halibut rod

[William Novotny]

I'm getting a sealine 20 this Sunday thanks to a board member giving me the hookup of the century. Just want to get some opinions on what style rod ypu would pair it with for halibut and rockfish. There are alot of preferences when it comes to halibut rods. I recently switched from a medium action rod with alot of bend and went with a stiffer Fenwick on the advice of another guy but its not really working for me. I've lost a few good ones due to head shakes that I feel would have been fine if I had a little more flex to absorb it. Any is appreciated.

[lowprofile]

Originally Posted by William Novotny

I'm getting a sealine 20 this Sunday thanks to a board member giving me the hookup of the century. Just want to get some opinions on what style rod ypu would pair it with for halibut and rockfish. There are alot of preferences when it comes to halibut rods. I recently switched from a medium action rod with alot of bend and went with a stiffer Fenwick on the advice of another guy but its not really working for me. I've lost a few good ones due to head shakes that I feel would have been fine if I had a little more flex to absorb it. Any is appreciated.

depends where your fishing them. in the harbors and bays, an 8ft Med power, Med./fast action rod with 30lb braid and 15lb leader would be ideal. fishing deep and open water AND doubling as a rockfish rod... try an Ugly stik tiger light. Fast action Med power and use 30 or 40lb braid mainline and 25lb floro leader. the fast action and braid will let you see and feel everything thats going on.

if your bouncing rigs, i've noticed people like an 8ft Med/hvy power glass or composite rod with a more parabolic bend to it to keep constant pressure on the line and let the weight bounce up and down.

[tacmik]

Barbie Spincast Rod and Reel

[kayakhunter]

Best Halibut rod ever Calstar GX8.

I also built a rod from a Phenix fiberglass crankbait rod blank, that is sick.

[William Novotny]

I like the idea of the ugly stick because its in my price range.

Calstar makes sick rods and I've yet to get my hands on a pheonix. Both are a bit outside my immediate budget. Would that tiger light paired with the sealine work for throwing irons as well? I like to go out with 3 combos when I fish so I try and make each one as versatile as can be if I end up switching fishing gears mid day.

Anybody got a link for that Barbie rod?

[GregAndrew]

IMO the most important considerations are a rod that will maintain a bend throughout the headshake while maintaining not too much pressure on the hook. You need a rod that can flex with the pull part of the headshake while already under pressure. But it should also be able to snap back quickly on the return part of the headshake (fast action). Too stiff a rod and they can pull the hook out on a headshake. Too light a rod or light the tip action, and they can create slack (using your sinker against you) and shake the hook free. A reel with a good drag system is probably just about as important.

[GregAndrew]

If your budget is around $100 I would check out a Shimano Teramar, $170 GLoomis BBR series, a Phenix is gonna cost you at least $220.

[FlyFishinYakr]

Originally Posted by William Novotny

I'm getting a sealine 20 this Sunday thanks to a board member giving me the hookup of the century. Just want to get some opinions on what style rod ypu would pair it with for halibut and rockfish. There are alot of preferences when it comes to halibut rods. I recently switched from a medium action rod with alot of bend and went with a stiffer Fenwick on the advice of another guy but its not really working for me. I've lost a few good ones due to head shakes that I feel would have been fine if I had a little more flex to absorb it. Any is appreciated.

jUST MY .02 but I prefer the Truline LM8, Calstar 270-8, & same in the Seeker.
FFY