano is able to sell the new G series for about $20 less then the E, which leads me to believe lower production costs d/t cheaper materials. On the upswing, the new bearings are supposed to be a little better and more corrosion resistant. The Shimanos are now being made in Malaysia opposed to Japan. I think Shimanos are still nice reels though. Just pick a reel you like and then match it to a nice 7' stick that feels balanced with it. I just started ocean fishing last year though, so my experience and knowledge base is rather limited. Hopefully some of the old pros will chime in before you take off to the show and steer you in the right direction. Have fun today and happy shopping. Last edited by Mobsan; 03-23-2012 at 09:36 AM.

03-23-2012, 09:07 AM	#3
Mobsan Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Carmel Valley Posts: 40	Or the 300E I think the Shimano 300E is still made in Japan and goes for around $250. With 15lbs of drag it can handle YT. This is not from my own personal experience of course, but from my internet readings. I kinda want to get one now. I think it is a very sexy reel as well.

03-23-2012, 10:16 AM	#4
tacmik Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: East County Posts: 914	Try Squidco. Let them know what you are targeting and the price range you have. They will set you up. __________________

03-23-2012, 11:42 AM	#5
Amish Ed Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Grants Pass, OR Posts: 1,903	How much do you want to spend. A Curado 200 or 300 paired to a 7'6" 15-30# Teramar would be perfect. Shooting Star makes a comparable rod that retails about $40 less. And/or you could get a Cardiff instead of a Curado and save another $50. __________________ Amish Ed You can't catch it again if it's dead!

03-23-2012, 12:09 PM	#6
JeffB Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: La Jolla Posts: 1,216	All I have is Shimano Curado 300's and 200's and it's all I have thrown for literally like 12yrs with a chronarch and citica here and there. The only downer is they are not super great in saltwater. You forget to rinse your reel off once or twice and then your replacing bearings. The drag is a little on the light side too. I just bought a new reel to try out and it is my new favorite reel hands down, Okuma Cj 273. It's the size of a Curado 50 and holds almost as much line as my 300. I love using it in the bay and even fish it in 165'-200' for rock fish with my lucanus jigs. The reel has enough drag power to handle giant fish. It is smoother than all my shimano's and way more powerful too. __________________ If you're looking for me I'm

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