I am new to the sport of kayak fishing, and seeking advice - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

FlyFishinYakr · 04-02-2015, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ful-rac

Rod and reel right...there is no right rod and reel for everyone. There are so many different options available I'm sure you know that already. You should buy a rod that fits your personal style of fishing...Star drag or Lever drag..? Do you prefer to fish heavy medium or light, whatever you choose they should get the job done.

Reels, Avets are nice, they hold up to the saltwater very well and are reasonably priced, for yellowtail an MX or MXJ, LX should be good choices. The new shimano toriums in sizes of 16, 20 are excellent reels, or if you want to spend the big bucks the trinidads are even better....and plenty more..

Rods anything from BIG 5 rods to Calstar, Seeker, GLoomis, the shimano rods will get the job done as well.

I personally use a Calstar 800m with an Avet MXJ 6/4, Now is this the right setup for you??? Maybe...Maybe not. You might like a shorter rod...or maybe even a longer rod, Maybe a stiffer rod or a softer rod, Bigger reel or small reel...you'll have to find out.

Tony is right, everyone has their own preference as to what they are comfortable using.
Most of what I originally learned about rods, I learned while working the 1/2 day boats. I also learned how to "custom fit" rods (leverage) to people from Yo Yoshida (Yo's custom rods) in Gardena back in the day. I also took that knowledge and worked for Art's tackle in Gardena for awhile.
Your choice of rods will also depend on the species your fishing for.
For example: If you fish heavy kelp (LJ) , rock and pinnacles (Rocky Point/Palos Verdes) where you might find 30#+ or more

, I've found a X-fast 40# rod to be my go to outfit (i.e. Calstar 6465H). This rod has a heavier back bone than a regular 655H to "turn the Fish's head" quickly and keep them away from the obstacles. This also makes for a good Yo-Yo rod (IMO). However this is not a good outfit for

as you will "Pull/Rip" many hooks with this outfit as

mouths are much softer than

.
On the other hand, breezing

or Tuna, Dodo's, Hoo's in open water where there are no obstacles, the 665 is my "go to" 40# outfit but still too stiff for my taste for a

outfit.
I usually "step down" to a 25-30# outfit for

and don't "Pull/Rip" out hooks nearly as much. I've turned to the Shimano Teramar W/C Inshore Rods for anything lighter than 25# (I bought a Shimano Inshore "Swimbait" rod that I can't wait to try out!).
Reflect carefully about what/where you fish and what you fish for.
Also consider what kind of line you will be using! If you're using mono you don't have to worry too much about what brand of rod you buy. However if you plan on using braid, look for rods that have Hardloy, Alconite, SIC or TiNi guides or risk "Grooving" your guides thereby causing fraying of you fishing line, or plan on having the guides replaced every few years.
Just my .02
FFY

taggermike · 04-03-2015, 09:32 AM

You're right, Live bait, yo-yo, and light iron are the 3 main YT techniques around here.

You have a good start with the rod and reel you currently have. The trini on the waxwing rod should cover your surface iron well. Yo-yo iron tends to be a winter time style so maybe focus on bait rod for now.

For a bait reel, I prefer a lever drag cause I'm usually slow trolling mackerel and the lever drag lets me adjust the spool tension so I don't have to listen to the clicker chirping every time the mack gets nervous. Avets are very popular, I use an old Shimano TLD 15 and like it. Line capacity is often over rated, particularly when you factor in braid. I put 250 yards of 65 braid in the TLD 15 and its maybe 2/3 full. Seriously, are you every going to fish 500 feet of water or have a fish around here rip out a 600 foot run. Even if you do hook a big thresher, with a decent drag it will just tow you along on a "LJ sleigh ride". Braid is good to have. It allows you to change leader weights easily and braid will definitely help you cut fish out of kelp.

For a bait rod you need it only long enough to pass around the bow of the kayak. Any longer just gives up leverage. Too many brands to discuss but most YT bait fishing is not finesse so a 6-7 foot rod that can fish 30 or 40lbs is about right. Glass and graphite both work well. Price is up to you, a $60 ugly stick tiger or $400 Super seeker will both kill fish. I fight fish much differently than most but I find rods with a shorter distance from reel to butt lets me keep the reel closer to me and my center of gravity.

Mike

RandyD · 04-03-2015, 02:38 PM

Everyone, thanks for taking the time to writing your explanations. They are very helpful.

Being new to fishing, I have not developed a style yet. I just did not want to spend money on a rod or reel and find out that it was completely inadequate and wrong for the type of fishing. I have been a hunter, and did not want to be the guy who shows up at an elk camp armed with a .22.

04-03-2015, 09:32 AM	#2
taggermike Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Chula Vista Posts: 1,589	You're right, Live bait, yo-yo, and light iron are the 3 main YT techniques around here. You have a good start with the rod and reel you currently have. The trini on the waxwing rod should cover your surface iron well. Yo-yo iron tends to be a winter time style so maybe focus on bait rod for now. For a bait reel, I prefer a lever drag cause I'm usually slow trolling mackerel and the lever drag lets me adjust the spool tension so I don't have to listen to the clicker chirping every time the mack gets nervous. Avets are very popular, I use an old Shimano TLD 15 and like it. Line capacity is often over rated, particularly when you factor in braid. I put 250 yards of 65 braid in the TLD 15 and its maybe 2/3 full. Seriously, are you every going to fish 500 feet of water or have a fish around here rip out a 600 foot run. Even if you do hook a big thresher, with a decent drag it will just tow you along on a "LJ sleigh ride". Braid is good to have. It allows you to change leader weights easily and braid will definitely help you cut fish out of kelp. For a bait rod you need it only long enough to pass around the bow of the kayak. Any longer just gives up leverage. Too many brands to discuss but most YT bait fishing is not finesse so a 6-7 foot rod that can fish 30 or 40lbs is about right. Glass and graphite both work well. Price is up to you, a $60 ugly stick tiger or $400 Super seeker will both kill fish. I fight fish much differently than most but I find rods with a shorter distance from reel to butt lets me keep the reel closer to me and my center of gravity. Mike

04-03-2015, 02:38 PM	#3
RandyD Junior Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: La Jolla Posts: 22	Everyone, thanks for taking the time to writing your explanations. They are very helpful. Being new to fishing, I have not developed a style yet. I just did not want to spend money on a rod or reel and find out that it was completely inadequate and wrong for the type of fishing. I have been a hunter, and did not want to be the guy who shows up at an elk camp armed with a .22.