Help me peel the onion of picking a first rod/reel - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Mongo Johnson · 10-29-2012, 07:05 PM

Alas, I'm in search of my "first rig" to start fishing ... I “think” I’m looking for a rig versatile enough to do inshore learning curve, but get me by if I try to go for WSB . . . Possible?

I hit Performance, and Pacific Edge shops to get advice on "what to buy" -- am following threads here too. ‘Yakked with Turners and Brandon at the LB Sport Chalet. Nice guy.

Listening to all the LJ WSB hunters I was set to jump in a Sealine . . . But the topic seems like peeling an onion. With the Hobie Revo I can go deeper . . . but I don't have a finder yet . . .

I'm trying to figure out the "type" of fishing I'll be able to do regularly . . . and help use that in the buying decision.

While I'm enthralled by the very sexy WSB . . . as I start out, I expect I'll be hitting the breakwater at LB, Maybe LB oil islands . . . do some time in PV kelp ‘cause it’s pretty off there, or off Newport/Corona Del Mar . . .

I expect getting started I'll lurk off the breakwater etc. and just "get my feet wet" and figure it out. Learn some knots. Try and tag along with someone here once I'm past the tripping over my own feet stage.

I dunno if the Sealine is too heavy for this?

I suspect just getting something average and just getting on the water is one way to "just do it." Say get a Penn 500 and an Ugly Stick. Maybe a some kind of lighter baitcaster combo . . .

I'm a little "at sea"

as I sort this out.

I wonder if as a rookie I should get a lighter baitcaster . . . ? Seems there’s three classes . . . 1) Light bay rig 2) heavier bait caster 3) med to heavy deep sea rig like Sealine on a med/heavy rod.

Seems I might need to decide on bait . . . doing plastics or iron seems attractive to “grab and go” after work and not have to hit the barge (2 hr paddle in LB).

But, I’m hearing non-live bait just doesn’t work as weill and/or lures is an acquired skill. And, a rig for that might be lighter than WSJ?

While I think I can rule out a light bay rig. I don’t know if something that’ll work inshore, can handle deeper stuff.

And, I may want to jump down and see Darkhorse or another guide. So, it’d be nice to have something heavy enough for that . . .

But, I gotta live with it and be effective where expect I fish most and for that type of condition . . . which of course . . . I’m kinda ignorant of as a rookie.

jruiz · 10-29-2012, 07:35 PM

something is wrong with your computer. I keep seeing

MrM · 10-29-2012, 07:46 PM

One of the mistakes I made when I first started was thinking that every rod I bought needed to be able to do double duty (somehow be a bass rod AND catch YT) Now tell me, how the eff does that add up?

Start slow. I suggest only taking one or two rods out max the first time. Learn the harbors first if you are unfamiliar with what the fish like or where to even go.

Start with light tackle. Keep in mind that when fishing in the bays, you probably want to run 4-6 lb mono. Build 1 rod around that, somewhere in the ballpark of a 4-10 lb rod of your choice. I prefer spinning rods for the tiny line. Thats just me.

Light to Medium tackle- This is my bass/rock cod rod. I have a nice Shimano Compre 8-17lb I use for this. It's paired with a Shimano Calcutta 100 and some Power Pro braid for fishing the kelp. I also have a Calcutta 200 and 400 if I wanted to switch to those. I like the Calcutta's if you couldn't tell.

I have a 15-30 lb Okuma that I hardly use. I will use it for hali's eventually. It has it's purpose, just not in the waters I usually find myself in.

Heavy- Big Yellows and WSB rod. I suggest going to Big 5 and getting a Sabre rod. They go on sale for $40 and work great. Mines a 30-60 lb. I have it paired with a Daiwa Saltist 50, and the reel is just too damn big IMO. A Saltist 30 could do the trick. 50lb Mono as the backbone, and some Braid to cut the kelp when the fish run for cover.... Some people throw a topshot of Spectra on there, too.

I would 100% suggest contacting a guide. It'l cut your learning curve immensely. However, you'll need rods first. Take your time, do it right the first time so you don't spend extra money on things you didn't need. Darkhorse goes highly recommended among those here. I had troubles getting a hold of the guy this summer, but that's just me. That was also durring the "timely report or no report" battle... So I'm not sure if that had anything to do with it. The pictures that get posted from his clients are hard to argue with.

RK · 10-29-2012, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mongo Johnson

Alas, I'm in search of my "first rig" to start fishing ... I “think” I’m looking for a rig versatile enough to do inshore learning curve, but get me by if I try to go for WSB . . . Possible?

I hit Performance, and Pacific Edge shops to get advice on "what to buy" -- am following threads here too. ‘Yakked with Turners and Brandon at the LB Sport Chalet. Nice guy.

