Okuma Baidarka @ Mel Cottons

Was at Mel Cottons scouting out what I might like to use my 20% off coupon on and I noticed that they have the new Okuma Baidarka rods in.          After wiping the drool from my mouth, I decided to hold off as I didn't have the coupon in hand.  It sure was difficult putting it down.

I will be definitely putting this on the Christmas list.  Just need to figure out which one will suit me best.

Also noticed that they have the new Baidarka Kayak hanging from thier overhang by thier back entrance.


Michael

The one I won at Elk and picked up at the Outdoor Pro Shop in Santa Rosa (nice folks) sure is good.  I got the shorter of the two, I think it's 6'6", it has a nice combo of backbone and sensitivity for rockfish/lings, and I trolled a 12 oz ball and lure and it worked well there too.

The one I won at Elk

What is the action of the rod, Medlight, Med. or Medheavy?  And did you choose the 6'6" or is that what was given to you?  If you chose the 6'6", what was the reason behind it?  I'm still new at this and want to weigh all the pros and cons of length and action.

Thanks for the help,

Michael

I find I like a long rod to reach around the bow and stern of the kayak.

which is about 8' on a 15' kayak.

if you aren't doing that, why not go with a 3' rod and make landing fish
easy?

a 6'6" rod seems the worst of both worlds. not long enough to get around
the kayak, long enough to make landing fish a pain.

John

I find I like a long rod to reach around the bow and stern of the kayak.

That's what I was thinking and is why I asked Fuzzy Tom if he chose the 6'6".  I've fished the ocean, just never from a yak so I'm picking as many brains as possible.

I can reach a 7' rod around the bow of my 16' Adventure with a little lean forward so I'm thinking a 7'6" Baidarka should be perfect.

Michael

I find I like a long rod to reach around the bow and stern of the kayak.

That's what I was thinking and is why I asked Fuzzy Tom if he chose the 6'6".  I've fished the ocean, just never from a yak so I'm picking as many brains as possible.

I can reach a 7' rod around the bow of my 16' Adventure with a little lean forward so I'm thinking a 7'6" Baidarka should be perfect.

Michael

don't forget to account for bend in the rod if you have a good fish on.

also, if you are going to bump troll to the side or rear, it's nice to clear the paddle and the stern, even if you have a big weight on.

I am using a 8'3" custom rod from erik kunz with a butt sized like a 7' rod.

John

My two favorite kayak rockfishing rods are 5' 6". I can reach the tip around the bow no problem. I will never buy a rockfish rod over 7' ever again (if it is going to be used on a kayak). Just to play devils advocate...
PK

Just to play devils advocate...

Not at all, I appreciate any and all feedback.  I like to hear from both sides.  Quick question though, how long is your yak?  I have a 16' adventure and don't think I'd be able to reach my UL 5'6" trout stick around the bow - fortunately haven't had to try yet.

You don't buy anything longer than 7' because it is unnecessary?

Thanks for your input Sin Coast!


Michael

Actually the rod I got was 7'. "BK-C-701M 7'0" 15-30lbs 7/8-1 3/4 oz".  And I'm no expert and don't pretend to be, just said I liked the rod and thought it would serve my needs better than the longer one I was given a choice of. I don't recall the specs on it, but it seemed to have a much softer action/and lighter lure wieght. Another factor was I now have a fishing sedan and not a truck and tho I could stick a longer pole(both are one piece) through the hole in the back seat, then I'd have to smell my fishy gear all the way home.  I can easily get it around the bow of my P15, but I've got a long reach, 6'8" fingertip to fingertip and a long torso, and I'm medium action for my age.

Thanks for the info/details!

I'm leaning towards the BK-C-761M although the BK-C-761ML is a possibility.


Michael

I had a 6'6" rod and it reached around the bow of my 11.5 foot scrambler, but once I had the 14'9" scupper,
it did not reach. 

I have heard that one's fingertip to finger tip is generally the same as one's height. well, mine is 71.5",
or 5'11.5", and my height is 5'9".

I thought Tom looked pretty tall in his yak! 

I got a couple 30" ice fishing rods. I'm going to give those a go too, 

I have found 7 foot rods to be just fine for reaching around the front of my yaks even while a tuna is hanging on it, the 7-6 of the Baidarkas should make it a breeze.  Shorter rods do give more mojo, but they don't cast worth doody. 

Tested some of my 7 footers today because I couldn't remember whether or not I've been able to get past the bow, and with a little stretch, it was cleared.  A 7'6" Baidarka would be a piece of cake.  

Michael

Ended up getting the 7'6" Medium action Okuma Baidarka Casting Rod.  Model BK-C-761M.  It's a beauty, hoepfully a fish catching machine.

It's my first Christmas present of the year.  Now it is my wife's job to figure out who will be giving it to me!   

Used a 20% off coupon so it came out to just a little over $100.  Now I need a nice reel to pair with it.  Was thinking the Abu Garcia Revo Inshore, but not sure.  Any thoughts  Too much, not enough?

Thanks for any and all help!

Michael

Hey dilbeck, what reel did you end up putting on your rod?  I picked up a Baidarka at the ISE show today... I got the BK-C-761MH... 7'6", 12-25 lbs, 3/4-1.5 oz lures...

Not sure what reel I'm going to put on it...

Thanks, Backcountry