Rod suggestions? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

William Novotny · 03-19-2014, 05:11 PM

Look into the uglystick tigers. They are reasonably priced and have a variety of sizes. I go by feel more then line rating since most rods are rated for mono and I use mostly braid. Tug on the rod tip and look for where the bend is. Look for one that most of the bend is at the end, that has sturdy backbone to wrench on fish and with a sensitive tip. You want that so you can detect bites and for halibut head shakes so they don't throw the hook. With that said there is no one tool for any job.

tacmik · 03-19-2014, 05:24 PM

What he said. Ugly stick, inexpensive, but good.

Dannowar · 03-19-2014, 07:22 PM

I don't think I own two of the same rods

Talk to fishaholic, he'll set you up beautifully

jorluivil · 03-20-2014, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by William Novotny

Look into the uglystick tigers. They are reasonably priced and have a variety of sizes. I go by feel more then line rating since most rods are rated for mono and I use mostly braid. Tug on the rod tip and look for where the bend is. Look for one that most of the bend is at the end, that has sturdy backbone to wrench on fish and with a sensitive tip. You want that so you can detect bites and for halibut head shakes so they don't throw the hook. With that said there is no one tool for any job.

I have an ugly that I bought back in 2003, it still catches the big ones.

ful-rac · 03-20-2014, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jorluivil

I have an ugly that I bought back in 2003, it still catches the big ones.

Yeah but my calstars catch'em with style

Hunters Pa · 03-20-2014, 12:15 PM

Get three decent setups tailored to different uses.

You can use a Swiss Army knife to do a lot of things, but you can do them a lot better with a semi-decent screwdriver, fork and hammer.

pbb · 03-29-2014, 11:24 AM

Thanks for everybody's feedback.

I realized that what I felt was lacking was a heavier pole for jigging.

Being cheap and prone to buy old used but solid stuff, and given what eveyone said in praise of Calstar, My research turned up info that pre-Penn Sabre/California Tackle rods were made by Leon Todd before he founded Calstar.

So I just bought used a 50lb class Sabre GS6550 rod with a Daiwa 350H reel at a local pawn shop for $80. Might be a bit too stiff, but I'll give it a try.

03-19-2014, 05:11 PM	#1
William Novotny The carpetbagger Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: tha newps Posts: 1,474	Look into the uglystick tigers. They are reasonably priced and have a variety of sizes. I go by feel more then line rating since most rods are rated for mono and I use mostly braid. Tug on the rod tip and look for where the bend is. Look for one that most of the bend is at the end, that has sturdy backbone to wrench on fish and with a sensitive tip. You want that so you can detect bites and for halibut head shakes so they don't throw the hook. With that said there is no one tool for any job. __________________ "The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope." http://www.badinfluencetattoo.com/gallery.php?artist=21 Last edited by William Novotny; 03-19-2014 at 06:12 PM.

03-19-2014, 05:24 PM	#2
tacmik Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: East County Posts: 914	What he said. Ugly stick, inexpensive, but good. __________________

03-19-2014, 07:22 PM	#3
Dannowar Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 1,823	I don't think I own two of the same rods Talk to fishaholic, he'll set you up beautifully __________________ "Beware the lollipop of mediocrity; lick it once and you’ll suck forever." — Brian Wilson

03-20-2014, 12:15 PM	#6
Hunters Pa Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Fullerton Posts: 1,361	Get three decent setups tailored to different uses. You can use a Swiss Army knife to do a lot of things, but you can do them a lot better with a semi-decent screwdriver, fork and hammer.

03-29-2014, 11:24 AM	#7
pbb Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: San Diego Posts: 149	Thanks for everybody's feedback. I realized that what I felt was lacking was a heavier pole for jigging. Being cheap and prone to buy old used but solid stuff, and given what eveyone said in praise of Calstar, My research turned up info that pre-Penn Sabre/California Tackle rods were made by Leon Todd before he founded Calstar. So I just bought used a 50lb class Sabre GS6550 rod with a Daiwa 350H reel at a local pawn shop for $80. Might be a bit too stiff, but I'll give it a try.