Trying to learn more about Rod and Reel setups - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Waterâ€™s Edge

Mahigeer · 01-16-2017, 05:05 PM

I use braid only on my Bait stick to have a better feel of the hit.

It has been my experience that once a mackerel is caught, you have two options. One to reel quickly and land one or two fish, or leave it and catch more.

However, hooking more mackerel increases the chances of tangles. I use about 3-4 OZ. sinker on my rig. It allows me to cast far from the piers.

Casting far is not needed from a kayak.

I have heard of using a heavier sinker like one pound can reduce the tangling, but I have never tried it.

The fouling of the Sabiki rig can happen with any rod anyhow.

I ordered my first 8' rod on line. When I received it, I felt that I would be laughed out of the piers. Thus, I sent it back and bought a 7' at the FHS.

Later I did buy a 8' at FHS and that rod allowed me to cast farther from the pier. I will use the 7' from my kayak.

The low profile casting reel allows a less sever angle from the reel to the hole in the rod where the line enters. Thus, for a better cast.

Hunters Pa · 01-16-2017, 05:28 PM

Disclaimer: I have worked the Fred Hall shows for Ahi/Promar for a couple years now

I started using the dedicated sabiki stck before my affiliation. I like being able to grab it and deploy a bait catcher within seconds if I see or meter bait. Especially important when bait is scarce. Yes, they are less sensitive and less flex. I use an old shimano Catala with 30# mono. Also, I like to use a heavy jig on the bottom because you never know what will be attracted to a couple baitfish in distress

To each their own. I have done the swivel-on-a-hook approach and it works. But you still need to roll up and stow the rig, then unroll, detangle and attach. Not usually a problem, but with cold hands that are not as nimble as they were 30 years ago I find that in the time it takes me to deploy in any other manner, I can already have a couple baits caught and in the tank with the dedicated stick.

Only one way you will determine if it is for you, and that is to try one out. I live in Fullerton, work in Huntington Beach, and you are welcome to borrow mine for one of your next outings if you want

01-16-2017, 05:05 PM	#1
Mahigeer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,910	I use braid only on my Bait stick to have a better feel of the hit. It has been my experience that once a mackerel is caught, you have two options. One to reel quickly and land one or two fish, or leave it and catch more. However, hooking more mackerel increases the chances of tangles. I use about 3-4 OZ. sinker on my rig. It allows me to cast far from the piers. Casting far is not needed from a kayak. I have heard of using a heavier sinker like one pound can reduce the tangling, but I have never tried it. The fouling of the Sabiki rig can happen with any rod anyhow. I ordered my first 8' rod on line. When I received it, I felt that I would be laughed out of the piers. Thus, I sent it back and bought a 7' at the FHS. Later I did buy a 8' at FHS and that rod allowed me to cast farther from the pier. I will use the 7' from my kayak. The low profile casting reel allows a less sever angle from the reel to the hole in the rod where the line enters. Thus, for a better cast.

01-16-2017, 05:28 PM	#2
Hunters Pa Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Fullerton Posts: 1,361	Disclaimer: I have worked the Fred Hall shows for Ahi/Promar for a couple years now I started using the dedicated sabiki stck before my affiliation. I like being able to grab it and deploy a bait catcher within seconds if I see or meter bait. Especially important when bait is scarce. Yes, they are less sensitive and less flex. I use an old shimano Catala with 30# mono. Also, I like to use a heavy jig on the bottom because you never know what will be attracted to a couple baitfish in distress To each their own. I have done the swivel-on-a-hook approach and it works. But you still need to roll up and stow the rig, then unroll, detangle and attach. Not usually a problem, but with cold hands that are not as nimble as they were 30 years ago I find that in the time it takes me to deploy in any other manner, I can already have a couple baits caught and in the tank with the dedicated stick. Only one way you will determine if it is for you, and that is to try one out. I live in Fullerton, work in Huntington Beach, and you are welcome to borrow mine for one of your next outings if you want