Starter Gear Recommendations

Understand that of those 250 views, 230 are probably wondering the same thing and came here looking for answers.

The truth is, there is no right answer. I followed the mighty internets suggestions on starter gear, and even after two years of west coast fishing I'm still constantly tweaking my quiver.

Go buy tho seeker stealths. They are cheap/durable and look good. I have landed every trophy in SD on mine. Get a 15-25 and 20-30# outfit. Stick two medium sized avets, tld 20 , Torium 14-20 or anything similar. It's really hard to go wrong. My buddy used a $100 penn combo from walmart with 30# pink ande and kills fish. It's personal preference and budget.

[ctfphoto]

Basic inexpensive set up for La Jolla is a decent 30 to 40 pound reel and pole to handle it. Big Five have great deals on poles.

Start with the right line: Get high quality (PowerPro) 65 pound dark green braid and then some 30 and 40 pound flouocarbon leader and your good to go.

I like less expensive reels ( that still work good) because they can get lost somewhat easily kayak fishing

Originally Posted by ctfphoto

Basic inexpensive set up for La Jolla is a decent 30 to 40 pound reel and pole to handle it. Big Five have great deals on poles.

Start with the right line: Get high quality (PowerPro) 65 pound dark green braid and then some 30 and 40 pound flouocarbon leader and your good to go.

I like less expensive reels ( that still work good) beuse they can get lost somewhat easily kayak fishing

If you think powerpro is high quality, you haven't done enough research. It's China made garbage. Charkbait has a great article about how poorly it is constructed.

[dorado50]

Lucky me! I C&R'd An #400(+/-) Blue marlin on #80 powerpro "from china" once. 85% of my reels have #65 powerpro never a problem yet. The other 15% Jerry Brown rocks.......

[Fishwhisperer619]

Originally Posted by Drake

If you think powerpro is high quality, you haven't done enough research. It's China made garbage. Charkbait has a great article about how poorly it is constructed.

Not to say the article is right or wrong but I could right an article myself telling you how bad something is, it doesnt make it true or accurate. I havent read the article so i dont know the contents of it but im having a hard time matching product flaw with performance results. Just becsuse its made in china doesn't mean its junk. All I use now is powerpro and I'm yet to have a problem with it. Ive used spiderwire, diamond braid, hi seas, that stren goretex braid, etc. And powerpro was in my opinion better than the rest, with a close second being that goretex one (wasn't limp enough in my opinion).
I'm not attacking anyone btw just expressing an opinion

Originally Posted by Fishwhisperer619

Not to say the article is right or wrong but I could right an article myself telling you how bad something is, it doesnt make it true or accurate. I havent read the article so i dont know the contents of it but im having a hard time matching product flaw with performance results. Just becsuse its made in china doesn't mean its junk. All I use now is powerpro and I'm yet to have a problem with it. Ive used spiderwire, diamond braid, hi seas, that stren goretex braid, etc. And powerpro was in my opinion better than the rest, with a close second being that goretex one (wasn't limp enough in my opinion).
I'm not attacking anyone btw just expressing an opinion

The article contained data from a neutral party showing fraying results after passing the line through a fishing rod guide 500times. Compared to izor and Jerry brown...PP was mangled. It was a very nonopinionated article, simply a report of experimental findings

Personal experience? Power pro is way too stiff, has terrible memory, the green fades and I agree with the article, it frays. It's also incredibly abrasive. Try Jerry Brown white and I promise you will never go back

To be fair...
Powerpro is definitely a strong line. It will hold the weight it's rated for no problem. So catching your Marlin is no big surprise. However, I just wouldn't say "get high quality line" and then suggest powerpro. There are much better options. Powerpro is like the middle of the road line. It's a personal preference. Try both, see which you like.

I prefer a soft line that won't cut my fingers, won't damage my guides, won't fray and fade after a few months and will last.

No joke. I have had my JB 40# on my jig stick for two years. I can't even tell you how many times I've thrown it. Probably at least 100 yesterday. I have had my 50# JB on my kelp cutter for 1.5 years. I have pulled 3 40#+ WSB and 2 60#s with it. (1 from kayak, 1 from boat) and I honestly can't tell you how many yellow tail there's been more fish I just don't remember which rig they were on Any line that can take the beating I give it and still perform flawlessly, is a winner in my book

[Beer Me]

Thanks for the input everybody. Keep it coming!