Thoughts on rod lengths/cheaper reels for yakking - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Billy V · 08-24-2009, 01:21 PM

My hands down favorite rod/reel set up for Kayak Fishing is:

A 7 ft. Graftech 20-30 Rod with a Diawa Sealine X 40 HA 5:1 Reel.

This combination weighs almost nothing, super light, but strong enough to handle good size Thresher Shark, all size Yellowtail, BSB, WSB and anything La Jolla Has to offer.

This year I had my share of speed demon hook ups on threshers and the drags held up fine.
I recently swapped out the stock drags for Carbotex Carbon Fiber Drags and the reel performs even better.

The rod retails for $169, but periodically go on sale for $135.
They were ON Sale Big Time at last years Fred Hall Show for $99

The Reel is typically $120. Spool it up with 30 lb P-Line Mono and your Good to Go for Most Everything.
-Except fishing directly in the kelp. You will need Spectra for that.

Whizz Bang · 08-24-2009, 02:52 PM

Mike,

I bought my kayak about 8 or 9 weeks ago. Before that, I was the guy who fished the cattleboats a measly 6 times a season. Often, I would have one of the deckhands tie my hook for me. Pathetic. 9 weeks ago I "stumbled" across the niche sport of kayak fishing and my life changed. I went to Ric at OEX Kearny and told him I needed everything. He talked me through it every step of the way. I owe Ric big time and he has my loyalty as a return customer forever.
I then bought my gear rods/reels/tackle and started teaching myself how to fish. I became addicted to the various sites dedicated to this sport and have read every article posted on 'How to Catch ____' (fill in the species) at least twice. I have never fished the bay. My first time on my kayak, or any kayak, was at La Jolla. With the exception of one fruitless morning at coronado, La Jolla is the only place Ive ever launched.

The only thing you should be concerned about is dumping your rig at the launch. That is really the most probable concern you have. No one likes to lose gear.

I think we need to take the mystique out of this whole La Jolla/ocean thing. My offer is still open to take you out. I understand your concerns about being in shape, however, great fishing can be had from a very comfortable distance/easy paddle from the launch. How about this weekend? I have been logging alot of hours out there recently. Most of them fruitless, but I promise not to laugh, anything you could do Ive probably already done it. In fact we can start the am with a couple of practice launches and a self rescue (no gear) if that would increase the comfort level.

Now for the Sabiki rig: I have the chopped version and it works great. If I could go back and do it again, I would go with the longer version. It is a pain to have to trim down the sabiki rig to fit the length. I can only really fish 3-4 hooks. I have never had anything bigger than a bonito chase my bait...but the only concern is that you would break your sabiki rig, not the rod. Honestly, I pray for the day that big fish are crashing my sabiki....that would be one epic day of fishing.

I now know what Ive been missing, and it kills me to see someone standing on the sidelines and hesitating...DO IT! PM me and lets go.

yakrider · 08-24-2009, 04:36 PM

You bought the Avets to use...
use them...
I fish with Trinidads at La Jolla and everywhere else I fish
boat, kayak...it's all the same...
If the surf is questionable...I stow on launch...
and no matter what the conditions...
I always stow on landing...
the reels come off the rods and go into a drybag
and go inside the kayak all the time...
then get rinsed off at home...
use the good stuff...
it's way more fun...
you own it...
use it...

Whizz Bang · 08-28-2009, 04:31 AM

I just got a PM. Im taking Mike out Saturday. Hes finally gonna do it.

I can just see the tour now. And over here I saw one of Josh's clients take a big one. Over there I saw another one josh's clients take one. Over there I saw a picture of one of Joshs clients holding one........

Billy V · 08-28-2009, 12:13 PM

Take your kayak wheels for the return trip from the launch, Saturday is always crowded. Bring your hot weather gear and stay hydrated.

Catch a Big One.

warrior · 08-28-2009, 12:55 PM

I'm an orange county yakker but I've fished LJ twice everyone one was helpful especially mike (miguelitro) I'm recuperating from knee surgery but I'm hoping to try my newest Yak (15 trident) soon.

