--- Quote from: SpeedyStein on February 16, 2025, 06:32:41 PM --- --- Quote from: divenfish on February 16, 2025, 06:21:39 PM --- As far as line goes, I believe 50 pound braid is an overkill and could be potentially dangerous if you get snagged (quite common when rockfish fishing), and attempt to break it off in windy/choppy conditions.
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Gotta pay very close attention when using heavy line, and be ready to cut your line at any moment. I carry line cutters within easy reach, as well as a bait knife on my PFD.
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Good points. I use 65lb braid, but always use a lighter leader...
LoletaEric:
--- Quote from: SpeedyStein --- --- Quote from: jremi ---I use a 12-20lb ugly stik bigwater conventional which is on the light side but it does double duty for me for live bait.
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I use the "Tiger" version of this rod, 8' Ugly Stik Tiger, medium light, 12-20lb. I really like this rod, and if I could only choose one rod for inshore, it would be this one. Excellent for double duty - sensitive tip and TONS of backbone.
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This is very good advice. Get an Ugly Stik...
--- Quote from: SpeedyStein ---I like older Penn reels because they are pretty much indestructible. Easy to service, simple to use, and very robust.
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...and put an older Penn on it.
This is the way.
SpeedyStein:
--- Quote from: LoletaEric on February 16, 2025, 09:44:41 PM --- --- Quote from: SpeedyStein --- --- Quote from: jremi ---I use a 12-20lb ugly stik bigwater conventional which is on the light side but it does double duty for me for live bait.
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I use the "Tiger" version of this rod, 8' Ugly Stik Tiger, medium light, 12-20lb. I really like this rod, and if I could only choose one rod for inshore, it would be this one. Excellent for double duty - sensitive tip and TONS of backbone.
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This is very good advice. Get an Ugly Stik...
--- Quote from: SpeedyStein ---I like older Penn reels because they are pretty much indestructible. Easy to service, simple to use, and very robust.
I started out on Ugly Stik's with old Penns - like, exclusively, for years. I taught people to 'pull' line from their reel and to keep track of their pulls and do the math of how much line they have out. I still teach people that, but the line counter (the "lyin' counter, because it'll screw you sooner or later!) moved me away from the old reliable.
Take this for what it is: advice from a guy who has put way more energy and passion into this than he probably should've, over the past two and a half decades. Fishing with the confidence of an Ugly Stik and the competence of an old Penn is the gateway to mastering this sport. You can move on to bigger, better, faster and more beautiful later - to start, you should learn the basics with the gear that has gotten it done - on all species - for the longest time.
In my opinion. :smt003
Squidder K:
--- Quote from: LoletaEric on February 16, 2025, 09:44:41 PM --- --- Quote from: SpeedyStein --- --- Quote from: jremi ---I use a 12-20lb ugly stik bigwater conventional which is on the light side but it does double duty for me for live bait.
--- End quote ---
I use the "Tiger" version of this rod, 8' Ugly Stik Tiger, medium light, 12-20lb. I really like this rod, and if I could only choose one rod for inshore, it would be this one. Excellent for double duty - sensitive tip and TONS of backbone.
--- End quote ---
This is very good advice. Get an Ugly Stik...
--- Quote from: SpeedyStein ---I like older Penn reels because they are pretty much indestructible. Easy to service, simple to use, and very robust.
--- End quote ---
...and put an older Penn on it.
This is the way.
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You can trust this man's advice! I also like two rods a lot general purpose the Ugly Stick Tiger , and the Shimano Trevalla. If you want to spend a little time on a reel and fish mono with it, I highly recommend the Shimano TR-100-G level wind or the TR-200, these are basic reels but if you head over to Alan Tani's reel repair website and order a different handle you end up with a really good reel that won't break the bank. If you look for an older Penn reel look for a Surfmaster, and or a Squidder, they are good overall reels. Lastly if you want something heavier duty Diawa Sealine's are tanks, but they are heavy for jigging all day in a kayak IMHO.