Kayak Rod suggestions for bay/ocean

I'm looking for a good all-around rod to use in the bay and ocean that isn't too expensive. I know there isn't a one size fits all rod, but maybe there's something close? The Ugly Stik Tigers series look promising but wanted to ask the guys who've been doing this for a while.

Type of fishing I plan to do...trolling/drifting for halibut/salmon, jigging for lings/rockfish.

Ugly stick is probably what your looking for just pick the size your wanting based on what your fishing for. Most of my rods were ugly sticks for the longest time, they last and dont die even had one fly off the peir because i was an idiot and no problems with them at all.

I've been using the Ugly Stick for years. It's a great rod, especially the price.

I have been eyeing this one but it is pricey, looks like it has nice action though. Maybe some day.

https://www.tackledirect.com/shimano-tlc70hbbl-tallus-blue-water-conventional-rod.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIlr-TvZ_Z2QIVEKlpCh2HpAM4EAQYASABEgK4K_D_BwE

 On the cheap side of things, the Daiwa FT rods are hard to beat: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01J6IGQJ0

They work well for jigging and pulling big lings out of the rocks.

For salmon, especially if you are fishing braid, I like a long, limber rod.  Like 10 feet, and nice and noodly.

Uglystik Tiger is good bet. Just pick whatever power you want

Ugly sticks. None of my fishing rods and reels have taken a beating until I got into kayak fishing. From dealing with the salt water and banging them around, also the possibility of losing them overboard. Cant go wrong the the Ugly Stick Tiger Lite! I fish with 3 different kinds depending on species.

Ugly sticks. None of my fishing rods and reels have taken a beating until I got into kayak fishing. From dealing with the salt water and banging them around, also the possibility of losing them overboard. Cant go wrong the the Ugly Stick Tiger Lite! I fish with 3 different kinds depending on species.

+8 (that is the number of Ugly Stik I have right now)

Thanks guys! Seems the Ugly Stik is the rod of choice for many yakkers.

I use Ugly Stik Tiger Conventional. I have a couple different ones depending on what you're fishing for.

If you buy rod and Gear Guard through BassPro you can return them within 2 years and get brand new replacements, no questions asked.

I've used Ugly Stiks for years - they work. 

- 38 pound salmon
- 35 pound halibut
- 27 pound lingcod
- 80 pound thresher
- 15 pound steelhead

Almost every one of those on barbless hooks and 20 pound leader or less - good rod is a big part of it.

Lots of good info in this thread, and in the other threads referenced within it:

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=62207.msg697785#msg697785

Ugly Sticks are great. 7' is a good length to get around the bow of a typical kayak.

7' Ugly Stick is my all around favorite go to yak stick. It's not so long that one end is in the water when getting fish off or working on the line, hooks, etc. I mostly rock fish with mine. 
E~

I prefer the trevala over the ugly stik.i like the overall feel and action of the trevala.if your near a bass pro,stop in and do a comparison

I also prefer the weight & feel of a trevala. It starts to wear on your arms if you're working a heavy rod & reel all day while paddling a kayak. I also like the teramar rods. But I started with Ugly Stick Tiger rods (actually started w/shakespeare junk) and they're a good value. Plus they're pretty versatile. I just don't like the feel & action on them anymore.

I'm looking for a good all-around rod to use in the bay and ocean that isn't too expensive. I know there isn't a one size fits all rod, but maybe there's something close? The Ugly Stik Tigers series look promising but wanted to ask the guys who've been doing this for a while.

Type of fishing I plan to do...trolling/drifting for halibut/salmon, jigging for lings/rockfish.

CalStar 196-7ft-  Cast twice as much as an ugly stick but is 10X better rod, for feel, strength craftsmanship.  IMHO

I’ve got the Trevala, they’re more expensive than the Ugly Stick but worth it.


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