Getting started - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Jack210 · 02-09-2018, 10:47 AM

Looking in to getting a setup for the yak. As of right now I only have a penn spinfisher 450LL with 40 powerpro on an ugly stick 7’ 20-50. I want to get something in the range of a 7’ 12-25 for chucking plastics for halis and calicos. Any rods under 200 that are good? I’d probably pair it with a lexa or curado 300. I also want to get an iron setup that I could also use for live bait fishing for yellows and WSB. I was looking at seeker and calstar but they are all like 300. I don’t know what length or rating would be good. Im going to pair it with a sealine most likely a 20 but not sure if I should get the 30. I am new to this so any suggestions would help a lot

Denis_Ruso · 02-09-2018, 11:17 AM

Hey Jack,

Asking some more specific questions would help us guide you in the right direction. Fishing is very much about preference and application. People like fishing different rods and reels for the same application.

I personally have my lexa 300 paired with a 7' 6" 15-30 lb Shimano Teramar Medium Heavy fast action. Brand new one is under 200$ and they work pretty good. IMO its abit too stiff for calico but I prefer that because when I need a 20 lb setup for 12-15 lb tuna or yellowtail it still has enough backbone to get the job done. But it is a little to stiff to fling swim baits all day but where it looses in the cast-ability it makes up for it in being able to pull bigger calico out of the kelp where I do most of my fishing.

As far as live bait fishing that's a completely different setup. The sealine 30 will be better than 20 for line capacity and its a great kayak reel because its not that expensive. Fill that up with 50 lb spectra and 30 lb mono topshot. Slap that on a 7 foot 20-40/ 20-50/ or even 30-80 lb rod, stiffness is again going to be by preference. Just make sure the rod has some give not to pull the hook out of the fishes mouth when your pulling it in.

Hope that helps.

Hunters Pa · 02-09-2018, 11:20 AM

Fred Hall Show is coming up in about a month. If you can wait there will be a lot of good deals there

Jack210 · 02-09-2018, 08:32 PM

Appreciate the help. I'll start building up my arsenal

Drift421 · 02-11-2018, 12:42 PM

So when you said a iron setup I’m guessing you meant surface iron?
If so then check out the abyss by Phenix. I have the psx 808. It’s a 8’ jig stick with a lure weight of 1 to 6 oz. I have the penn fathom 15 star drag with 40lb braid and 100 yard of 25lb mono topshot. I can cast a tady 45 over 100 yards with ease. It’s great for big calicos and 30 lb yellowtail. The rod is only $189 and the reel is around $150 on amazon. Also if you like Phenix rods then check out a brand that turners sells called california sticks. They are phenix rods but a lot cheaper.

Jack210 · 02-11-2018, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drift421

So when you said a iron setup I’m guessing you meant surface iron?
If so then check out the abyss by Phenix. I have the psx 808. It’s a 8’ jig stick with a lure weight of 1 to 6 oz. I have the penn fathom 15 star drag with 40lb braid and 100 yard of 25lb mono topshot. I can cast a tady 45 over 100 yards with ease. It’s great for big calicos and 30 lb yellowtail. The rod is only $189 and the reel is around $150 on amazon. Also if you like Phenix rods then check out a brand that turners sells called california sticks. They are phenix rods but a lot cheaper.

Yeah I meant surface irons. Thank you I'll have to check turners out.

Semper Fi-shing · 02-11-2018, 09:26 PM

Turners had a daiwa lexa 400 older style with a power handle on sale a while back for $180 and they typically have a California 20-40 8 ft, perfect for throwing irons for 130-140

Saba Slayer · 02-12-2018, 07:35 AM

I agree with Shawn...go to one of the Fred Hall Shows...preferably the Long Beach Show and you can talk to all the rod and reel reps about their products and get some real answers instead of just personal preferences....and you just might find a deal on what you're looking for.

02-09-2018, 10:47 AM	#1
Jack210 Junior Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Carlsbad Posts: 12	Getting started Looking in to getting a setup for the yak. As of right now I only have a penn spinfisher 450LL with 40 powerpro on an ugly stick 7’ 20-50. I want to get something in the range of a 7’ 12-25 for chucking plastics for halis and calicos. Any rods under 200 that are good? I’d probably pair it with a lexa or curado 300. I also want to get an iron setup that I could also use for live bait fishing for yellows and WSB. I was looking at seeker and calstar but they are all like 300. I don’t know what length or rating would be good. Im going to pair it with a sealine most likely a 20 but not sure if I should get the 30. I am new to this so any suggestions would help a lot

02-09-2018, 11:17 AM	#2
Denis_Ruso Senior Member Join Date: May 2015 Posts: 571	Hey Jack, Asking some more specific questions would help us guide you in the right direction. Fishing is very much about preference and application. People like fishing different rods and reels for the same application. I personally have my lexa 300 paired with a 7' 6" 15-30 lb Shimano Teramar Medium Heavy fast action. Brand new one is under 200$ and they work pretty good. IMO its abit too stiff for calico but I prefer that because when I need a 20 lb setup for 12-15 lb tuna or yellowtail it still has enough backbone to get the job done. But it is a little to stiff to fling swim baits all day but where it looses in the cast-ability it makes up for it in being able to pull bigger calico out of the kelp where I do most of my fishing. As far as live bait fishing that's a completely different setup. The sealine 30 will be better than 20 for line capacity and its a great kayak reel because its not that expensive. Fill that up with 50 lb spectra and 30 lb mono topshot. Slap that on a 7 foot 20-40/ 20-50/ or even 30-80 lb rod, stiffness is again going to be by preference. Just make sure the rod has some give not to pull the hook out of the fishes mouth when your pulling it in. Hope that helps. __________________ 2018 Hobie Outback 13 I do not fear the storm as it will teach me how to sail my ship.

02-11-2018, 09:26 PM	#7
Semper Fi-shing Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Menifee Posts: 117	Turners had a daiwa lexa 400 older style with a power handle on sale a while back for $180 and they typically have a California 20-40 8 ft, perfect for throwing irons for 130-140 __________________ I've got 99 problems but a fish ain't one.

02-12-2018, 07:35 AM	#8
Saba Slayer Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Palos Verdes Posts: 1,857	Fred Hall I agree with Shawn...go to one of the Fred Hall Shows...preferably the Long Beach Show and you can talk to all the rod and reel reps about their products and get some real answers instead of just personal preferences....and you just might find a deal on what you're looking for. __________________ Jim / Saba Slayer

02-09-2018, 11:20 AM	#3
Hunters Pa Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Fullerton Posts: 1,360	Fred Hall Show is coming up in about a month. If you can wait there will be a lot of good deals there

02-09-2018, 08:32 PM	#4
Jack210 Junior Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Carlsbad Posts: 12	Appreciate the help. I'll start building up my arsenal

02-11-2018, 12:42 PM	#5
Drift421 Junior Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Oceanside, CA Posts: 5	So when you said a iron setup I’m guessing you meant surface iron? If so then check out the abyss by Phenix. I have the psx 808. It’s a 8’ jig stick with a lure weight of 1 to 6 oz. I have the penn fathom 15 star drag with 40lb braid and 100 yard of 25lb mono topshot. I can cast a tady 45 over 100 yards with ease. It’s great for big calicos and 30 lb yellowtail. The rod is only $189 and the reel is around $150 on amazon. Also if you like Phenix rods then check out a brand that turners sells called california sticks. They are phenix rods but a lot cheaper.