Need advice on fishing gear. - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

tomahawk · 12-22-2012, 10:00 AM

All these guys have great advice. I have all manner of rods from custom Calstar to Wal-mart special. My son has a Big 5 sabre 270 and abuses it. He has caught many fish including 45lb Bluefin and Albis without issue.
I would stress what slobslayer said about checking reels thoroughly before heading out. I clean and lube my reels routinely. Some of them are sensitive even to the order the screws are torqued. Check going in and out of free spool and that it free spools correctly. I have put back together reels, have them go in and of free spool, crank perfectly, and only be able to cast 10 ft.

HAVABASS · 12-22-2012, 10:32 AM

Bloodydecks.com has a TON of very good used tackle in their classifieds.

Find a buddy who knows gear and get a great deal.

High-End reels are always the best in the long run (Shimano, Accurate, etc.). Most have lifetime warrantys.

Good Fishing

Biggameaddict · 12-22-2012, 10:47 AM

My go to setup is a penn jigmaster on a rod i got when i bought my boat. Its a great setup and has no bearings so i dont have to worry about it rusting out or breaking. I service em every season to keep em in top shape and its all the rod and reel you will ever need. Look around on craigslist and look for old penn reels. All of em will handle what your doing.

dbarnett66 · 12-22-2012, 03:20 PM

Thanks for the replies. I guess patience is the key here.

Cbad Mike · 12-22-2012, 03:21 PM

I have older Seeker rods that get the work done and older reels that I try to keep in top working order. I would love to have a couple of the new reels that are out but don't have the budget right now for them. My last big catch was a very big Black Bass that I brought in on a Penn Jigmaster. It was pushed to the limit but the fish was huge.
My advice... Stick to your budget and take good care of whatever equipment you have.
I'd be sick to my stomach if I lost a $$$ reel while rolling in the surf. But losing a Jigmaster wouldn't kill me or break the bank to replace.

Mike

dbarnett66 · 12-23-2012, 08:57 PM

I have a another chance to get another cheap Diawa 50h like the one above. Does it defeat the purpose of having two of the same sized reels? I assume most of you are fishing 30-40 pound test on a heavy action rod and 20-25 on a medium action rod. Not sure what a good pair of reels would be for the kelp. I think I can use my old fresh water bass set ups for the bay. Thanks in advance.

Cbad Mike · 12-24-2012, 01:48 AM

I am in no way a pro, but In my opinion I think that your thinking way to much. You can take the same sized reel and have a different set up on it. I've read all of your posts and you know enough to just get out there and have some fun. If we can set up a time that's good for us both I'll head out with you. It's a blast and I'm positive that you won't have any problems.
Mike

StinkyMatt · 12-24-2012, 08:50 AM

One other piece of advice, don't go so big on all of your reels. Small is more comfy, easier to handle, more sporty and cheaper. Many of us on the west coast tend to way oversize our gear.

dbarnett66 · 12-24-2012, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cbad Mike

I am in no way a pro, but In my opinion I think that your thinking way to much. You can take the same sized reel and have a different set up on it. I've read all of your posts and you know enough to just get out there and have some fun. If we can set up a time that's good for us both I'll head out with you. It's a blast and I'm positive that you won't have any problems.
Mike

Yeah I agree that the gears are turning. I made the mistake of letting my wife buy me the Stohlquist fishing life vest for a Christmas gift. As a result it sits under the tree until tomorrow. So I have been planning....To add salt to the wounds my 2008 Toyota Tundra wouldn't start yesterday. Had it towed to the dealer and found out that I have a faulty starter. Good thing I had an extended warranty as I would have paid $1300 out of pocket. I won't get the truck back until Thursday or Friday, so I will have some time to think some more.

For those of you thinking why so much on a starter replacement. The starter is under the exhaust manifold. The alternator, exhaust manifold, heat shield, serpentine belt, all have to be removed to get to the starter. The starter lists for $549, labor on top of that. Good think I bought the freakin warranty.

12-22-2012, 10:32 AM	#2
HAVABASS Junior Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 18	Consider Used Gear Bloodydecks.com has a TON of very good used tackle in their classifieds. Find a buddy who knows gear and get a great deal. High-End reels are always the best in the long run (Shimano, Accurate, etc.). Most have lifetime warrantys. Good Fishing

12-22-2012, 10:47 AM	#3
Biggameaddict The Kayak Peddler Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: North Hollywood Posts: 591	My go to setup is a penn jigmaster on a rod i got when i bought my boat. Its a great setup and has no bearings so i dont have to worry about it rusting out or breaking. I service em every season to keep em in top shape and its all the rod and reel you will ever need. Look around on craigslist and look for old penn reels. All of em will handle what your doing. __________________ Keep your rod close, your gaff closer, and your paddle on a leash.

12-22-2012, 10:00 AM	#1
tomahawk Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 109	All these guys have great advice. I have all manner of rods from custom Calstar to Wal-mart special. My son has a Big 5 sabre 270 and abuses it. He has caught many fish including 45lb Bluefin and Albis without issue. I would stress what slobslayer said about checking reels thoroughly before heading out. I clean and lube my reels routinely. Some of them are sensitive even to the order the screws are torqued. Check going in and out of free spool and that it free spools correctly. I have put back together reels, have them go in and of free spool, crank perfectly, and only be able to cast 10 ft.

12-22-2012, 03:20 PM	#4
dbarnett66 Danodog Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Lakeside, CA Posts: 155	Thanks for the replies. I guess patience is the key here.

12-22-2012, 03:21 PM	#5
Cbad Mike Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Carlsbad Ca. Posts: 1,206	I have older Seeker rods that get the work done and older reels that I try to keep in top working order. I would love to have a couple of the new reels that are out but don't have the budget right now for them. My last big catch was a very big Black Bass that I brought in on a Penn Jigmaster. It was pushed to the limit but the fish was huge. My advice... Stick to your budget and take good care of whatever equipment you have. I'd be sick to my stomach if I lost a $$$ reel while rolling in the surf. But losing a Jigmaster wouldn't kill me or break the bank to replace. Mike

12-23-2012, 08:57 PM	#6
dbarnett66 Danodog Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Lakeside, CA Posts: 155	I have a another chance to get another cheap Diawa 50h like the one above. Does it defeat the purpose of having two of the same sized reels? I assume most of you are fishing 30-40 pound test on a heavy action rod and 20-25 on a medium action rod. Not sure what a good pair of reels would be for the kelp. I think I can use my old fresh water bass set ups for the bay. Thanks in advance.

12-24-2012, 01:48 AM	#7
Cbad Mike Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Carlsbad Ca. Posts: 1,206	I am in no way a pro, but In my opinion I think that your thinking way to much. You can take the same sized reel and have a different set up on it. I've read all of your posts and you know enough to just get out there and have some fun. If we can set up a time that's good for us both I'll head out with you. It's a blast and I'm positive that you won't have any problems. Mike

12-24-2012, 08:50 AM	#8
StinkyMatt Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Under a bridge Posts: 2,169	One other piece of advice, don't go so big on all of your reels. Small is more comfy, easier to handle, more sporty and cheaper. Many of us on the west coast tend to way oversize our gear.