Starter Gear Recommendations - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

LawDog · 11-14-2013, 09:35 AM

Really depends on your target species and your own confidence. Gaff, and stronger or game clip are a must if you plan to keep anything. As far as rod and reel you need to be specific on type of fishing your intrested in. One of my favorite combos is a 7ft 6-12 lb rod and a small 2000 series saltwater spinner. Good for bass and croaker. If you want halibut I prefer a soft flexible rod and medium conventional reel. As you venture out bait tank, and sabiki setup are a must. It's not really rocket science but every type of fishing has a different type of setup.

makobob · 11-14-2013, 09:38 AM

When you narrow it down, try fishaholic here on BWE he has tons of good used gear.

Beer Me · 11-14-2013, 09:49 AM

I will be targeting anything that is hungry. I'll probably be avoiding the sharks, but will be looking for halibut, rockfish, the local tuna species, and the most extreme should be WSB I've seen being caught just north of here. I will be fishing for fun but for consumption as well. I apologize for the vagueness, or covering the spectrum of species. I will be fishing from the kayak the majority of the time so I'm looking for gear best for that platform. Trolling, fishing off the bottom, etc. Am I asking too much for only two rods?

11-14-2013, 09:57 AM

Don't be scared to try those Little Mermaid and Spider Man starter rods from walmart. I've seen plenty of spotted bay bass landed on those rigs and it'll certainly save you a few bucks. They are super light weight and compact, you could definitely carry a few on your kayak without exceeding the weight capacity. I don't think they come with gimble fittings so I wouldn't suggest trolling with them.

Beer Me · 11-28-2013, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drake

Don't be scared to try those Little Mermaid and Spider Man starter rods from walmart. I've seen plenty of spotted bay bass landed on those rigs and it'll certainly save you a few bucks. They are super light weight and compact, you could definitely carry a few on your kayak without exceeding the weight capacity. I don't think they come with gimble fittings so I wouldn't suggest trolling with them.

Saw the "Hello Kitty" rod and reel set at Turners yesterday. At 9.95 it was a steal, I still didn't pull the trigger though.

I'm leaning towards the Avet reels and still looking into the Seeker rods I mentioned.

Dave k · 11-14-2013, 10:13 AM

2 rods is plenty to start with. I'd recommend one bait casting setup for bass and shallow rockfish, and 1 conventional for bigger stuff and deep water rockfish. Load both with braid and adjust the top shot/leader dependin on what you're doing that day.

As to the specifics, a lot will come down to personal preference, but as you mentioned you get what you pay for.

Reels: Daiwa Lexa is really tough to beat for the bait caster. Awesome reel for a pretty good price. For the conventional reel I'd recommend the Daiwa sealine series. Not as pretty and shiny as some stuff, but it's got plenty of guts at a good price. There are plenty of options, these are just a couple examples.

Rods: personally I fish everything 8' and longer but I also do a lot of fishing off private boats and like the length for getting around the outboards. I'm so used to 8'ers that anything shorter just feels awkward. I'd say something in the 12-25 or 10-20 range for the bait caster and 20-40 for the conventional. Tons of options. Spend some time at a tackle shop and pull on some to feel the differences.

Those 2 very versatile setups. You can use the lighter one to catch bait too once you start targeting big stuff.

I know this is pretty vague, but it's a big question that I could go on forever about. Hopefully it helps some.

I fish up your way quite a bit, hit me up if you want to fish. I've got extra yaks too until you get one.

alanw · 11-14-2013, 08:38 PM

The truth is to start all you need is a PFD, net, and whatever poles/tackle you already have.

For extra gear you can start at http://www.bigwatersedge.com/index.php?page=checklist. There's also a few good posts around here about what gear to get, but almost any setup you like will work.

StinkyMatt · 11-14-2013, 09:54 PM

Get a USED Daiwa 20. Spectra 50 or 65 on it. You can pull out every fish that you will catch from a kayak out here. Change your leader to fit your situation.

Should be able to pick a 20 for about 6o bucks.

This is the final word on reels.

I know everything....ignore all other posts!

Beer Me · 11-15-2013, 11:36 AM

Thanks for the info, it's appreciated. It's like I'm asking for honey holes or something. 250+ views and not even 10 replies. Awesome!

