Starter rod and reel - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Chief Gunner · 07-16-2012, 02:17 AM

I would agree with taggermike's post & recommend two Penn 500HS Jigmasters (with aluminum spools) matched to Ugly stick Tiger rods (they are rated for 20-50lb test).

The 500's have been around forever and are used by all the cattle boats (charters) as rentals here in san diego for good reason....

They are not that expensive, they are dependable, simple to use and rugged (just think about how often they get used as rentals). Once you get proffeceint with them there is a ton of upgrades available for them (drags, frames,spools, gears etc).

The Shakespeare Ugly Stick tigers are reasonably priced and they are damn tough rods, I have one and use it regularly with my Shimano TLD 20/40S. With a line range frrom 20-50lb your options and style of fishing are almost limitless.

I have some high dollar Shimano and AVET reels but still keep a few 500's in my arsenal as back ups because I have used them for years and I know from personal experience that they can get the job done for just about anything you will catch here in SOCAL.

Just my humble opinion, you should be able to find two New set up's (500's & tiger sticks) for right around $300 if you don't want to buy used. You can even get extra spools later and then have 20, 30 and 40lb spools with you so you can swap them out quickly to match what the conditions are.

Treat them right and they will last you for years.

07-16-2012, 02:17 AM	#1
Chief Gunner Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Lakeside Posts: 97	I would agree with taggermike's post & recommend two Penn 500HS Jigmasters (with aluminum spools) matched to Ugly stick Tiger rods (they are rated for 20-50lb test). The 500's have been around forever and are used by all the cattle boats (charters) as rentals here in san diego for good reason.... They are not that expensive, they are dependable, simple to use and rugged (just think about how often they get used as rentals). Once you get proffeceint with them there is a ton of upgrades available for them (drags, frames,spools, gears etc). The Shakespeare Ugly Stick tigers are reasonably priced and they are damn tough rods, I have one and use it regularly with my Shimano TLD 20/40S. With a line range frrom 20-50lb your options and style of fishing are almost limitless. I have some high dollar Shimano and AVET reels but still keep a few 500's in my arsenal as back ups because I have used them for years and I know from personal experience that they can get the job done for just about anything you will catch here in SOCAL. Just my humble opinion, you should be able to find two New set up's (500's & tiger sticks) for right around $300 if you don't want to buy used. You can even get extra spools later and then have 20, 30 and 40lb spools with you so you can swap them out quickly to match what the conditions are. Treat them right and they will last you for years. Last edited by Chief Gunner; 07-16-2012 at 02:38 AM.