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Topic: Rod Reel recommendation needed  (Read 2283 times)

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HamachiJohn

  • Sea Lion
  • ****
  • Location: San Ramon; Santa Clara
  • Date Registered: Sep 2009
  • Posts: 2781
I am a newbie.  Want to take up fishing again, and have taken a kayaking class.  I've only fished from pier/surf in the past and want to purchase a rod/reel "basic setup" that won't cost more than $150.  As the yak + essentials is going to cost approx. $2k+, with accessories over the next year, I'd like to keep the costs down to start with.  I'm interested in fishing for rockfish, hali and stripers (all I can think of for now).  All recommendations much appreciated.  thx in advance.
Down to 1 Hobie Revo...


EWB

  • Sea Lion
  • ****
  • Location: Campbell, CA
  • Date Registered: Mar 2008
  • Posts: 6429
Ugly Stick Rod (7 or 7 1/2 foot model) ~$50
Abu or Penn Reel~$100.

It will work for all the local salt species. Keep in mind you can go a bit lighter on yak rod/reel since you and your boat will help in the 'drag' and fish fighting dept. Just make sure the rod as some back bone. A noodle is a PITA to deal with when landing. You can't really back up from the rail in a yak and you will be landing most fish solo. 
-Eric Berg


FishFarmer

  • Sea Lion
  • ****
  • Location: Oakdale, CA
  • Date Registered: Nov 2008
  • Posts: 1206
You might take a look at Okuma rods. High end features in the $100 range. One is designed for kayak fishing (and floats :smt002) Lifetime warranty.

If you use conventional reels Abu is a good value.

Ben
I know that I know nothing - Socrates


HamachiJohn

  • Sea Lion
  • ****
  • Location: San Ramon; Santa Clara
  • Date Registered: Sep 2009
  • Posts: 2781
thx for the advice.  This site has been extremely valuable, and it's saved me time and money- and I haven't even fished yet!  Now i need to get out there and get in my fishing hours.  thx again.
Down to 1 Hobie Revo...


EWB

  • Sea Lion
  • ****
  • Location: Campbell, CA
  • Date Registered: Mar 2008
  • Posts: 6429
You might take a look at Okuma rods. High end features in the $100 range. One is designed for kayak fishing (and floats :smt002) Lifetime warranty.

If you use conventional reels Abu is a good value.

Ben

I have two of these rods and love them. I was just trying to keep you in budgetb for rod and reel. But that is my set up okuma baidarka with an abu
-Eric Berg


Bushy

  • Administrator
  • *****
  • First, you do everything right.Then, you get lucky
  • http://theletsgofishingradioshow.com
  • Location: Santa Cruz
  • Date Registered: Jan 2005
  • Posts: 8629
Yah I would agree with Eric totally!  Abu 6500 or Penn 140 or Penn 500.  Abu will cast better, Penn will last longer.  Ugly stick 7' is great all-around cheaper rod.  Okuma is probably better.

Good luck!

Allen

SANTA CRUZ KAYAK FISHING Guide Service  2004
NCKA
NWKA
Santa Cruz Sentinel
Monterey Herald
Western Outdoor News


EWB

  • Sea Lion
  • ****
  • Location: Campbell, CA
  • Date Registered: Mar 2008
  • Posts: 6429
my life is now complete. I think like the great SCAllen!!!!!!!! BTW Allen I have a new canvas for your awesome sticker. I'll post pics on Monday.
-Eric Berg


casey7

  • Salmon
  • ***
  • Location: santa cruz
  • Date Registered: Dec 2006
  • Posts: 394
 Research which reel you want then keep at it on E-bay until you get it cheap. It's winter and sometimes people need cash for X-mass etc.  I've had good luck with that altho  it's possible to get a lemon , of course. The vintage Penn reels are built like brick s---houses and you can find drag washers on line for most models.(scotts bait and tackle).


baitNbeer

  • Sea Lion
  • ****
  • "kick his ass sea-bass!"
  • delta rats & salty bay dogs
  • Location: pittsburg ca
  • Date Registered: Jun 2009
  • Posts: 2785
yea i got my eye on that okuma rod , was checkin some out at outdoor pro shop
www.mossdalemilitia.com
 once you go yak , you dont go back
"But really though, I dont know how my wifes cucumber melon bodywash got in my dive bag"