Islander 3-day Gear List

Big 5 had a 7 foot 20-50 lb rod for $90. It is by Sabre called the Pacifica 'Meat Rod'. Looked like a good rod for the trip but at $90 a little pricey for the limited use I would get out of it......until today....I saw it on sale at Big 5 today for $40 so I snagged it. I am sure the same sale is going on at a Big 5 near you.

Tote, sounds like a good yellowtail stick for $40... good length, and line rating... Be careful with those Big 5 rods... I have bought various models, and to be honest, they use CHEAP guides, that rust quickly, rods are decent.... if you guys are looking to match up rods that won't break the bank, with the reels mentioned by PAL, give these a check, BP Powerstick... I use them... cheap, but do the trick...  It is pretty much a replica of the Penn Powerstick....  I have caught #30 YFT, #52 WSB, #120 Mr. T, Various #20-30 YT on these rods, and havent had one fail on me... (knock on wood )  I like the Daiwa Sealine 40 with 300 yrds #65 spectra, 7ft powerstick 20-40... I also have the #30-50, just a little shorter...

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10151&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&partNumber=72595&hvarTarget=search&cmCat=SearchResults

Check those Sabre by Penns pretty carfully.  I've sighted down some and the eyes were all over the place.  They are decent sticks, but nothing compared to the old school Sabres from before Penn took them over.

I can't wait on this!  I sent a message to the Islander for their recommendations.  I'll be bringing gear from a 12# Calico stick I'm wrapping (if the kids will let me finish ) to a trolling setup for when we are on the move.

I'll post any info I get.

Hunter PA

check out the websites for the royal polaris, excel and red rooster for specific recommendations for rods and reels. The decision is highly personal which may be why Paul was vague. After years of long range my current favorites are Calstar Grafighters and Avet 2 speed reels. But I know others who hate them. I wrap my own rods and think that that the Calstar GF 700L  with a Avet SX reel is a great 20-25# pelagic set up. I know others that swear by seekers and accurates. Its all about preferences and budget. BTW, in my experience it is the reel that fails more.

scott

Scott, Please do not forget you offered to lend me a setup to add to my basic RF stuff for this trip.  I fully intend to take you up on this offer.

Thanks Buddy.

Thanks GB2,

I was looking for something like:

Trolling setup (optional)
40-50# setup for heavy bait/Yoyo
30-40 setup for flyline bait, surface iron
20-30 setup for smaller bait
15-20 setup for calico/lineshy apps
12# for plastics

4-4/0 tuna hooks
appropriate weight assortment
etc.

I don't want to bring the whole arsenal but I want to make sure potential applications are covered.  We've all seen them on the party boats - they bring a footlocker of 40-years worth of amassing tackle and 17 sticks for a 2 day run.  

I know it is a very personal choice.  Right now I think half the rods will be ones I built (Graphite USA, Seeker, Calstar) and the others will be purchased (Old school Sabre, Seeker). and a Torium 14, Pro Gear 280, 440, and 540, a Penn 6/0 (for trolling while on the move).  My main concern was on the terminal tackle, making sure I had their recommendations covered before tossing in my old favorites and a few SoCal secret weapons.  And one thing I try to make sure I do on EVERY trip, whether offshore, inshore, or fresh, is learn something new.

I'll take a look at those sites and probably give the Islander guys a call the week before to see what the recent action is.  I'll also talk to a local charter captain I know to see what he'd recommend for terminal tackle.

Cheers!

Hunters Pa

ADDED LATER::  JEEZ, Paul had all this info listed.  I plead, well, nothing really beyond trying to scan a post at work in a cube with people constantly butting in.  Can't these work people see that I'm trying to get read to fish????

Scott, Please do not forget you offered to lend me a setup to add to my basic RF stuff for this trip.  I fully intend to take you up on this offer.

Thanks Buddy.

