Is this a good starter rod/reel: Shakespeare Catch More Fish

I've done the search on here and read some of the topics on what rod/reel to use, but still unsure what to get. I need to keep the cost low. I saw this one and it seems to include everything needed to get started. It fits some of the recommendations I've seen in other messages on here:

7 ft
spinning
medium power

It comes with 10 lb. line, not sure if that's sufficient? I don't plan to catch large fish, just maybe rockfish and things like that.

http://www.basspro.com/Shakespeare-Catch-More-Fish-Spinning-Rod-and-Reel-Combo-for-Inshore/product/10227251/

I hope I'm allowed to post links here? Let me know if not and I'll remove it.

It's $40 which seems pretty inexpensive? I'm sure I'll get what I pay for but just looking for something that will catch some fish and last maybe a year or two until I've got more experience.

You can catch fish on any rod. 10b line may be ok at first, but will probably not last too long. You can always change line or gear down the road. You may get by for a little bit on that.

You need to consider some safety gear too before hitting the ocean. PFD, radio, immersion gear since the water is around 50* right now.

I'd suggest a little heavier line. Of course, you want to be able to break off when necessary, but 10# line is probably too light for rockfish and especially lingcod.

Good advice here.

I'll add this:  when I started out I went through a few Shakespeare "Big Water Combo" setups.  It was $40 for a full size rod with a spinning reel full of 20 or 25 pound line - how could you go wrong?  I brought up plenty of big lings and salmon on those before I upgraded to Ulgystik/Penn type combo (yes, I'm still not high tech!). 

Anyway, if I were you I'd look for Shakespeare's or another maker's bigger gear in that all-in-one setup of rod, reel and line.  Like the members here said, you need heavier line like 20 to 25 pound test.  No one fishes in the ocean with 10 pound unless they're on a specific mission!  Even if you only want little rockfish, when you fish the ocean you have the potential to catch many big game fish - be ready!  I see a lingcod in your future.

Best of luck to you. 

Yeah 20- 30 mono line is ocean ready. A penn 209 is great starter reel,even a baitcaster my favorite -such as Abu or quantum which is more $$. Best of luck OTW

If you aren't in a big hurry, spend a little time looking around thrift stores and garage sales. You can often score an old Penn reel or an ocean-ready beater rod for $5-10.


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The only thing I'll add is to check out Angler's Choice Tackle Shop in Capitola.

http://www.theanglerschoicetackleshop.com/

Mark and Julia are super nice, have a wide range of tackle/gear and are a great resource for Santa Cruz County.

 

Sincerely,

Jim

You can most certainly catch fish with that combo.  10LB is a little light, but I've seen salmon caught on 8lb too.  Not a bad first rockfishing combo though if that's what your targeting.  Going light works well for lots of people, and makes catching fish more fun! I'd be looking for something a little heavier after that in a conventional reel type setup for bigger game fish like lings and halibut.

check out these deals posted up by P Sherman,

http://www.uglystik.com/uglystik-clearance/

suggested rod about 7 ft, action medium, spin or cast, line about 20#,

Shop that link for some pretty good inexpensive all around starter setups.

That link above for the ugly stick clearance is the wAy to go.  I just ordered another as a backup to my trolling rod I'm using now.

The old penn jigmasters, senators, make awesome starter reels.  Easy to maintain and find parts on the cheap.  I've got several hangin on the wall in my garage.  There's lots of upgrades to beef em up too. 

check out these deals posted up by P Sherman,

http://www.uglystik.com/uglystik-clearance/

suggested rod about 7 ft, action medium, spin or cast, line about 20#,

Shop that link for some pretty good inexpensive all around starter setups.

Do you recommend 1 piece?  I have the T13 and would like to stow for surf launches and landings when that time comes!

I have an older (call it version 1) T13, and I just taped out 95" from the front of the rod pod opening back to the stern, plenty of room for a 7 ft rod, maybe even an 8 footer.

Thanks Dale!

Thanks for all the great info everyone; I'll do some more reading and looking around before buying. The one I used in the class was an Ugly Stick Lite that also said Shakespeare on it. I would guess it was around 7'. I don't know what type of reel it was, it had a lever to release the line rather than a metal bar, but other than that I have no idea.

One of the reasons I don't want bigger fish is I haven't actually touched a live fish yet - the instructor took care of that part - and I think I'd be a bit scared trying to handle a large fish (or a small one...)

Thanks for the reminders about safety gear, always a good idea. I've been ocean kayaking for several years, so fortunately I've got all the safety gear already, including a marine radio. I just don't own any fishing gear yet.

I'd recommend a casting rod setup for the kayak. Baitcasting reels are easier to use one handed specially if they are the low profile type. They are also easier to control when dropping your line unless you're casting out.

Get the Ugly Stik Lite, you can't go wrong with these rods.
http://www.uglystik.com/uglystik-rods-casting-rods/ugly-stik-tiger-lite-casting-rod/1365049.html#prefn1=ZZRNPC&prefn2=ZZSUBCAT&prefv1=1&prefv2=Casting%252520Rods&start=6
MODEL # BWCL220070

I know some guys here would rather have you get the Medium or Medium Heavy, the Heavy action still has a fast tip. You can't beat that price.

Down the road, you can upgrade your equipment.

Good luck.