Rod & Reels Recommendations?

I know is a loaded question but, I could use a starting point as I begin to gear up for salt water fishing.  My primary interest is salmon and halibut but I'm sure there will be other target species along the way.

The Shimano Clarus CSC-86M2 looks like popular setup but, I can't seem to find it anywhere.  I've seen the a MH and a lighter line M Clarus in but, not the medium fast in the 8 to 17 lb line weight.  What are some good mid-range alternatives?

For freshwater I now prefer to fly fish but, I do have some unused rigs setting around from the old days.  Are any of these suitable for salt fishing?

 - St Croix 8'6" Medium Heavy Fast 8-17 lb spinning
 - Lamniglas  G1324T 9' Medium 8-12 pound casting
 - Zebco White Rhino WRS-10 M- S/W 10' Medium 15 - 30 lb spinning (This thing feels like it would work great for hoisting an anchor or as a sail mast in a pinch.)
 - Kunan bass rod 5'6" Medium Heavy 12 - 25 lb casting

Can't afford high end after just buying a rev 13 but, later upgrades are likely.  I just don't want to be bear hunting with a 22 either.

Dave

My salmon and halibut gear may be a little dated but still works very well (for me anyway).

I have a Shimano TR100G reel teamed with an 8 foot Shimano Triton downrigger type rod (TDR 1803 12-25 lb) for both species. I also have another  heavier set up w/ a Shimano TR200G reel on an 8 foot Shimano Triton Extra Heavy (TDR 1804 15-30 lb) for salmon and butts.

Both reels are new and replace another (15+ yr/old) workable set of the same reels. Great affordable reels!

That Shimano TDR series of rods might be worth taking a look at.

I also have Shimano TLD15 and TLD20 reels teamed w/Calstar and Fenwick rods for heavier Ling/Rockfish/Albacore/WSB etc. type fishing.

Good luck.

Thanks or your input.  The price is right, TR100G is $89 reel/rod combo at Cabelas and the 1803 is inexpensive where you can find it.   I was thinking maybe $75-100 for a rod only.

The TLD15 and 20 are also reasonable.

My yak reels are jigmaster 500l and an abu 7000, love em.

Yak,

There is better stuff out there, but the Shimano TR100G and 200G reels simply work well and are light and bulletproof. I bought my new set for $69.95 each and was thrilled that they were still being made. A best buy for the price.

The Shimano rods I mentioned work very well. They might not last as long as the more expensive stuff but they definitely catch fish. I've caught kings to 35# and butts to around 20# and had no problems at all.

I wouldn't use these set ups for bigger lings or rockfish though. I've busted many big lings off trying. Not enough beef. They are for light action, open water type fishing for butts, salmon and stripers. 

I'm going to try the TLD15/Calstar GFGR 700L for rockfish/ling fishing from my kayak. Might be a little heavy to handle but I don't like busting
off big lings. The lighter stuff is a blast for smaller rockfish, but I'm usually clanking iron bars off the bottom.

Hope you get some good tips.   

Yak,

There is better stuff out there, but the Shimano TR100G and 200G reels simply work well and are light and bulletproof. I bought my new set for $69.95 each and was thrilled that they were still being made. A best buy for the price.

That's probably good advice, you seem to be geting good use out of them.  Also, staying lower cost makes sense when there's good chance of loosing equipment while learning to sea kayak.  May I ask where you are buying the Shimano TR series? 

The Calstar looks like a monster.  Maybe some day, just need to get some experience first.

I bought them at Fisherman's Warehouse in Sacramento. They also sell online.

They carry the Calstar Grafighter rods as well.

You might also want to take a look at the Shimano Charter Special. It's the fancy (lever drag) version of the TR200G. Great reel - but
IMHO I don't think it's needed in that class of reel (especially with a long/limber rod).

I'm running 15 and 20 pound test Trilene Big Game line on those TR100G/TR200G reels. Used to use the 17 pound test but they don't seem to make it anymore.

Hope you get some other advice. I might come off as a cheerleader for Shimano gear, but I just love their stuff.

Somehow it's hard to picture a kayak fishermaan as a cheerleader  but, I've had good luck with their stuff too.   I'll have to visit Fisherman's Warehouse later this week when I pick up the new yak in Sac.  Thanks again.