11-14-2013, 09:38 AM	#2
makobob Baitless on Baja Join Date: May 2013 Location: Vista California, Gonzaga, San Quintin, Asuncion, Mag Bay Posts: 4,250	When you narrow it down, try fishaholic here on BWE he has tons of good used gear. __________________ http://www.mako-ville.com Home 760-630-4470 Cell 760-520-2514 YES YOU CAN

11-14-2013, 08:38 PM	#7
alanw Made in U.S.A. Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Dana Point Posts: 1,625	The truth is to start all you need is a PFD, net, and whatever poles/tackle you already have. For extra gear you can start at http://www.bigwatersedge.com/index.php?page=checklist. There's also a few good posts around here about what gear to get, but almost any setup you like will work. __________________ Hobie PA 14 ¸.·´¯`·.´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸><(((º> Jackson Kraken ¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·.´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸><(((º> Malibu X-Factor ¸.·´¯`·.´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸><(((º> Malibu Stealth-12 ¸.·´¯`·.´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸><(((º> Its not a spelling B its a fishing B ~yakjoe

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11-14-2013, 09:35 AM	#1
LawDog Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 143	Really depends on your target species and your own confidence. Gaff, and stronger or game clip are a must if you plan to keep anything. As far as rod and reel you need to be specific on type of fishing your intrested in. One of my favorite combos is a 7ft 6-12 lb rod and a small 2000 series saltwater spinner. Good for bass and croaker. If you want halibut I prefer a soft flexible rod and medium conventional reel. As you venture out bait tank, and sabiki setup are a must. It's not really rocket science but every type of fishing has a different type of setup.

11-14-2013, 09:49 AM	#3
Beer Me Take two Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Camarillo, Ca Posts: 66	I will be targeting anything that is hungry. I'll probably be avoiding the sharks, but will be looking for halibut, rockfish, the local tuna species, and the most extreme should be WSB I've seen being caught just north of here. I will be fishing for fun but for consumption as well. I apologize for the vagueness, or covering the spectrum of species. I will be fishing from the kayak the majority of the time so I'm looking for gear best for that platform. Trolling, fishing off the bottom, etc. Am I asking too much for only two rods?

11-14-2013, 09:57 AM	#4
Drake Guest Posts: n/a	Don't be scared to try those Little Mermaid and Spider Man starter rods from walmart. I've seen plenty of spotted bay bass landed on those rigs and it'll certainly save you a few bucks. They are super light weight and compact, you could definitely carry a few on your kayak without exceeding the weight capacity. I don't think they come with gimble fittings so I wouldn't suggest trolling with them.

11-14-2013, 10:13 AM	#6
Dave k Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 110	2 rods is plenty to start with. I'd recommend one bait casting setup for bass and shallow rockfish, and 1 conventional for bigger stuff and deep water rockfish. Load both with braid and adjust the top shot/leader dependin on what you're doing that day. As to the specifics, a lot will come down to personal preference, but as you mentioned you get what you pay for. Reels: Daiwa Lexa is really tough to beat for the bait caster. Awesome reel for a pretty good price. For the conventional reel I'd recommend the Daiwa sealine series. Not as pretty and shiny as some stuff, but it's got plenty of guts at a good price. There are plenty of options, these are just a couple examples. Rods: personally I fish everything 8' and longer but I also do a lot of fishing off private boats and like the length for getting around the outboards. I'm so used to 8'ers that anything shorter just feels awkward. I'd say something in the 12-25 or 10-20 range for the bait caster and 20-40 for the conventional. Tons of options. Spend some time at a tackle shop and pull on some to feel the differences. Those 2 very versatile setups. You can use the lighter one to catch bait too once you start targeting big stuff. I know this is pretty vague, but it's a big question that I could go on forever about. Hopefully it helps some. I fish up your way quite a bit, hit me up if you want to fish. I've got extra yaks too until you get one.

11-14-2013, 09:54 PM	#8
StinkyMatt Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Under a bridge Posts: 2,169	Get a USED Daiwa 20. Spectra 50 or 65 on it. You can pull out every fish that you will catch from a kayak out here. Change your leader to fit your situation. Should be able to pick a 20 for about 6o bucks. This is the final word on reels. I know everything....ignore all other posts!

11-15-2013, 11:36 AM	#9
Beer Me Take two Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Camarillo, Ca Posts: 66	Thanks for the info, it's appreciated. It's like I'm asking for honey holes or something. 250+ views and not even 10 replies. Awesome!