Okuma Baidarka @ Mel Cottons

IMO: Shorter rods are OK to use when fishing for Rockfish and Halibut cause most of the time, these fish fight up and down the water column and so you don't really have to worry about being able to reach around the bow. For Sturgeon,Salmon,sharks,batrays and Stripers, having a longer rod would be better since they tend to make long zig-zag runs.

Just my 2 cents 

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

John, who did you get the Baidarka from?

Howard

Hey Hojoman,

I got it at the ISE show in San Mateo today from the Hi's Tackle Box booth.  I know that Hi's in SF carries the Bairdarka rods, and Mel Cottons does too.  It's a very nice rod and it will be my dedicated general-purpose saltwater rod.  Just have to find the right reel to match with it... looking at the Avet Sx, but still undecided.

Even though I haven't fished with the Bairdarka yet (maybe next weekend?), I like the feel and balance and size so much I probably will end up with a lighter weight version for freshwater too.

I'll bring the rod to Compa's bass clinic at Aquan if you want to check it out...

Cheers, Backcountry

I ended up purchasing an Abu Garcia Revo Inshore because of all the positive feedback I'd read.  Got it right after Christmas and used a 20% off coupon.  Although, since Alan Tani's dissection of the reel and all this new discussion regarding it, I'm having second thoughts about the purchase.  Oh well.

The reel seems SO SMALL.  Haven't been able to put it on the rod yet though.   See, it was an early Birthday present to myself and when I told the wife that she had got my birthday present for me, she wasn't pleased.    So, I haven't seen the reel since.

To be honest, I have limited experience with salt and NONE on a kayak.  I do have big plans this year though.   

Michael

Michael, you're always going to get a range of opinions on a product The most important one is your own, that is, if you ever locate the new reel again to try it out. I was looking for the Baidarka rod at the ISE show to see myself if the rod would work for me as it does for others. Evidently, I didn't look hard enough. At least I accomplished my original goal of sitting through one of the Lowrance fishfinder class.

Howard

if you ever locate the new reel again to try it out.

I played with it for quite awhile in the store and even put it on a similar rod, just haven't been able to put it on mine yet.    Won't be too long though, my birthday is in a week.

Michael

IMO: Shorter rods are OK to use when fishing for Rockfish and Halibut cause most of the time, these fish fight up and down the water column and so you don't really have to worry about being able to reach around the bow.

I've heard this before, probably from you.    It's primary use will be for Rockfish and Halibut but will also be used for other species and thus wanted something a little longer in the event that I do need to get around the bow.

Michael