Your Favorite Rod/Reel Combo

[erayyak]

Through the years I have tried many different set ups for fishing from a kayak. And when you combine paddling with casting, you can certainly wear yourself down over the course of a day. For the style of fishing I did prior to moving here my favorite is the following:

Quantum Catalyst Inshore 20 Spinning Reel
Quantum Cabo 7'6" Medium Rod

The line I use is either Suffix Braid or Power Pro in 20lb. I will usually tie on 18 inches of 20 to 25 lb fluro leader, usually Yozuri Pink or Seaguar.

Another rod that I really like is the Tidemaster Series from St. Croix. The reason I prefer either the Cabo from Quantum or this one is due to the shorter butt end. Having the butt end of the rod poking you in the stomach all day or hitting something while sitting to cast gets old.

I like the smaller size reels also, you can fight even bigger fish using them as long as you dont get too much of a drag screaming run. I use reels in the 40 or 400 or 4000 size depending on which manufacture you choose, but when I can get away with it, I will drop down to even the 10 or 1000 series.

Prefer spinning over baitcasters, because I am better at casting them. I am always amazed by those who can consistently cast a baitcaster without getting a huge bird nests.

I also use rods from 7' to 8' in Medium Light, Fast Action up to Medium Heavy Moderate Action depending on what lures I am using. But for one go to set up, I like that one. So what is your favorite set up for kayak fishing?