Optimal Jig Stick Length On Kayak - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Waterâ€™s Edge

FullFlavorPike · 06-26-2020, 08:04 AM

Personally, on the kayak I find it hard to load up a traditional, glass jigstick so it will really throw an iron. These rods were designed for use standing up on a boat, not sitting down. Then again, I'm admittedly no surface iron expert.

I have used my Daiwa DXSB 801 12-40# swimbait rod with a 300 size lexa to throw surface irons a few times, and it casts well from a seated position. Of course, there's a problem with using that setup for that purpose because it is straight braid to a short piece of fluoro, which is good for swimbaits but isn't ideal for irons because you don't get mono stretch or glass rod action to help keep even pressure on a treble hook. Trade offs.

You probably shouldn't listen to me because I don't fish surface irons; but that's because I can't seem to make that setup work on a kayak for myself, so I carry swimbaits around instead.

iethinker · 06-27-2020, 09:43 AM

My opinion....Agree that the short "jig-sticks" are not optimal for kayak. I have come to love my Daiwa Proteus Inshore rod for throwing most anything. Swim-Jigs, Tady-C, Tady-TLC, even good with Salas 6x Jr, Etc...

Mine is a PRIN76MHFB

Get a Lexa or a Saltist for reel.

I fish what most people call "bargain" equipment for trolling and bottom fishing but for casting all-day, the better stuff radically out performs. Use conventional or large format baitcaster for casting heavier weight lures on kayak...no arguments! I use a 2x rod length leader (25-lb +/-) and an FG-knot to braid with no problems.

For heavy YOYO I do go to a heavier set-up (still 7-feet) but I could drop my Tady-4/0 off the Proteus Inshore as well. A crisp 7.6' rod with braid is wonderfully sensitive for rock-fishing. You are on a kayak and having a rod that works for arm-casting and loading well during fight means going a bit lighter than some "boaters" would have you believe.

skrilla · 06-28-2020, 08:47 AM

You're on a kayak so you're stealthy. Instead of using a longrod for distance try moving in closer.

Most rods I use on the kayak are 7-7'6. Tried landing fish on a 10fter... never again.

globalwad · 07-24-2020, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skrilla

You're on a kayak so you're stealthy. Instead of using a longrod for distance try moving in closer.

This

06-27-2020, 09:43 AM	#2
iethinker Senior Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Inland Empire Posts: 370	This is something like a big swimbait rod My opinion....Agree that the short "jig-sticks" are not optimal for kayak. I have come to love my Daiwa Proteus Inshore rod for throwing most anything. Swim-Jigs, Tady-C, Tady-TLC, even good with Salas 6x Jr, Etc... Mine is a PRIN76MHFB Get a Lexa or a Saltist for reel. I fish what most people call "bargain" equipment for trolling and bottom fishing but for casting all-day, the better stuff radically out performs. Use conventional or large format baitcaster for casting heavier weight lures on kayak...no arguments! I use a 2x rod length leader (25-lb +/-) and an FG-knot to braid with no problems. For heavy YOYO I do go to a heavier set-up (still 7-feet) but I could drop my Tady-4/0 off the Proteus Inshore as well. A crisp 7.6' rod with braid is wonderfully sensitive for rock-fishing. You are on a kayak and having a rod that works for arm-casting and loading well during fight means going a bit lighter than some "boaters" would have you believe.

06-28-2020, 08:47 AM	#3
skrilla Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: San Diego Posts: 664	You're on a kayak so you're stealthy. Instead of using a longrod for distance try moving in closer. Most rods I use on the kayak are 7-7'6. Tried landing fish on a 10fter... never again. __________________ Urban Camo Trident 13

06-26-2020, 08:04 AM	#1
FullFlavorPike Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 811	Personally, on the kayak I find it hard to load up a traditional, glass jigstick so it will really throw an iron. These rods were designed for use standing up on a boat, not sitting down. Then again, I'm admittedly no surface iron expert. I have used my Daiwa DXSB 801 12-40# swimbait rod with a 300 size lexa to throw surface irons a few times, and it casts well from a seated position. Of course, there's a problem with using that setup for that purpose because it is straight braid to a short piece of fluoro, which is good for swimbaits but isn't ideal for irons because you don't get mono stretch or glass rod action to help keep even pressure on a treble hook. Trade offs. You probably shouldn't listen to me because I don't fish surface irons; but that's because I can't seem to make that setup work on a kayak for myself, so I carry swimbaits around instead.