Thoughts on rod lengths/cheaper reels for yakking - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

IntrntFshrman · 08-13-2009, 07:56 PM

Hey CJ! Don't know if you remember me, I'm the guy you helped put the Thule racks on the van, then needed longer straps. The straps worked perfectly! I'm taking the stock straps that came with the thule racks and using them to bind the two yaks together to make it even more stable. Ended up not doing the ones to the front and back like you said.

So I'm thinking get a 4.9 for bait fishing, 6.1 to throw irons. I have a SWEET 9' Seeker UULA I bought a month ago, but would be afraid to bring it on the yak for throwing irons.

What do you guys think about the Shimano 6500b baitrunner spinning reel I have for throwing iron? I was thinking of putting a little heavy mono to start (so the spectra won't cut into the spool) then spectra, then a top shot.

Lastly, I've read about the 'kelp cutters' but what about throwing irons close to the kelp, should these be 'kelp cutters' also? Wouldn't it be a drag though with just a few feet of fluorocarbon to change irons? I know you're not supposed to use swivels, what about putting a swivel at the end of the spectra, then your 3-4 feet of fluoro, so that when you've run out, you just tie on another few feet. What do you guys think?

Thanks!

Siebler · 08-13-2009, 08:16 PM

Yep I remember you man.

The Ulua is a lot of rod on the kayak, But thats what Josh and I both use and I love it. It takes a special butt cap (or none at all) to fit in the kayaks rod holders though.

Run Mono on the iron man, You want that stretch so you can hammer the drag and not break off when you get bit. Also I recommend sticking with a conventional reel for the Iron, Its easier to Wind into fish that way and also is going to have the power you need. In addition heavy line on a spinning reel doesnt work well.

MarkT · 08-14-2009, 06:56 AM

Save the short leaders for bait or plastics. For iron go with a long enough top shot that you aren't passing the knot through the guides on the cast.

IntrntFshrman · 08-14-2009, 07:48 AM

Do you run into problems with the kelp doing that? (too much mono/fish runs into kelp) Or do you use really heavy mono when using irons?

Thanks.

Geoffkoop · 08-14-2009, 08:44 AM

Not sure what guys are using right now for irons but in the winter alot of guys are using straight 40lb mono.

PescadorPete · 08-14-2009, 09:29 AM

I don't like spectra and a short topshot on the iron for a couple of reasons. Winding spectra back on at high speeds a few hundred times is tough on the fingers. And a high speed spectra backlash on the reel takes tangles to a new level. I'm finding iron fish that are nowhere near the kelp so straight mono works fine. I use the Sealine 40 HV (4.9:1) and 40# mono.

08-13-2009, 08:16 PM	#2
Siebler Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Richland Oregon Posts: 1,547	Yep I remember you man. The Ulua is a lot of rod on the kayak, But thats what Josh and I both use and I love it. It takes a special butt cap (or none at all) to fit in the kayaks rod holders though. Run Mono on the iron man, You want that stretch so you can hammer the drag and not break off when you get bit. Also I recommend sticking with a conventional reel for the Iron, Its easier to Wind into fish that way and also is going to have the power you need. In addition heavy line on a spinning reel doesnt work well. __________________ CJ Siebler

08-13-2009, 07:56 PM	#1
IntrntFshrman Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Rancho Cucamonga, CA Posts: 82	Hey CJ! Don't know if you remember me, I'm the guy you helped put the Thule racks on the van, then needed longer straps. The straps worked perfectly! I'm taking the stock straps that came with the thule racks and using them to bind the two yaks together to make it even more stable. Ended up not doing the ones to the front and back like you said. So I'm thinking get a 4.9 for bait fishing, 6.1 to throw irons. I have a SWEET 9' Seeker UULA I bought a month ago, but would be afraid to bring it on the yak for throwing irons. What do you guys think about the Shimano 6500b baitrunner spinning reel I have for throwing iron? I was thinking of putting a little heavy mono to start (so the spectra won't cut into the spool) then spectra, then a top shot. Lastly, I've read about the 'kelp cutters' but what about throwing irons close to the kelp, should these be 'kelp cutters' also? Wouldn't it be a drag though with just a few feet of fluorocarbon to change irons? I know you're not supposed to use swivels, what about putting a swivel at the end of the spectra, then your 3-4 feet of fluoro, so that when you've run out, you just tie on another few feet. What do you guys think? Thanks!

08-14-2009, 06:56 AM	#3
MarkT Deep Release Specialist Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Mission Viejo Posts: 94	Save the short leaders for bait or plastics. For iron go with a long enough top shot that you aren't passing the knot through the guides on the cast.

08-14-2009, 07:48 AM	#4
IntrntFshrman Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Rancho Cucamonga, CA Posts: 82	Do you run into problems with the kelp doing that? (too much mono/fish runs into kelp) Or do you use really heavy mono when using irons? Thanks.

08-14-2009, 08:44 AM	#5
Geoffkoop Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: So. Orange County Posts: 302	Not sure what guys are using right now for irons but in the winter alot of guys are using straight 40lb mono.

08-14-2009, 09:29 AM	#6
PescadorPete Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Leucadia, CA Posts: 261	I don't like spectra and a short topshot on the iron for a couple of reasons. Winding spectra back on at high speeds a few hundred times is tough on the fingers. And a high speed spectra backlash on the reel takes tangles to a new level. I'm finding iron fish that are nowhere near the kelp so straight mono works fine. I use the Sealine 40 HV (4.9:1) and 40# mono.