Baidarka Reviews?

I know several people on the site have the Okuma Baidarka rods so I am wondering if you would like to tell me what you think of them.

I've seen a couple of them broken and was told that it happened on hooksets, while others have said the only way to break the rods is to mistreat them or by high sticking.

I'm contemplating buying the MH Baidarka to pair with an Abu 6501C3 to use for halibut, striper, and maybe some rockfishing. Is the rod worth the money or would I be better off with something else? Frankly, I really like the Ugly Stick Tiger-Lite rods and already have one that's currently paired with an Abu. If I don't buy a Baidarka I'll probably get another Tiger-Lite, especially for only $60 which is half the cost of a Baidarka, but without the length or ability to float.

or a cool kayak fisherman enbedded in the foam handle, or the sweet leash ring, or the fact I've hi-stuck it many O'time w/o snapage......i own 2 of them.

I really like the Ugly Stick Tiger-Lite rods

IMHO Tiger Lite gives the most bang for the buck but... has near zero cool-factor (if you worry about such things).

I really like the Ugly Stick Tiger-Lite rods

IMHO Tiger Lite gives the most bang for the buck but... has near zero cool-factor (if you worry about such things).

  I've thought about fishing with my Abu Revo Inshore on my Tiger Lite just to see how people would react 

I got one last year (spring) and it has become my go-to rod for basically everything. i ended up getting a 7'6" M....

the leash thing is gimmick if you ask me. I've now caught rockfish, lings, 5 sturgeon, and more bat rays than i can count. My only problem was the end cap fell out about 1 week after i got the rod.

i'd highly recommend it, i was extremely extremely skeptical about the long handle, and all that jazz, but the rod is turning out to really perform

I'm kind of surprised to hear what people are using these rods for. I was reading old posts and saw that SBD is using the MH rod for Yellowtail, and I've seen several now where people mention catching sharks, rays, and sturgeon with the Medium rod. But, when I look up the specs it looks like the Med rod is only rated up to 12 lb test and 1.5 oz lures. Am I missing something?

i'd highly recommend it, i was extremely extremely skeptical about the long handle, and all that jazz, but the rod is turning out to really perform

Agree w/ SteveS on this. Looking at it I was really wondering about how it would perform but has done pretty well so far. No complaints. And that leash piercing doesn't really work since it won't fit back in your rod holder while attached.

Z

And that leash piercing doesn't really work since it won't fit back in your rod holder while attached.

Maybe on a Hobie, but it works just fine with the flush mounts on my Trident.  I'm sure Hobie will develop a proprietary Hobie Kayak Fishing Rod for you some day. 

I own two Baidarka's and I love'em both.

The 7' 15-30lb rated BK-C-701M model ($99) is my all-around rod.  It's made of E-glass and most closely matches the action of my favorite 7' Tiger Rod.  It has a sensitive tip for detecting sturgeon bites and has the backbone to bring the big ones up.  It's become my go-to rod for rockfish too.

My other Baidarka is the 7'6" 10-20lb rated BK-C-761M ($120).  It's made of a graphite composite so it costs a little more and is lighter.  It's also stiffer than the 701M so it's perfect for trolling and dealing with heavier tackle and fish.

I've abused both in Baja and on our Islander trips with no problem at all.

I own two Baidarka's and I love'em both.

The 7' 15-30lb rated BK-C-701M model ($99) is my all-around rod.  It's made of E-glass and most closely matches the action of my favorite 7' Tiger Rod.  It has a sensitive tip for detecting sturgeon bites and has the backbone to bring the big ones up.  It's been my go-to rod for rockfish too.

My other Baidarka is the 7'6" 10-20lb rated BK-C-761M ($120).  It's made of a graphite composite so it costs a little more and is lighter.  It's also stiffer than the 701M is great for trolling and dealing with heavier tackle and fish.

I've abused both in Baja and on our Islander trips with no problem at all.

Thanks Chuck!
This post also answers my question about the line ratings I am seeing for the Baidarkas posted on Cabelas. Cabelas must not sell the full line because neither of the rods you mentioned are on their site. I am leaning toward the BK-C-701M to meet my needs.

Hi's Tackle Box has a good page showing the full line:
http://www.histackleboxshop.com/Okuma-Baidarka-Kayak-Rods-s/442.htm

Another rod to consider: Shimano Trevala - About 20 /30 bucks cheaper than the Baidarka

Another rod to consider: Shimano Trevala - About 20 /30 bucks cheaper than the Baidarka

I've got a trevala paired to an Avet SX 6/4 that I like a lot, but it is stiffer than I would like for halibut. I agree through, the Trevalas are nice rods for the money and mine has been great for everything from rockfish, to the Islander trip, to swinging on and missing sturgeon  .

Another rod to consider: Shimano Trevala - About 20 /30 bucks cheaper than the Baidarka

I think the Trevala is awesome rod.  It feels so good in hand with a low profile reel, but the Baidarka 701M recently replaced my Trevala as my favorite.  That fact that the Baidarka floats is huge.  No more need for rod leashes.  Another added advantage of the longer foam foregrip is that it's more slip resistant and quieter when resting on the gunnels.

What the heck does Mooch know about Baidarkas anyways?....He doesn't even fish anymore.

That fact that the Baidarka floats is huge.  No more need for rod leashes.

They'll float with a reel and a decent size leadhead?