Rod and reel question

[taggermike]

From a kayak I don't think many, or any, can horse in a big yellow tail no matter what the gear. I choose to use heavier gear; 65 lb braid, 30 or 40 lb leader, a Shimano TLD 15 lever drag and heavy all glass calstar rod. I've caught many yt on lighter gear but mostly use heavier gear now. Here are a few reasons. La Jolla can be a rough neighborhood; crowds, anchor lines, lobster trap lines, thick kelp, and too many too smart sea lions. Every second the fish is on the line increases it's odd of finding a way to get away, or get killed by a dog, and lowers your odds of landing the fish. I like fighting fish as well, but when you've been fishing all day for 1 bite and you fight the fish for 1/2 an hour only to have a dog get it you might with you'd had heavier gear. Lastly, I'd rather have too much rather than too little. There is always a chance you might hook a real trophy fish; 50 lb yt, 50 lb halibut 60-70ln seabass. By all means, use what you like. I prefer heavier gear. Mike