Kayak Rod suggestions for bay/ocean

I've used Ugly Stiks for years - they work. 

- 38 pound salmon
- 35 pound halibut
- 27 pound lingcod
- 80 pound thresher
- 15 pound steelhead

Almost every one of those on barbless hooks and 20 pound leader or less - good rod is a big part of it.

There’s a recommendation not to be taken lightly!
(See what I did there?)

If you think the 1970's were the pinnacle of American technological innovation, then Ugly Stick might be for you.

Otherwise, If you plan to jig all the time, then go with the trevala. It can also work as a bait dangling rod in a pinch.

I would also consider a swimbait rod like the Dobyns Fury series. I have used these rods for throwing up to 6oz swimbaits and irons and they can also double as a bait rod. I caught a dozen or so halibut on my Dobyn's swimbait rod last year. It's my striper rod, umbrella rig, swimbait, shallow rockfish. I have rolled mine in the shallow surf a few times and they are still functioning AOK.

I really like the Ugly Stik Striper rod paired with a Penn 209.  Plenty of backbone and I'm only out $80 if it sinks

If you think the 1970's were the pinnacle of American technological innovation, then Ugly Stick might be for you.

I think an entire new thread could be devoted to ""then an ugly stick might be for you"  posts.

If your fishing rod is occasionally used as a pool cue.
If you tend to grab the closest hammer or fishing rod to whack down raised nails in loose floorboards.
If you participate in medieval jousting events and want a rod that doubles as a lance.
If you need a rod to go fishing and also support the telephone lines on your block.
If you are in a "bring your own pole" pole vaulting league.
Need a self defense weapon that you can stand in the corner of the room.


For the average person, Ugly Sticks wind up being more expensive in the long run cause you'll wind up replacing it with a higher quality rod.


 

                                     

 

So Ugly Stick if you are still in the rolling stage or launching at a new or sketchy surf spot and then Trevala once you're over rolling or going out in a predictable area with no swell, wind or other risky businesses!

Getting the Ugly Stick is not a waste of money, there will always be a time and place for it. My more expensive gear seems more likely to end up in the water or broke but the Ugly Stick is still function and ready as a back up even though it's what I bought first.

I got this one to start and even though it's kinda worn out and noodllie it still works just not so sensitive anymore.

trevala if you're jigging all day.  ugly stik tiger if you jig, and use to soak bait

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Go with a( Phenix you won't be disappointed

Ugly Stik Tigers are the perfect rod for halibut fishing-it's very hard to loose a fish with that much flex in the rod-that being said, when recently faced with the same decision, I shelled out the extra for the trevala.

I figure I'll be doing more jigging and prefer the faster action for rocky dwelling species. If I was trolling for halibut and salmon more than 50% of the time, I would have gone with the Stik.

I like the trevala ML for just about everything. A tiger stick works well for it's price point, but the trevala just feels so nice in my hand. And much lighter than the Tiger.

Gonna have to agree with the Trevala guys.  If you're fishing all day, this is the rod you're going to want to use.  The 7ft ML will handle all of what you mentioned.  I've caught rockfish, lingcod, halibut, and salmon on that rod.

If you think the 1970's were the pinnacle of American technological innovation, then Ugly Stick might be for you.

So, you’re saying that the 1970s were not the pinnacle of technological innovation? That’s news to me...