Just given two rods, total beginner, what type of fishing can I do with these?

I’m a complete beginner, and was given two rods from my father-in-law.  I’ve only ever fished once, and it was for striper with a 8.5’ rod.

The longer of these two rods (wright & McGill #870) is 7’, the Mitchell (560LS) rod is I’m guessing 5.5’.

The Mitchell has 4-8lb & 1/8-3/8 oz written on it.  Is that the line & lure weights? The other rod doesn’t list any of this information.  Both rods are so old that I can’t find much useful information online. I believe one was for trout fishing. 

How can I tell what type of fishing they’re intended for?  My main areas I’d take these are carquinez strait & inward, & Napa River. 

For salt I'd use either for sabiki rig.

Welcome to NCKA CaseoftheCrabs  . Are you planning to fish from shore or kayak?

Welcome to NCKA CaseoftheCrabs  . Are you planning to fish from shore or kayak?

Ideally, from my kayak (it’s a sea kayak not a fishing kayak). I was able to catch a striper from my sea kayak. It was a little awkward since it isn’t made for fishing, but I made it work. It probably would have been a little less awkward with a slightly shorter rod (we used 8.5’).

Fwiw
I fish the napa in a 10' sit in.
I run 2,   6 ish foot ugly sticks about that size running #10 braid on spinning reels I've boated 25-30" stripers on them, it's a bit of work, but I'd say "run what you brung" till you know better...

Quoting Frieburger here
Don't get it right ' just get it running...

Fwiw
I fish the napa in a 10' sit in.
I run 2,   6 ish foot ugly sticks about that size running #10 braid on spinning reels I've boated 25-30" stripers on them, it's a bit of work, but I'd say "run what you brung" till you know better...

Quoting Frieburger here
Don't get it right ' just get it running...

I’m a complete beginner so this may be a stupid question.  How do I know that the rods won’t break?  If the smaller one has a max lure weight of 3/8 oz, it sounds like it is made for small fish only. I maybe misunderstanding the ratings though. The other doesn’t list any specs on it.

Fwiw
I fish the napa in a 10' sit in.
I run 2,   6 ish foot ugly sticks about that size running #10 braid on spinning reels I've boated 25-30" stripers on them, it's a bit of work, but I'd say "run what you brung" till you know better...

Quoting Frieburger here
Don't get it right ' just get it running...

I’m a complete beginner so this may be a stupid question.  How do I know that the rods won’t break?  If the smaller one has a max lure weight of 3/8 oz, it sounds like it is made for small fish only. I maybe misunderstanding the ratings though. The other doesn’t list any specs on it.

The max lure weight is what the rod can efficiently cast out. Anything heavier and it may have a harder time or potentially snap.

My guess is they are both for trout and you could probably use them for soaking bait.  I'd replace the line first however and make sure the reels are working.  Try tying a 1/2 pound weight on the end and see how it bends when you pick it up to see if they break.

You break rods " usually " by horsing (sp) the hookset.
I like a super light drag up front, then add to it once you're hooked up.
Just my preference.
+1 on lifting the weight to see how it reacts.

Just north of lincoln bridge on the napa, with a 5'6" uglystick
18" net

You break rods " usually " by horsing (sp) the hookset.
I like a super light drag up front, then add to it once you're hooked up.
Just my preference.
+1 on lifting the weight to see how it reacts.

Just north of lincoln bridge on the napa, with a 5'6" uglystick
18" net

What line is the ugly stik rated for?

When I caught a striper on the Napa it was just north of the Brazos bridge using anchovy. My buddy tells me we were using 14lb test. Since I’m using 14.5’ & 17’ sit inside kayaks, I do need somewhat of a longer rod in order to clear the front of my kayak if a fish crosses in front of the kayak. So I might just use the 5.5’ rod for shore fishing. I might have to kayak to an otherwise inaccessible area, and use it from the banks of the river.

I would have to guess  4-8# mono
I've had them both for decades and the stencils didn't last as long as the breakage warranty.


Plenty of spine to boat this guy after 3 good runs...
18" net, probably 16-19"

I remember my grandfather boasting about his wright and McGill as a high-end rod. Fiberglass, I think.

I would have to guess  4-8# mono
I've had them both for decades and the stencils didn't last as long as the breakage warranty.


Plenty of spine to boat this guy after 3 good runs...
18" net, probably 16-19"

Well I feel a lot more confident about the rods. I need to get inserts for the guides on the w&m rod (they’re missing) but I have plans to hit the water next weekend to try them out! Thanks!

I remember my grandfather boasting about his wright and McGill as a high-end rod. Fiberglass, I think.

It is a very beautiful rod. My best guess is that this one is from the 80’s. They seem to be popular in the vintage fly rod market.

Cool