Newbie looking for Rod and Reel advice - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

taggermike · 11-20-2008, 07:47 AM

I'll have to second what Brother Matt said. Both the Shimano TLD and Daiwa Sealines reels are very affordable and hold up great under kayak fishing conditions. I'm partial to CalStar and Seeker rods. They're made in So Cal and they work in So Cal. That said there are many great rods and makers out there. I checked out Okuma's Baidarka rods a few days ago and they were pretty sweet. They're made for kayak fishing and they actually float. Longer rods are usually no too handy on a kayak and can be impossible to store under hatch for rough landings. Generally 61/2 to 7 feet is fine. Just long enough to lead a fish around the bow of the yak. I do bring an old school 9' jig stick and have caught many YT on it. It's fun but clumsy and if I didn't own it already I wouldn't have bought it just for kayak fishing. It sounds like your ready to fish with the 2 out fits you have. Get out there and add gear as you find you need it. I used to paddle out to the kelp on a long board with one rod in my teeth and I usually caught fish. Use what you have. Mike

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11-20-2008, 07:47 AM	#4
taggermike Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Chula Vista Posts: 1,589	I'll have to second what Brother Matt said. Both the Shimano TLD and Daiwa Sealines reels are very affordable and hold up great under kayak fishing conditions. I'm partial to CalStar and Seeker rods. They're made in So Cal and they work in So Cal. That said there are many great rods and makers out there. I checked out Okuma's Baidarka rods a few days ago and they were pretty sweet. They're made for kayak fishing and they actually float. Longer rods are usually no too handy on a kayak and can be impossible to store under hatch for rough landings. Generally 61/2 to 7 feet is fine. Just long enough to lead a fish around the bow of the yak. I do bring an old school 9' jig stick and have caught many YT on it. It's fun but clumsy and if I didn't own it already I wouldn't have bought it just for kayak fishing. It sounds like your ready to fish with the 2 out fits you have. Get out there and add gear as you find you need it. I used to paddle out to the kelp on a long board with one rod in my teeth and I usually caught fish. Use what you have. Mike