Etienne -

I will be bringing a couple of rigs for you to use (25# & 30#). Your choice of avet, newell or shimano reels. Did you want to use a 6'6" or 7' rod, I have both. I know you use a 6'6" trevala. Your boat isn't too long so it a matter of preference. Also do you prefer lever drag or star drag?

Scott

Star drags will not last as long as Levers.  But, it can be dialed in better.  Only, thing is if you get a big fish and they only make 2 speeds in lever.  2 speeds Rule...then.

Ken kickfish

Hunters PA

Based on some discussions with Paul, here is what I am bringing...

On the kayak...
Calstar 270-7 - newell 20# fluoro- fly lining and swim baits
Calstar 700ML - avet sx 6/4 50# spectra 25-30# fluoro topshot - jigging and live bait
Calstar 700M - avet lx 50# spectra - 30# mono topshot - dropper loop and trolling

On the boat...
Calstar 700H - newell 40-50# or avet 4/0 2 speed
Back up 30# rig
calico bass rig


Paul advised against going heavier than 30# on the yak, and after some thought I would agree.

scott

Seeing the enthusiasm for our trip gets me fired up! Believe me, the anticipation is costing me sleep too.

Regarding gear, I kept the list deliberately short and simple. The way I figure it, people who haven't tasted big game from the kayak are best served to keep it light, 30 lbs and under. You can only pull so hard from 'yak anyhow. I also didn't want to overwhelm anyone with a huge list of recommended equipment. When it comes to rods and reels, I listed the minimum Must Haves. I'm convinced anyone who brings a 30 class reel or two matched to an appropriate rod will be in the game, but don't neglect a 15 lb setup.   

I also assumed that people who've messed around with the heavier fish, either from a boat or a kayak, already have a good idea of what works for them individually. If you fit this category, by all means bring the stuff that makes you most confident and comfortable. Anyone who has a full quiver is encouraged to bring their entire tool chest. Will you use that 60lb outfit? Probably not, but you never know.   

Scott,

I never used a lever but that sounds like a good way to go.  No time to learn like the present.  In terms of length 7 is good.  I have some 7 foot rods as well as the Trevala but that is the go to these days along with the Tekota that setup has 50# braid that I tip with mono so I will bring it also.  Thanks ahead of time. 

Scott, Please do not forget you offered to lend me a setup to add to my basic RF stuff for this trip.  I fully intend to take you up on this offer.

Thanks Buddy.

Etienne -

I will be bringing a couple of rigs for you to use (25# & 30#). Your choice of avet, newell or shimano reels. Did you want to use a 6'6" or 7' rod, I have both. I know you use a 6'6" trevala. Your boat isn't too long so it a matter of preference. Also do you prefer lever drag or star drag?

Scott

For those looking for a nice 20# class lever drag, charkbait.com has a nice avet MXJ on sale for $149 but you should order soon.
http://www.charkbait.com/specials.htm

Insert Quote
For those looking for a nice 20# class lever drag, charkbait.com has a nice avet MXJ on sale for $149 but you should order soon.

Great Bass 2,
Funny you should post this "special" today. I was on that web site earlier today and had a blue MXJ in the shopping cart for $169 and was down to putting in the visa info when I decided I really didn't need another reel and bailed. I already had my SX with me and was heading to Fisherman's Warehouse at lunch to wind on 300 yds of 50 lb. braid, so I thought forget it, I'm really set. An unusual display of self-restraint.
Then your post: well, $149, hmmm, okay, too good to pass up, so now I have a MXJ coming in the mail. Since today is my birthday and every fisherman of course, can rationalize a new reel, especially at such a good price, and on their B-day.
Thanks,
Steve

Steve -

Happy birthday!!!  Almost bought the avet MXJ myself but remembered I just bought a new fly reel for BAM and took a hit to my WAF on the purchase. I already own four Avet reels but at $149 it was really tempting. See you on the Islander.

Scott

Man that is tempting but I am not sure that I would use it enough to justify it.  Like you Scott, this trip is already a good hit on WAF what with gearing up etc.     Sure is fun though.