Baidarka Reviews?

Relax boys.....the comment on the fat handle and little kayaker was a joke, did you not see the smilie:smt002  

whew!...I thought you were serious bro! I'm glad you're retracting   

Good info guys. And I’m impressed to hear that the Baidarka will float even with a conventional reel and leadhead….because I would’ve assumed that it wasn’t quite so buoyant. That’s pretty cool.

I might consider buying one if they shortened the length of the butt. The extremely long butt just doesn’t make sense to me, especially in the context of kayak fishing.
I mean, you’re already hunched over, sitting on your butt (pun!). So the butt of the rod would be jabbing you in the gut, right? Either that or the butt is anchored against your side. I prefer to fight the fish with my hands, not my gut. If you’re just gonna wedge the butt of the rod into your gut and crank in the fish….you might as well just leave it in the rod holder (like for Humboldt squid on a boat).
I guess that’s OK if you just drop straight down w/bait---but that long butt would be a major hindrance to someone casting lures repeatedly.

And yeah, I know the rod wouldn’t be as buoyant if they shortened the butt length. But I have never lost a rod in my life (currently own 31 rods), so that isn’t a big selling point for me.

I'm down for a gear swap-meet too. I have some extra rods+reels that somebody might appreciate.

For those who like Trevalas but prefer a shorter butt, I highly recommend looking at Dblue's ebay store.  They are great rods, despite the low prices.

For those who like Trevalas but prefer a shorter butt, I highly recommend looking at Dblue's ebay store.  They are great rods, despite the low prices.

Or better yet, watch the action-packed movie:
.

Which Dblue rod do you have?

Hmm this tackle swap idea has got me going. I am trying to think of an central place to do it that won't be a conflict of interest. I am sure one of our sponsors may dig the idea (assuming they don't sell tackle) Mooch, what about something at Aquan? Maybe a combo tackle swap, bbq, and yak pimping how to (good for the newbies or anyone idea or tool challenged)

Is there a better location? Is this even a worthwhile idea?

-Eric

Is this even a worthwhile idea?

-Eric

Yes....provided its on the right weekend 

I think that's the one right there, littoral.  I also have two of their surf casting rods, which are nice too.  That TC4 stuff is super light, and strong.

Haha! I actually have a DBlue rod too. It is essentially a Trevala knock-off, made with similar TC4 construction process. I think mine is 6'6" and rated for 1-4ozs....but I c/b wrong on the length. I got this rod specifically for the shorter butt-length. Problem is the butt cap is too big to fit in my Scotty rod holder....and the cork on the butt starts to rub off in the flush-mount holders. Other than that, these are great rods for the price and the components are top-notch.
Sorry to get off-topic!

I trimmed the bulb a bit on mine so it fits.

Mine is the 6'8", 1-4 oz, 10-25lb model I believe.  Great for rockfish, but I'm hesitant to use it for sturgeon.