Listening to all the LJ WSB hunters I was set to jump in a Sealine . . . But the topic seems like peeling an onion. With the Hobie Revo I can go deeper . . . but I don't have a finder yet . . .

I'm trying to figure out the "type" of fishing I'll be able to do regularly . . . and help use that in the buying decision.

While I'm enthralled by the very sexy WSB . . . as I start out, I expect I'll be hitting the breakwater at LB, Maybe LB oil islands . . . do some time in PV kelp ‘cause it’s pretty off there, or off Newport/Corona Del Mar . . .

I expect getting started I'll lurk off the breakwater etc. and just "get my feet wet" and figure it out. Learn some knots. Try and tag along with someone here once I'm past the tripping over my own feet stage.

I dunno if the Sealine is too heavy for this?

I suspect just getting something average and just getting on the water is one way to "just do it." Say get a Penn 500 and an Ugly Stick. Maybe a some kind of lighter baitcaster combo . . .

I'm a little "at sea"

as I sort this out.

I wonder if as a rookie I should get a lighter baitcaster . . . ? Seems there’s three classes . . . 1) Light bay rig 2) heavier bait caster 3) med to heavy deep sea rig like Sealine on a med/heavy rod.

Seems I might need to decide on bait . . . doing plastics or iron seems attractive to “grab and go” after work and not have to hit the barge (2 hr paddle in LB).

But, I’m hearing non-live bait just doesn’t work as weill and/or lures is an acquired skill. And, a rig for that might be lighter than WSJ?

While I think I can rule out a light bay rig. I don’t know if something that’ll work inshore, can handle deeper stuff.

And, I may want to jump down and see Darkhorse or another guide. So, it’d be nice to have something heavy enough for that . . .

But, I gotta live with it and be effective where expect I fish most and for that type of condition . . . which of course . . . I’m kinda ignorant of as a rookie.

WHAT THE FU€K
I don't even know how to respond

dnichols36 · 10-29-2012, 08:00 PM

talk to fishaholic John will set you up well for a good price.

Biggameaddict · 10-29-2012, 08:46 PM

A good all around reel would be an avet sx, 300 yards of 50lb spectra and interchangable flouro topshots. Its too big for bay bass but will handle most stuff you hook into from halis to yt to threshers. Greg Andrew uses his calcutta 400's for everything! Check out his youtube videos he catches makos and threshers with the same setup for halibut!

addicted2sp33d · 10-30-2012, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biggameaddict

Greg Andrew uses his calcutta 400's for everything! Check out his youtube videos he catches makos and threshers with the same setup for halibut!

Similar to Greg, I use basically a single setup for everything. I call it el-cheapo fishing. Unlike some people on this site, I'm not in a position to spend several hundred dollars on multiple rod/reel setups.

Shimano AX4000 Reel. ($20.00)
FX-70MBH2 Rod. ($20.00)

It's light enough to cast all day, but has enough "size" to provide resistance to larger fishy foes.

I carry multiple spools with different lines for easy changes from one weight to another: 2lb mono, 8lb mono, 25lb mono, 40lb braid, 65lb braid.

This single rig has landed everything from 0.5lb Bluegill to 10lb Bonito to 30lb barracuda. I haven't landed sharks on this setup, but not because of the equipment... it's because I haven't mustered up the huevos to venture outside the bays. I haven't encountered any situation where I felt the equipment was not up to the task - just have to fight some fish longer than others.

chisgirl54 · 10-30-2012, 08:57 AM

hubby got me this set up and the guy at turners said it would work for just about anything i went for.

pole is inshore rod 7.6 ft cost about 70.00
reel okuma classic pro xp the little one only cuz im little in size myself. i think we paid like 65.00 for this.

they have other sizes. the next one up from the one i have would eat my hands and wait for more. so little for me is fine plus it was my first time fishing of my yak. hope this helps out.

