What rods are you guys using for sturgeon in your yaks?

Someday I want to persue some big fish in my yak. I was hoping two of the rods that I own would be beefy enough, but I rally doubt it. I have two Shimano FX S-90MHB2 rods. One with a Quantum Optix 80 and I forget whats on the other rod, but something similar. Specs on the rod are: 9' long, Power: Med-heavy, Action: Fast. Thanks

Jeff

Calstar 700XLH is what EK recommended to me and I love it!!! Sturgeon, striper, lings, hali's yellowtail, WSB, it does it all.

Yep... doesn't have to be too beefy... you can't horse those sturgeon anyway so a broomstick is not necessary. 

Something rated 15-30# or so and with a nice sensitive tip will work and will also suffice for other bay species.  I recommend graphite/glass composite rods such as the Calstar Graphiters or Seeker Black Steel series because the tip is nice and soft and will tolerate a bit more abuse than pure graphite.

EK

Mine is rated 14-25#, I just don't want to be disappointed if I hook up with a big un'

Jeff

I couldn't find the specs on the rod but as EK says, something rated 15-30 or 15-25 is what you are looking for with a sensitive tip. Your rig will probably work fine. Rods longer than 7.5 ' can be harder to lift big fish, but the water you fish sturgeon in is not that deep.

scott

Mine is rated 14-25#, I just don't want to be disappointed if I hook up with a big un'

My sturgeon rod is rated 12-25# and is 7 ft and fast action.  I've only been overpowered once, and that was with a way oversized fish that was tail hooked.  I've landed 100# class sturgeon with that rod no problem.

As GB-2 stated, a 9-foott is going to be unwieldy when trying to land / snare a sturgeon.

Though I'm no expert on the subject, I caught my first (and last) sturgeon using a Shimano Trevala Rod - 6'6" braided line 30-80 lbs - Power: medium - Action: medium fast. I also use the same rod for rockfishing = SUPER LIGHT compared to other rods AND it's also cheaper - they can range between 60 to about $100.00.

Trevala would be an option and I know people who have used them butterfly jigging for yellowtail. Good lifting ability. I can't speak to the tip sensitivity. For saltwater rods, fiberglass tips seem to be more sensitive than graphite for the rods I own, but the Trevala uses a really unique construction.

Though I'm no expert on the subject, I caught my first (and last) sturgeon using a Shimano Trevala Rod - 6'6" braided line 30-80 lbs - Power: medium - Action: medium fast. I also use the same rod for rockfishing = SUPER LIGHT compared to other rods AND it's also cheaper - they can range between 60 to about $100.00.

I roll the same and also just picked up the lighter trevala that is rated at 20# to 50# for jigging and still would do the job on your targeted fish. It is also a little longer at 7' which always helps to maneuver a fish around the bow of your yak.