Another "recommend rod/reel" thread

[Cyn]

Maybe we should organize a sticky thread for this topic. :P I did a search but had some specific questions for my setup and location.

I'm buying a Hobie Outback this weekend, my rod/reel setup is for shorefishing right now so it is kind of light. I live and fish out of Long Beach, so my go to spots are probably going to be Los Alamitos Bay, Huntington Harbor, and Long Beach Harbor and the oil islands.

I have an 8'6" ML Okuma Celilo rod with a Pflueger President spinning reel, and a cheap 6' Light Okuma rod with spinning reel that came as a combo (was a cheap starter setup).

Neither of the rods seem great for kayak fishing. From what I'm reading a 6'6" MH rod with maybe a baitcasting reel is a good option to have? I know I can use the spinning reel still, but am not sure as I plan to do some trolling and whatnot.

Just not sure what to get or where to start, thanks for any advice. Looking really forward to this new fishing adventure.

[JeffB]

I use 7'-8' rods for all my bay fishing and open water. Main thing is the handle length. The longer the handle, the harder to use for bay fishing. I shorten my handles if they are too long.