Ultimate Rod/Reel - a newb's perspective

Being a newb to this sport, I did what most newbs do and read past posts regarding rods and reels to learn from the brotherhood and reduce the learning curve. I have learned a lot, continue to learn and appreciate all that have taken the time over the years to post their opinions on all subject matters. For those of you getting ready to take the plunge, here is my perspective that could save you some money along the way. For this post I am referring to salt water fishing because I believe that you need a separate setup for fresh water but could use the same methodology.

There is no one setup that will do everything. Unless you are thinking of having numerous rods and reels for each target species think not only about your current needs, but also what other species you might target in the future. I fished Capitola with fresh water bass gear and had no trouble with lings and halibut up to 14 lbs, but when I caught wsb fever my reels did not have the line capacity and I purchased new rods and reels based on advice given on the board and talking to members. These rods and reels are very nice and work well, but imo are overkill for my usual target species. I caught a keeper ling using the new setup and felt that I winched the fish up, rather than having to play the fish.

I take 3 rods when I go out, 2 to fish and 1 for bait and throw lures and when I update I purchase 2 setups. Being a fisherman that enjoys the fight as much as the victory and knowing that my chances of catching smaller fish while out hunting the larger species, I set out again to look for the ultimate compromise.

This is the most valuable part of the lesson learned thus far. Find a local tackle dealer that is knowledgeable, carries a good selection of rods and reels and take the time to talk to them explaining what your objectives are and your future plans. I went through 3 tackle dealers before settling on the one I use now. Read what the members here have posted and follow the advise just about any member on this board would give you about selecting a kayak and that would be to test them out before buying. No tackle dealer will let you take out demo equipment, but find one that at least has the models you are looking for in stock so you can hold the rod and reel, check the balance and take into consideration the other things members talk about like length to get around the front of the yak or in my case over the bait rod in the holder in back of you.

Rod length is one aspect that I think can get you into trouble if you do not actually physically look at the setup. I normally fish 7'1" fresh water bass rods and so when I purchased my wsb setups over the internet I figured 6'9" was only 4" shorter and no big deal. Wrong, the overall length was 4" shorter, but in actuality the new jiggin rod had a longer handle (6" longer) that made the rod closer to 10" shorther from the actual reel seat or normal area that I grip the rod that I usually use.

I just picked up my newest setups last night and can't wait to hit the water hopefully this weekend. Being that I believe in quality equipment, being forwarned could have saved me $$$$.

For the record, I do not own or have any affiliation with any tackle shops other than considering them a valuable resource.

Dean

Sounds like good advice to me    One thing to mention is that for freshwater, there is a line of rods that Mel Cottons carries that you can actually rent to test out, and the rental goes towards the purchase price if you want to get it.  Some new line of rods, forget the name.  But I was very tempted to give them a try, so I could experience different types of rods before deciding on what to purchase.  There are far too many different types of rods 

For saltwater I bought mostly Trevala rods, L, ML, MH, and H all around 6'6 or 7'.  They have handled anything I've been able to catch fine, and i've never had one break or even had any issues at all, and I don't treat them that well either. 

good post.  So what's your setup now?

Good info. Enjoy your new setup

Hi Hamachijohn,

I picked up an 8'4" extra fast mooching rod and what I considered to be a great matching reel. I really like the balance and feel of this combination over the others that I tried. This being the advantage of using a stocking dealer to mix and match different rods and reels. The other major selling point for me on the reel was the clicker tension. Most reels had very light tension while in clicker/free spool mode and probably would let out line while bobbing up and down in swells.

I am intentionally not naming any specific models or brands because the purpose of the post was to inform newbs like myself to listen to advice from experienced members and then go one step further and create a relationship with a tackle dealer that could offer advice and at least touch the setup before purchasing to see how they feel.

I guess what I'm trying to say is there is no "ultimate rod/reel combination" for everyone and that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. Just make sure you take more than a few views before settling down with that beauty.

Dean