Probably need to buy salt reel

Since I'm expecting a kayak soon I'm also starting to think about everything I'll need for the big blue.

Up until now I've only fished freshwater.. gone for salmon a bit but cats are usually the biggest I've been targeting.

I have a feeling I can make do with my Ugly Stick Tiger elite 7" heavy spinner as a general use rod.

The biggest reel I have is a Stradic C5000. I think it's got 24# of drag and holds around 160y of 40# braid... I'm sure I could make it work if I nothing big ever hits but I would like to go for halibut and tuna so a dedicated salt reel seems like a must.

What spinning reels around or under $100 has everyone had luck with? I'm really looking for something that I can use as general purpose and will think about something more specialized down the road.

I use Daiwa BG 2500 for salmon and big striper. without issue. But your stradic should handle tuna up to 60 ib. Might have to chase them down a bit.

your reel should work perfectly. If you still want one dedicated for the salt, yakyakyak has a Shimano Spheros 6000 for sale. http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=88549.0. for $89

that stradic should be perfect though.

You’re funny, you just want to start spending money like some of us...that 5000 is the perfect size no?...for the ocean, 24lbs of drag...40lb test...cannot imagine using more than 10lbs of drag anywhere but I’m sure some others might catch bigger stuff....2 cents to donate for your slaying decisions

So.. you'll find I don't know a hell of a lot about fishing in general.. ha

If this reel really will serve me so well on the ocean then I'm more than happy to make it my dedicated reel. I have a Sedona C3000 and a Stradic CI4+ that I can keep as dedicated fresh reels.

So would running 40# serve me fine in just about any situation or should I think about ordering something a bit heavier? I already have 500yds of kastking 40# bright yellow line sitting around that needs using.

So.. you'll find I don't know a hell of a lot about fishing in general.. ha

If this reel really will serve me so well on the ocean then I'm more than happy to make it my dedicated reel. I have a Sedona C3000 and a Stradic CI4+ that I can keep as dedicated fresh reels.

So would running 40# serve me fine in just about any situation or should I think about ordering something a bit heavier? I already have 500yds of kastking 40# bright yellow line sitting around that needs using.

Everyone has different philosophies.  I run 30lb braid as a base but change my leaders according to fish type.  I run a 20-30lb topshot, monofilament, 25/30ft tied to my braid with an fg knot then a barrel swivel for an assortment of leader types...

So.. you'll find I don't know a hell of a lot about fishing in general.. ha

If this reel really will serve me so well on the ocean then I'm more than happy to make it my dedicated reel. I have a Sedona C3000 and a Stradic CI4+ that I can keep as dedicated fresh reels.

So would running 40# serve me fine in just about any situation or should I think about ordering something a bit heavier? I already have 500yds of kastking 40# bright yellow line sitting around that needs using.

Everyone has different philosophies.  I run 30lb braid as a base but change my leaders according to fish type.  I run a 20-30lb topshot, monofilament, 25/30ft tied to my braid with an fg knot then a barrel swivel for an assortment of leader types...

I did some browsing and it looks like 40# braided main with a heavier mono topshot + leader may do well for me.

My main concern beyond test was length of line. What's the minimum I should spoil? Assuming breaks and runners will be an issue.

I'm usually fishing in 80 feet or less of water, I use 50# because it's what I had.  I run my braid all the way to whatever leader I'm using.

vertical jigging you're not going to need a lot of line, trolling with a down diver or bounce ball you'll obviously need more line.

I would just fill it up with your 40# braid, and you shouldn't have to worry about running out.

Sounds good. I'll use what I have and see how things go before I buy anything.

I'm usually fishing in 80 feet or less of water, I use 50# because it's what I had.  I run my braid all the way to whatever leader I'm using.

vertical jigging you're not going to need a lot of line, trolling with a down diver or bounce ball you'll obviously need more line.

I would just fill it up with your 40# braid, and you shouldn't have to worry about running out.

Can you imagine a fish hauling two and 1/2 football fields off your reel...I guess in white seabass country but not likely?   It would funny if I got spooled and broke off this Monday...a thresher might do it for sure...

Keep in mind that breaking off, once hooked on the bottom while using a heavy line, it is not an easy task while on the kayak. Go lighter on the leader.

Keep in mind that breaking off, once hooked on the bottom while using a heavy line, it is not an easy task while on the kayak. Go lighter on the leader.

If you're not experienced at kayak fishing, I would suggest using your 40# line with a 20-25# leader.  In an abundance of caution I use 30# braid for everything, then adjust leaders accordingly.  I've caught 3, 50+# sturgeon with that 30# line. Of course sturgeon have no rocks to hide in so horsing them up off the bottom isn't necessary, slow and steady does it.  I have lost a ling or 2 trying to get them up off the bottom in a hurry, it's a tradeoff,

A small wave hitting you wrong while you're trying to break off a snag will flip you quicker than you can blink an eye.

Of course being overcautious is kinda my middle name.

I used to use 50 lb braid but changed to 20Lb -found it to cast a heck of a lot farther and drop faster in the water column with lighter weight. plenty strong with adjusted drag. Great for casting to busting small tuna when needing an extra few feet and jigging lake trout  100feet down with light jig.

And then, the next setup could be a conventional or casting style.  Much better for jigging and bottom fishg.  And trolling.

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