I love my sealine 20 & 30, looks like I'll be adding a 40, I also use my jigmasters and a shimano 15/30. I'm a pretty good caster but I leave my 9 footers for the boat; mainly use calstar and seeker 6 and 7 footers. I must admit that I have a few big five "on sale rods" that work just as well. I think the blanks and wraps are fine but the eyes seem to wear faster. I clean everything after each use and so no problems there.

Most of us have built our fishing gear over years so take it slow and see what you need and like what you buy; you'll save money in the long run.

Go get em!

IntrntFshrman · 08-28-2009, 02:07 PM

Guys, I'm so excited at going out tomorrow! Eric is going out today so I'll know how things are biting soon. With the intense heat, I'm hoping the water heats up and we see some action.

With things being so warm, do you guys think swim trunks and a decent shirt/hat/good sunblock is enough? How much water do you bring on board? I was thinking of going to bass pro shops (closest thing to me...no 'oex-type' places I know of nearby) to get some yakking clothes, but I don't just want to run out and buy any old thing if trunks/what I have will work in this weather.

Also, I don't think I can stay the entire day so exposure shouldn't be a big issue.

Any last minute advice? I'm thinking of bringing the following:

LX 6.01 40lb straight mono/matched calstar rod--bait rig/yo-yo jig rig.

JX 2 speed spectra backing but 90-100yds 40lb top shot matching seeker american series rod--surface jig. The rod is only 6 1/2 feet long but I really don't want to bring my 9' ULUA super seeker on the first trip to take a dump and lose it or something else...

SX 15lb mono seeker matched blue series for calicos/bonito.

I have one of those Sabiki rods but don't want the hassle of putting the SX on/off it so I think I'll bring a little 4lb test trout spinning rod I have.

I figure this is enough for first time, no? I have weights/hooks/Tady 45s in a few colors and the Tady surface ones as well. I have some jig baits as well for calicos.

The only thing I'm wondering is will the trout sabiki be a big hassle on the yak? Should I get a cheap little newell or something to put on it? Or even duct tape the spinning reel to it?

Can't wait!!!!

08-24-2009, 02:52 PM	#2
Whizz Bang Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 396	Mike, lets go fishing this weekend! Mike, I bought my kayak about 8 or 9 weeks ago. Before that, I was the guy who fished the cattleboats a measly 6 times a season. Often, I would have one of the deckhands tie my hook for me. Pathetic. 9 weeks ago I "stumbled" across the niche sport of kayak fishing and my life changed. I went to Ric at OEX Kearny and told him I needed everything. He talked me through it every step of the way. I owe Ric big time and he has my loyalty as a return customer forever. I then bought my gear rods/reels/tackle and started teaching myself how to fish. I became addicted to the various sites dedicated to this sport and have read every article posted on 'How to Catch ____' (fill in the species) at least twice. I have never fished the bay. My first time on my kayak, or any kayak, was at La Jolla. With the exception of one fruitless morning at coronado, La Jolla is the only place Ive ever launched. The only thing you should be concerned about is dumping your rig at the launch. That is really the most probable concern you have. No one likes to lose gear. I think we need to take the mystique out of this whole La Jolla/ocean thing. My offer is still open to take you out. I understand your concerns about being in shape, however, great fishing can be had from a very comfortable distance/easy paddle from the launch. How about this weekend? I have been logging alot of hours out there recently. Most of them fruitless, but I promise not to laugh, anything you could do Ive probably already done it. In fact we can start the am with a couple of practice launches and a self rescue (no gear) if that would increase the comfort level. Now for the Sabiki rig: I have the chopped version and it works great. If I could go back and do it again, I would go with the longer version. It is a pain to have to trim down the sabiki rig to fit the length. I can only really fish 3-4 hooks. I have never had anything bigger than a bonito chase my bait...but the only concern is that you would break your sabiki rig, not the rod. Honestly, I pray for the day that big fish are crashing my sabiki....that would be one epic day of fishing. I now know what Ive been missing, and it kills me to see someone standing on the sidelines and hesitating...DO IT! PM me and lets go.

