Trying to learn more about Rod and Reel setups

[chris138]

Sub-thread:

Sibiki rods and how worthless they are...

1. no flex easily lets mackerel shake off the hook, and has zero sensitivity.
2. no ability to switch them over to another setup once bait is made, like a backup flyline or iron
3. virtually impossible to re-thread on the water if sibiki breaks
4. internal line routing which is supposed to eliminate tangles, actually tangles the sibiki and it gets stuck inside

The only thing more ridiculous than sibiki rods are people who use an ultra light tackle for sibiki. I don't get it... do you want to spend 5 minutes landing 2 small greenbacks? 65# spec on sibiki WTF.

Actually, 65# spec on all rods. IMO, every rod you have onboard should be capable of landing the largest fish you are targeting.

Bait rod: TLD15 paired with uglystick tiger medium 7', 65# spec... $140 total and can easily hang with any fish you will encounter. Plus, you wont want to shoot yourself when you dump it in the surf.

Jig rod: saltist or sealine paired with a cheap 7' medium heavy rod and straight 40-50 lb mono.

The best kayak rig is one that you don't mind losing in the drink... unless i get sponsored by shimano then I can just dump Trinidad's for days and give zero fux haha

^If 2-stix yard sales at the launch, he's out $2-3k. If i lose all my shit its like 600$.

[2-Stix]

Originally Posted by chris138

Sub-thread:

Sibiki rods and how worthless they are...

1. no flex easily lets mackerel shake off the hook, and has zero sensitivity.
2. no ability to switch them over to another setup once bait is made, like a backup flyline or iron
3. virtually impossible to re-thread on the water if sibiki breaks
4. internal line routing which is supposed to eliminate tangles, actually tangles the sibiki and it gets stuck inside

The only thing more ridiculous than sibiki rods are people who use an ultra light tackle for sibiki. I don't get it... do you want to spend 5 minutes landing 2 small greenbacks? 65# spec on sibiki WTF.

Actually, 65# spec on all rods. IMO, every rod you have onboard should be capable of landing the largest fish you are targeting.

Bait rod: TLD15 paired with uglystick tiger medium 7', 65# spec... $140 total and can easily hang with any fish you will encounter. Plus, you wont want to shoot yourself when you dump it in the surf.

Jig rod: saltist or sealine paired with a cheap 7' medium heavy rod and straight 40-50 lb mono.

The best kayak rig is one that you don't mind losing in the drink... unless i get sponsored by shimano then I can just dump Trinidad's for days and give zero fux haha

^If 2-stix yard sales at the launch, he's out $2-3k. If i lose all my shit its like 600$.

I fish beach breaks up here. Everything it strapped at launch and landings horizontal. I have leashes on all my rods. I have watched dozens of yardsales. I have a very solid system and brave 3-5' surf. Its not fun, and I am not trying to be macho. I have not been rolled yet. That time will come. The thread was asking about your set ups. I was sharing mine. I am very particular, and a total gear head in all my sports. I spend a ton of time and money on gear. Avets are extremely easy to work on and the best value point I have found for my needs. If you want down and dirty the Ugly Sticks and TLD's are great and will do all the same things.

[chris138]

Originally Posted by 2-Stix

I fish beach breaks up here. Everything it strapped at launch and landings horizontal. I have leashes on all my rods. I have watched dozens of yardsales. I have a very solid system and brave 3-5' surf. Its not fun, and I am not trying to be macho. I have not been rolled yet. That time will come. The thread was asking about your set ups. I was sharing mine. I am very particular, and a total gear head in all my sports. I spend a ton of time and money on gear. Avets are extremely easy to work on and the best value point I have found for my needs. If you want down and dirty the Ugly Sticks and TLD's are great and will do all the same things.

Ya I'm not knocking you for using good gear... and there's guys who spend waaay more on kayak setups. You know what you're doing, and how how to avoid "accidents" in the surf zone or on the water. Avets and Calstars are premium equipment... and it goes without saying that they aren't a great entry level for a guy who is new to ocean kayaking.

[2-Stix]

Originally Posted by chris138

Ya I'm not knocking you for using good gear... and there's guys who spend waaay more on kayak setups. You know what you're doing, and how how to avoid "accidents" in the surf zone or on the water. Avets and Calstars are premium equipment... and it goes without saying that they aren't a great entry level for a guy who is new to ocean kayaking.

I put in a lot of days on charters as well and needed gear that would cross over. Its a bit over the top for the yak, but right for the charters. I had the $200 Penn combos. They worked. When business is good, I get good gear. The last 2 years I was able to spend what I wanted. So I did. My dad is a surfboard builder and flyfishing guide...so I grew up in the water and with good gear. He ruined me.

Fish the Ugly and TLD for a year, and if your still going out, maybe bump up gear.

[chris138]

Originally Posted by 2-Stix

I put in a lot of days on charters and needed gear that would cross over. Its a bit over the top for the yak, but right for the charters. I had the $200 Penn combos. They worked. When business is good, I get good gear. The last 2 years I was able to spend what I wanted. So I did.

Fish the Ugly and TLD for a year, and if your still going out, maybe bump up gear.

Or you could just win all your Avets, like Jorge

haha sorry my intention was to hate on sibiki rods, not your dialed in quiver 2-stix! Your gear is tight.

[taggermike]

Well said Josh. You for the Usually regret buying g good gear Mike.

[Mahigeer]

Originally Posted by chris138

haha sorry my intention was to hate on sibiki rods, not your dialed in quiver 2-stix!

Why not donate your Sabiki rod to the OP?

[goldenglory18]

Ok, now that I've learned a bit more about salt setups, I wonder if I just need to offload some of my random gear and just start over. Here is what I have now....

RODS:
Okuma Helios w/ micro guides 7'MH - Super light rod that I've been using to throw 110 sized jerkbaits in the bays. I like he rod but its pretty limited in its application. Although I did catch my first Halibut in MDR with this stick!

Okuma EVX-A 7'5" H - Not really sure it has a home in my lineup anymore but it's a decent smaller swimbait rig.

Daiwa DX Swimbait 8' XH - Thinking maybe an inshore bass stick?

Okuma Makaira 8' ML
Daiwa Proetus 8' MHF
These two rods are REALLLLY close together in capability. When testing the bend in the rods and doing a little "lawn fishing", they feel really close in power and weight tolerance. The Daiwa maybe has another 2oz of capability over the Okuma, with the Okuma having more sensitivity. They feel too close to keep both.

REELS:
Quantum Smoke Inshore - Super light weight and pairs well with the Helios. Makes that MH setup feel a lot lighter than it really is. Again, its pretty limited in its application though.

Okuma Komodo 364 w/power handle (older w/ red accents) - Decent reel but nothing landed with it yet. I'd be willing to seek out another as they seem to have a decent reputation for inshore and some offshore applications.

Daiwa Saltist LW20 w/level wind - Seems like a great reel. Solid in hand with little play in the mechanics. Feels too heavy for the Proteus and the Makaira. I think I either need to trade this out, or find a dedicated jig stick for it.

So....thoughts, suggestions, criticism? Much appreciated as always!

- Kenny