second rod for kayak

All my *good* rods are in MN and are for walleye...

But I've recently acquired a kayak and am building my arsenal out here on the left coast. I currently have just 2 rods and am looking for a 3rd that be appropriate for kayak fishing.

The first rod is a 9ft. steelhead Penn spinning combo that I use for shore and pier fishing. But it just seems too long and unweildly for the yak.

The second rod is something that I picked up in Japan and don't think it is even sold here. It's 7ft 10-20 medium rod (I THINK, but the specs are Japanese so I'm not sure...). I imagine it would be pretty good for rockfish, but haven't had the chance to try it out yet.
reel - SLS "Kobune" 800. http://fishing.shimano.co.jp/cat/detail.asp?k=1003
rod - Shimano "Sea Mighty" 73 50-210 http://fishing.shimano.co.jp/cat/detail.asp?k=100181

I was thinking about something in the 7'6" range, appropriate for bay halis, stripers, and rockfish. Possibly paired with an Abu Garcia Revo offshore.

Any suggestions, tips, or other advice would be greatly appreciated!

Kook

There're way too many options available for kayak rods & reels.  If you give us your budget then we can narrow down the choices/suggestions.

Thanks Sailfish - I guess I am looking more for general advice than specific rods. What lengths do you find work well? What sort of action and weight? If you only had one rod for your rock fishing, what would it be?

If pressed for a price point, I'd probably be looking to spend $100-150 for the rod (and I know how much the revo costs).

Kook

My yak rods are between 7' - 8' in length. Medium-heavy action seems to work best for me.  For rock fishing my go to brand is Ugly Stick.  It's "almost" unbreakable and if I "donate" it to the sea, then it won't break my pocket for a replacement.

I too run ugly stick for the same reasons but I also really like the Okuma kayak rods. They go for about $120. 7.5 ft. meejum action.

But then I also sometimes take my lamiglass steelhead rig for casting on surfacing blues and blacks.

Run what ya brung!

Domenic

I was thinking about something in the 7'6" range

Good choice. 

One of my favorites is 7'6" with extra fast tip and enough backbone to stop a big ling from going back into its cave.  30lbs test line is about the max I use, but generally will go lighter with 12lbs test about the lowest. Weights from 1 to 6 oz, but around 3oz most of the time.  Most of my rods are suitable for the above mentioned parameters.   

Not too particular about the reel when after rockfish. However, better if salt water rated as the reel tends to get wet on the kayak or very wet outside the kayak (in the ocean). 

I know others may balk but I love my Okuma Biadarka (the kayak rod) I use the lightest version paired with a abu 6500. I use it for hali's, rockies, and even pulled my dino with it (avatar pic). I would suggest going lighter then you think for a yak set up. And 7 - 7.5 feet is all you need, anything longer will be a PITA. I personally think ppl over do it on rods/reels. You and your yak can act as some drag.

Excellent info! And it is definitely was I was tending to I think. I always prefer lighter tackle to heavier, and like the idea of a Medium to medium/heavy with a good backbone and a fast tip. I'll probably use about 20lb. braided line on it.

I'm actually in Australia now on business and then Japan  next week, so I might nose around and see if I can find any interesting deals in the local shops here (dollar is strong in Oz at the moment...)

I'm dangerous and on the loose with a credit card and no wife along to talk some sense into me!

EWB - why would some balk at the idea of the Okuma Biadarka? Just curious.

EWB - why would some balk at the idea of the Okuma Biadarka? Just curious.

Not sure, some might find them gimmicky.  Also, I do know that a few have been broke by members of the board.  Give credit to Okuma as it seems they've all been replaced without issue.

Michael

Whichever rod you decide on remember that you'll be highsticking it alot and a blank that is E-glass will help avoid snapping it. My rod is built on a Rainshadow blank that has a glass tip and graphite butt for some Ling pulling oomph.

Hi ObKook:

       I would hold out for a CalStar GFGR 700Xl 10-25 Lb., 7Ft. I use a
Penn 310 GTI that keeps things light.
                                                     Sea-ya
                                                     Ernie
                                                           

http://www.calstarrods.com/grafighter.htm

It ain't pretty but for the most bang per peso:Tiger Lite

EWB - why would some balk at the idea of the Okuma Biadarka? Just curious.

Not sure, some might find them gimmicky.  Also, I do know that a few have been broke by members of the board.  Give credit to Okuma as it seems they've all been replaced without issue.

Michael

I think Michael (dilbeck) hit it on the head. Some also don't like the extended fore grip. I know a few have broken but like Michael said Okuma replaced them with no questions asked. I really like the fact that it floats with a reel attached (Yes, I have tested this feature). Also they have a little leash attachment point that sits just above a flush mount rod holder which doesn't get in the way when you reel in your catch or check your bait. If/when I break or loose my trevala I will get another Biadarka.

This is another option, it's my go-to rockfish rod:

http://www.dbluefishing.com/ProductShow.asp?ID=175

Lots of good suggestions in this thread. I use a Tiger Lite for live bait fishing for halis and a Shimano Trevala for hali trolling, sturgeon wishing, and rock fishing. I'm thinking of getting a Baidarka as a third rod that would round out the rod actions. The Tiger Lite is strong, but has a soft action that works well with circle hooks, the Trevala is the MH and it is a little stiff in the butt section but great for rock fish and sturgeon (not that I know about the sturgeon yet ), and from what I've seen of the Baidarka the action seems to be somewhere in between.