08-28-2009, 12:55 PM	#6
warrior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Huntington Beach Posts: 99	you'll have a blast I'm an orange county yakker but I've fished LJ twice everyone one was helpful especially mike (miguelitro) I'm recuperating from knee surgery but I'm hoping to try my newest Yak (15 trident) soon. I love my sealine 20 & 30, looks like I'll be adding a 40, I also use my jigmasters and a shimano 15/30. I'm a pretty good caster but I leave my 9 footers for the boat; mainly use calstar and seeker 6 and 7 footers. I must admit that I have a few big five "on sale rods" that work just as well. I think the blanks and wraps are fine but the eyes seem to wear faster. I clean everything after each use and so no problems there. Most of us have built our fishing gear over years so take it slow and see what you need and like what you buy; you'll save money in the long run. Go get em!

08-28-2009, 02:07 PM	#7
IntrntFshrman Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Rancho Cucamonga, CA Posts: 82	Excited Guys, I'm so excited at going out tomorrow! Eric is going out today so I'll know how things are biting soon. With the intense heat, I'm hoping the water heats up and we see some action. With things being so warm, do you guys think swim trunks and a decent shirt/hat/good sunblock is enough? How much water do you bring on board? I was thinking of going to bass pro shops (closest thing to me...no 'oex-type' places I know of nearby) to get some yakking clothes, but I don't just want to run out and buy any old thing if trunks/what I have will work in this weather. Also, I don't think I can stay the entire day so exposure shouldn't be a big issue. Any last minute advice? I'm thinking of bringing the following: LX 6.01 40lb straight mono/matched calstar rod--bait rig/yo-yo jig rig. JX 2 speed spectra backing but 90-100yds 40lb top shot matching seeker american series rod--surface jig. The rod is only 6 1/2 feet long but I really don't want to bring my 9' ULUA super seeker on the first trip to take a dump and lose it or something else... SX 15lb mono seeker matched blue series for calicos/bonito. I have one of those Sabiki rods but don't want the hassle of putting the SX on/off it so I think I'll bring a little 4lb test trout spinning rod I have. I figure this is enough for first time, no? I have weights/hooks/Tady 45s in a few colors and the Tady surface ones as well. I have some jig baits as well for calicos. The only thing I'm wondering is will the trout sabiki be a big hassle on the yak? Should I get a cheap little newell or something to put on it? Or even duct tape the spinning reel to it? Can't wait!!!!

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08-24-2009, 01:21 PM	#1
Billy V Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bay Ho Posts: 1,382	My hands down favorite rod/reel set up for Kayak Fishing is: A 7 ft. Graftech 20-30 Rod with a Diawa Sealine X 40 HA 5:1 Reel. This combination weighs almost nothing, super light, but strong enough to handle good size Thresher Shark, all size Yellowtail, BSB, WSB and anything La Jolla Has to offer. This year I had my share of speed demon hook ups on threshers and the drags held up fine. I recently swapped out the stock drags for Carbotex Carbon Fiber Drags and the reel performs even better. The rod retails for $169, but periodically go on sale for $135. They were ON Sale Big Time at last years Fred Hall Show for $99 The Reel is typically $120. Spool it up with 30 lb P-Line Mono and your Good to Go for Most Everything. -Except fishing directly in the kelp. You will need Spectra for that.

08-24-2009, 04:36 PM	#3
yakrider Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 611	You bought the Avets to use... use them... I fish with Trinidads at La Jolla and everywhere else I fish boat, kayak...it's all the same... If the surf is questionable...I stow on launch... and no matter what the conditions... I always stow on landing... the reels come off the rods and go into a drybag and go inside the kayak all the time... then get rinsed off at home... use the good stuff... it's way more fun... you own it... use it...

08-28-2009, 04:31 AM	#4
Whizz Bang Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 396	I just got a PM. Im taking Mike out Saturday. Hes finally gonna do it. I can just see the tour now. And over here I saw one of Josh's clients take a big one. Over there I saw another one josh's clients take one. Over there I saw a picture of one of Joshs clients holding one........

08-28-2009, 12:13 PM	#5
Billy V Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bay Ho Posts: 1,382	Take your kayak wheels for the return trip from the launch, Saturday is always crowded. Bring your hot weather gear and stay hydrated. Catch a Big One.