DanaPT · 10-29-2012, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RK

WHAT THE FU€K
I don't even know how to respond

x2

10-29-2012, 07:05 PM	#1
Mongo Johnson Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Long Beach Posts: 192	Help me peel the onion of picking a first rod/reel Alas, I'm in search of my "first rig" to start fishing ... I “think” I’m looking for a rig versatile enough to do inshore learning curve, but get me by if I try to go for WSB . . . Possible? I hit Performance, and Pacific Edge shops to get advice on "what to buy" -- am following threads here too. ‘Yakked with Turners and Brandon at the LB Sport Chalet. Nice guy. Listening to all the LJ WSB hunters I was set to jump in a Sealine . . . But the topic seems like peeling an onion. With the Hobie Revo I can go deeper . . . but I don't have a finder yet . . . I'm trying to figure out the "type" of fishing I'll be able to do regularly . . . and help use that in the buying decision. While I'm enthralled by the very sexy WSB . . . as I start out, I expect I'll be hitting the breakwater at LB, Maybe LB oil islands . . . do some time in PV kelp ‘cause it’s pretty off there, or off Newport/Corona Del Mar . . . I expect getting started I'll lurk off the breakwater etc. and just "get my feet wet" and figure it out. Learn some knots. Try and tag along with someone here once I'm past the tripping over my own feet stage. I dunno if the Sealine is too heavy for this? I suspect just getting something average and just getting on the water is one way to "just do it." Say get a Penn 500 and an Ugly Stick. Maybe a some kind of lighter baitcaster combo . . . I'm a little "at sea" as I sort this out. I wonder if as a rookie I should get a lighter baitcaster . . . ? Seems there’s three classes . . . 1) Light bay rig 2) heavier bait caster 3) med to heavy deep sea rig like Sealine on a med/heavy rod. Seems I might need to decide on bait . . . doing plastics or iron seems attractive to “grab and go” after work and not have to hit the barge (2 hr paddle in LB). But, I’m hearing non-live bait just doesn’t work as weill and/or lures is an acquired skill. And, a rig for that might be lighter than WSJ? While I think I can rule out a light bay rig. I don’t know if something that’ll work inshore, can handle deeper stuff. And, I may want to jump down and see Darkhorse or another guide. So, it’d be nice to have something heavy enough for that . . . But, I gotta live with it and be effective where expect I fish most and for that type of condition . . . which of course . . . I’m kinda ignorant of as a rookie.

10-29-2012, 07:46 PM	#3
MrM Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: The Matrix Posts: 643	One of the mistakes I made when I first started was thinking that every rod I bought needed to be able to do double duty (somehow be a bass rod AND catch YT) Now tell me, how the eff does that add up? Start slow. I suggest only taking one or two rods out max the first time. Learn the harbors first if you are unfamiliar with what the fish like or where to even go. Start with light tackle. Keep in mind that when fishing in the bays, you probably want to run 4-6 lb mono. Build 1 rod around that, somewhere in the ballpark of a 4-10 lb rod of your choice. I prefer spinning rods for the tiny line. Thats just me. Light to Medium tackle- This is my bass/rock cod rod. I have a nice Shimano Compre 8-17lb I use for this. It's paired with a Shimano Calcutta 100 and some Power Pro braid for fishing the kelp. I also have a Calcutta 200 and 400 if I wanted to switch to those. I like the Calcutta's if you couldn't tell. I have a 15-30 lb Okuma that I hardly use. I will use it for hali's eventually. It has it's purpose, just not in the waters I usually find myself in. Heavy- Big Yellows and WSB rod. I suggest going to Big 5 and getting a Sabre rod. They go on sale for $40 and work great. Mines a 30-60 lb. I have it paired with a Daiwa Saltist 50, and the reel is just too damn big IMO. A Saltist 30 could do the trick. 50lb Mono as the backbone, and some Braid to cut the kelp when the fish run for cover.... Some people throw a topshot of Spectra on there, too. I would 100% suggest contacting a guide. It'l cut your learning curve immensely. However, you'll need rods first. Take your time, do it right the first time so you don't spend extra money on things you didn't need. Darkhorse goes highly recommended among those here. I had troubles getting a hold of the guy this summer, but that's just me. That was also durring the "timely report or no report" battle... So I'm not sure if that had anything to do with it. The pictures that get posted from his clients are hard to argue with. __________________ -Kevin

10-29-2012, 08:46 PM	#6
Biggameaddict The Kayak Peddler Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: North Hollywood Posts: 591	A good all around reel would be an avet sx, 300 yards of 50lb spectra and interchangable flouro topshots. Its too big for bay bass but will handle most stuff you hook into from halis to yt to threshers. Greg Andrew uses his calcutta 400's for everything! Check out his youtube videos he catches makos and threshers with the same setup for halibut! __________________ Keep your rod close, your gaff closer, and your paddle on a leash.

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10-29-2012, 07:35 PM	#2
jruiz Large Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: La Verne, CA Posts: 1,011	something is wrong with your computer. I keep seeing

10-29-2012, 08:00 PM	#5
dnichols36 Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 54	talk to fishaholic John will set you up well for a good price.

10-30-2012, 08:57 AM	#8
chisgirl54 Junior Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 14	hubby got me this set up and the guy at turners said it would work for just about anything i went for. pole is inshore rod 7.6 ft cost about 70.00 reel okuma classic pro xp the little one only cuz im little in size myself. i think we paid like 65.00 for this. they have other sizes. the next one up from the one i have would eat my hands and wait for more. so little for me is fine plus it was my first time fishing of my yak. hope this helps out.