Saltwater Pole and Reel

I am sure this may start a debate BUT I am looking for a good saltwater pole and reel. I currently have some hand-me down poles that were probably never the best to begin with. Now that I have a yak I figure it may be time to upgrade to pole and reel better suited for boat fishing vs shore fishing.

While I am getting comfortable on the yak most my fishing will be on the Marin/Sonoma bay regions namely Tomales Bay and maybe Drake's bay. Once I am comfortable and have some seat time I will be focusing more on the coast.

Maybe I need a couple setups?

I also need to get an FF but that's probably a whole different thread.

As always any and all input would be appreciated.

Shakespeare Ugly Stick Tiger is a great starter rod.  Your choice of reel.  Should be able to have a set-up for under $100.

~Bill

Fishing POLE <$50
Fishing ROD >=$50

Ugly Stick Tiger and Penn Reel

I don't have near the experience as most on the site but you can't beat the Tiger rod as a starter and I really like my Daiwa Sealine X reel.  I have 2 a 20 and 30 size.  I like the 20 best. 

The tiger rod is a good rod. I just dont like the bulkniess. So i got the Ugly stik Tiger lite(not the jig) Name says it all same just Lite. I Also have a shimano Trevala ML, i know alot of other people have them too. ITs a great all around rod. Ive used mine for sharks, rays, stripers, sturgeon and halibut. I havent gone out for rockfish or salmon but plan to use  it for them too. But the rod will run you 120$ but has lifetime warranty on it.
For reels I like my Penn Fathom Levelwind 20($200). Has alot of Drag and Cranking Power. Its on the heavy side but its a all metal construction. Its small though. The Shimano Tekota 500(165$) is also a great reel you should check out. Its a good all around ocean reel. Next on my list.
But if you want a non levelwind Check out the Avet Sx i think its around $160 Alot of people use those too.

Im not sure how much you are trying to spend. Dont get me wrong theres Cheaper stuff out there that works. I just like spending money haha 
Also invest into a rod leash. Last thing you want is a 400$ setup going overboard.

Fishing POLE <$50
Fishing ROD >=$50

Ugly Stick Tiger and Penn Reel

Yes and yes. ML or M tiger with 320 GTi reel. Great set up for almost if not all species you will be fishing for here.

+1 on the trevala ML if you want to spend that kind of cash.  Trevala S is a nice all-arounder too, but it has a hard time horsing big fish out of the rocks.

I know RacinRob and lots of other guys like their ugly stick tiger lights.

Trevala MH 6-6. Daiwa Lexa 300 Just do it and don't look back. You will be happy. I don't like the ML because ya never know.

Trevala MH 6-6. Daiwa Lexa 300 Just do it and don't look back. You will be happy. I don't like the ML because ya never know.

Hmmm ... someone likes their Lexa.  When we going too see you thoughts vs. the toro.

-Allen

I love my new Toro. Bad ass is my comment. I don't think he was looking for a $270 starter reel though. I love the drag adjustment and how controllable the line tension is. It's also not on a Tiger.

Trevala MH 6-6. Daiwa Lexa 300 Just do it and don't look back. You will be happy. I don't like the ML because ya never know.

Hmmm ... someone likes their Lexa.  When we going too see you thoughts vs. the toro.

-Allen

I agree with the recommendation but the Lexa/Trevala is $300+ and an Ugly stick/Penn is <$150. As far as Lexa vs Toro I have owned both and that is an interesting comparison. The Toro priced themselves almost into the Calcutta category. I'll post a review at some point, but if you want a great casting reel which is easy to maintain and don't need a clicker, get a Lexa and save yourself the $75-100.

Trevala MH 6-6. Daiwa Lexa 300 Just do it and don't look back. You will be happy. I don't like the ML because ya never know.

Hmmm ... someone likes their Lexa.  When we going too see you thoughts vs. the toro.

-Allen

I agree with the recommendation but the Lexa/Trevala is $300+ and an Ugly stick/Penn is <$150. As far as Lexa vs Toro I have owned both and that is an interesting comparison. The Toro priced themselves almost into the Calcutta category. I'll post a review at some point, but if you want a great casting reel which is easy to maintain and don't need a clicker, get a Lexa and save yourself the $75-100.

I dont see where he says hr wants a value setup.

Ive never really owned a low profile baitcaster for the salt.   Would love to see reviews feom both you guys.

-Allen

My favorite is still the Shimano Trevala MH 6'6", paired with a Shimano Cardiff 400.  I have the ML and do like using it for rockies because it jigs the lighter jigs really well.  But the MH will jig up to 6oz and have a lot of backbone for fighting lings and other large fish like halibut.  The Cardiff is a good cheap reel, but if you want to spend a little more, go with an Avet SX 5.3.  Might be hard to learn to use at first, but that is one bad ass reel.

A budget setup at this point in time would be nice but not required. I still need to buy an FF and looking at the Lowrance 5 and HH 5 series so that's gonna be another $400+. On top of the fact I just bought the yak, pfd, and paddle for $1150 on Sunday, I am not sure how much I can get away with without sleeping on the couch for a month.

At this point in time I open to all setups and information so please keep it coming. Thank you for all the input up to this point.

trevala ML with abu garcia 6500 (works for all but the biggest). This set up will run you about 200.  Its always in my rod holder. For big boys the Trevala MH with the avet sx about 400 but there are cheaper reels that do just as well.