Starter Gear Recommendations

[Dave k]

2 rods is plenty to start with. I'd recommend one bait casting setup for bass and shallow rockfish, and 1 conventional for bigger stuff and deep water rockfish. Load both with braid and adjust the top shot/leader dependin on what you're doing that day.

As to the specifics, a lot will come down to personal preference, but as you mentioned you get what you pay for.

Reels: Daiwa Lexa is really tough to beat for the bait caster. Awesome reel for a pretty good price. For the conventional reel I'd recommend the Daiwa sealine series. Not as pretty and shiny as some stuff, but it's got plenty of guts at a good price. There are plenty of options, these are just a couple examples.

Rods: personally I fish everything 8' and longer but I also do a lot of fishing off private boats and like the length for getting around the outboards. I'm so used to 8'ers that anything shorter just feels awkward. I'd say something in the 12-25 or 10-20 range for the bait caster and 20-40 for the conventional. Tons of options. Spend some time at a tackle shop and pull on some to feel the differences.

Those 2 very versatile setups. You can use the lighter one to catch bait too once you start targeting big stuff.

I know this is pretty vague, but it's a big question that I could go on forever about. Hopefully it helps some.

I fish up your way quite a bit, hit me up if you want to fish. I've got extra yaks too until you get one.

[alanw]

The truth is to start all you need is a PFD, net, and whatever poles/tackle you already have.

For extra gear you can start at http://www.bigwatersedge.com/index.php?page=checklist. There's also a few good posts around here about what gear to get, but almost any setup you like will work.

[StinkyMatt]

Get a USED Daiwa 20. Spectra 50 or 65 on it. You can pull out every fish that you will catch from a kayak out here. Change your leader to fit your situation.

Should be able to pick a 20 for about 6o bucks.


This is the final word on reels.

I know everything....ignore all other posts!

[Beer Me]

Thanks for the info, it's appreciated. It's like I'm asking for honey holes or something. 250+ views and not even 10 replies. Awesome!

Understand that of those 250 views, 230 are probably wondering the same thing and came here looking for answers.

The truth is, there is no right answer. I followed the mighty internets suggestions on starter gear, and even after two years of west coast fishing I'm still constantly tweaking my quiver.

Go buy tho seeker stealths. They are cheap/durable and look good. I have landed every trophy in SD on mine. Get a 15-25 and 20-30# outfit. Stick two medium sized avets, tld 20 , Torium 14-20 or anything similar. It's really hard to go wrong. My buddy used a $100 penn combo from walmart with 30# pink ande and kills fish. It's personal preference and budget.

[ctfphoto]

Basic inexpensive set up for La Jolla is a decent 30 to 40 pound reel and pole to handle it. Big Five have great deals on poles.

Start with the right line: Get high quality (PowerPro) 65 pound dark green braid and then some 30 and 40 pound flouocarbon leader and your good to go.

I like less expensive reels ( that still work good) because they can get lost somewhat easily kayak fishing

Originally Posted by ctfphoto

Basic inexpensive set up for La Jolla is a decent 30 to 40 pound reel and pole to handle it. Big Five have great deals on poles.

Start with the right line: Get high quality (PowerPro) 65 pound dark green braid and then some 30 and 40 pound flouocarbon leader and your good to go.

I like less expensive reels ( that still work good) beuse they can get lost somewhat easily kayak fishing

If you think powerpro is high quality, you haven't done enough research. It's China made garbage. Charkbait has a great article about how poorly it is constructed.