Rod and Reels... What does it all mean? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

ChefT · 09-24-2011, 11:14 AM

I would say I'm a big fan of casting the saltist. But it is narrower than my sealine. So it was good to learn how to cast on a wider spool first then move up after learning thumb controll....

Also Have the TLD 50 as well for trolling...
Another great reel ....

Oh yea ... All are fairly easy to clean and repair it your handy with tools and can read there ity bitty diagrams...

GregAndrew · 09-24-2011, 11:40 AM

Rods
Weight- The general strength of the rod, in it's series, usually indicated by it's line class rating.
Speed - The stiffness of the top end of the rod (Medium to Extra Stiff) relative to the rod series.
Backbone - the stiffness of the lower end of the rod.
Butt makeup- Materials, diameter, reel seat or not, and length of the butt.
Guides - Some are specific to salt water, eyelets can be for braid or not.

Reels
Line rating- not really used much anymore since braid.
Capacity- same as above unless you prefer small reels.
Salt water capacity- Some are not nearly as salt water worthy as they state.
Drag strength- in pounds
Drag smoothness- subjective but can be improved with better washers usually.
Drag type - Star or lever.
Cast control- If you need or prefer it.
Clicker- with or without
Ease of freespool- needed for your casting setups.
Retrieve rate- determines how fast you can reel in your line/lure.
Speeds- 2 speeds can be handy in a few situations

there is a start on the characteristics. Basically, what you can make work for you will be almost directly related to your budget.

Billy V · 09-24-2011, 11:41 AM

I like simple and reliable.

In spite of owning over 40 rods and reels from every manufacturer, I seem to reach for whatever is out of the rack and closest to the door.

Lately it has been 3 Tiger Ugly Sticks. Two of them wearing Diawa Sealines, and one wearing a Saltist 40. (I use good line - Izor)

It kills it - as good or better than anything else, and you can run down the rail with a big fish sliding and grinding your rod on top.

-Try that with your superseeker, phenix, or grafighter and let me know how you feel afterwards.

$39.99 when on sale - or $59.99 all day long. 30-60 lb. 7 ft.

taggermike · 09-24-2011, 01:23 PM

Great advice from every one. The Daiwa Sealines and Saltists are great reels at value prices. As for out fits to get for LJ; I ALWAYS bring a long surface iron stick, a 7' 25 or 30 pound set up for live bait, and a 7' 40lb kelp cutter rig. In the summer I might include a 15 lb bait caster set up for calicos and in winter I'll put in a 40 lb yo-yo set up. ALL of my reels are second hand and 3 of my rods are super ghetto home wrapped. I've used friends trinidads and they are amazing reels but on my yak I have older, or just plain old, sealines and newells. Don't feel like you have to break the bank or paddle out with 5 rods to catch fish in LJ. One 25 or 30 lb out fit will get you started. Add a jig stick, a heavier rod, or a bass stick as you get more comfortable. The sealine series will serve you well or keep checking the used gear section on this site or on bloodydecks. And like Billy V said those Ugly stick tigers kill fish and if you loose them you won't be on the beach feeling like crap. Mike

09-24-2011, 11:41 AM	#3
Billy V Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bay Ho Posts: 1,382	I like simple and reliable. In spite of owning over 40 rods and reels from every manufacturer, I seem to reach for whatever is out of the rack and closest to the door. Lately it has been 3 Tiger Ugly Sticks. Two of them wearing Diawa Sealines, and one wearing a Saltist 40. (I use good line - Izor) It kills it - as good or better than anything else, and you can run down the rail with a big fish sliding and grinding your rod on top. -Try that with your superseeker, phenix, or grafighter and let me know how you feel afterwards. $39.99 when on sale - or $59.99 all day long. 30-60 lb. 7 ft. __________________

09-24-2011, 11:14 AM	#1
ChefT Senior Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: SD Posts: 216	I would say I'm a big fan of casting the saltist. But it is narrower than my sealine. So it was good to learn how to cast on a wider spool first then move up after learning thumb controll.... Also Have the TLD 50 as well for trolling... Another great reel .... Oh yea ... All are fairly easy to clean and repair it your handy with tools and can read there ity bitty diagrams...

09-24-2011, 11:40 AM	#2
GregAndrew Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 2,384	Rods Weight- The general strength of the rod, in it's series, usually indicated by it's line class rating. Speed - The stiffness of the top end of the rod (Medium to Extra Stiff) relative to the rod series. Backbone - the stiffness of the lower end of the rod. Butt makeup- Materials, diameter, reel seat or not, and length of the butt. Guides - Some are specific to salt water, eyelets can be for braid or not. Reels Line rating- not really used much anymore since braid. Capacity- same as above unless you prefer small reels. Salt water capacity- Some are not nearly as salt water worthy as they state. Drag strength- in pounds Drag smoothness- subjective but can be improved with better washers usually. Drag type - Star or lever. Cast control- If you need or prefer it. Clicker- with or without Ease of freespool- needed for your casting setups. Retrieve rate- determines how fast you can reel in your line/lure. Speeds- 2 speeds can be handy in a few situations there is a start on the characteristics. Basically, what you can make work for you will be almost directly related to your budget.

09-24-2011, 01:23 PM	#4
taggermike Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Chula Vista Posts: 1,589	Great advice from every one. The Daiwa Sealines and Saltists are great reels at value prices. As for out fits to get for LJ; I ALWAYS bring a long surface iron stick, a 7' 25 or 30 pound set up for live bait, and a 7' 40lb kelp cutter rig. In the summer I might include a 15 lb bait caster set up for calicos and in winter I'll put in a 40 lb yo-yo set up. ALL of my reels are second hand and 3 of my rods are super ghetto home wrapped. I've used friends trinidads and they are amazing reels but on my yak I have older, or just plain old, sealines and newells. Don't feel like you have to break the bank or paddle out with 5 rods to catch fish in LJ. One 25 or 30 lb out fit will get you started. Add a jig stick, a heavier rod, or a bass stick as you get more comfortable. The sealine series will serve you well or keep checking the used gear section on this site or on bloodydecks. And like Billy V said those Ugly stick tigers kill fish and if you loose them you won't be on the beach feeling like crap. Mike