Salt water fishing equipment

2112 Views 7 Replies 5 Participants Last post by Druminator, Jan 9, 2008

SouthFork

Discussion Starter · Jan 9, 2008

I fish in fresh water rivers and lakes. I would like to get some ideas on saltwater fishing gear. I have deep sea fishing rods but what is best to use while fishing from the kayak. I plan on making some trips this year to the coast to fish but dont want to use my fresh water gear. Any suggestions on what to look for. Thanks for any information posted in advance.

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Jeffonc

· #2 · Jan 9, 2008

I went through the same thing this time last year. I decided you couldn't go too wrong with one of the upper level Penn spinning reels (SSG ~$90) and a medium action 7' St Croix Triumph rod (~$60). Found out after some use that the rod was too light action for the reel so I got an All-Star coastal select series at Dicks in Heavy action (~$60). Coming from a light freshwater background it feels like a heavy combo in the hands but a much better match for each other.

I'm also using an old Abu-Garcia 4600C casting reel on a MH BPS bionic blade. I never really liked the action for freshwater bass fishing but its perfect for bouncing 1/4oz jigs with gulp. Working great and doesn't seem to have any corroding parts.

I'm pretty well able to reach myself around the bow of my 14' kayak with a 7' rod. 7'6" would be nicer a lot of times, but that's a pretty special length and rare to find off the shelf.

Avoid magnesium in reels - supposedly is highly susceptible to the salt (according to the info that came with one of my shimano casting reels).

If you haven't done so already, check the reviews link in the menu above - several reviews of rods & reels out there (and more are welcome!)

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SouthFork

Discussion Starter · #3 · Jan 9, 2008

Thanks for the info, I will check out the Penn reels and see what I like and feels the best in my hands. Med action rod is what I like for bass fishing so I guess I could try that action out.

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sundrop

· #4 · Jan 9, 2008

I like a 6'6" or 7' med/light rod and depending on $$ anything in the Shimano series of spinning reels with ARB bearings. Sonoras/Saharas/Sierras/Stradics 2500 -4500 series etc. The Slades dont have the ARB bearings. Combine that with 8-12lb mono or 17lb braided line with a mono leader of 12-18" (my favorite for long casting Redfish,Flounder,Stripers etc. Good compromise with reliable strength). I havent had the luxury yet of buying a "good" rod and have been resonable happy with Shimano Stimulas and Penn Pursuits. Be sure to flush the equipment with fresh water after a day in the salt just to be safe. I go economical on the reels/rods and buy good quality lines/tackle. I have found some nice deals on Ebay and pawn shops. Winter is "pawn" season for fishing gear so the stuff pawned is usually available 90 days after Christmas season so I start hitting them heavy in Feb-April.

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SouthFork

Discussion Starter · #5 · Jan 9, 2008

Did not think of checking the pawn shops. Might not be many salt water reels up in my area but we do have a lot of people who catfish so rods may be worth looking for. Thanks for the info Sundrop.

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sundrop

· #6 · Jan 9, 2008

kayak_bass_fishing said:
Did not think of checking the pawn shops. Might not be many salt water reels up in my area but we do have a lot of people who catfish so rods may be worth looking for. Thanks for the info Sundrop.

Keep in mind. a high quality freshwater reel can tak alot of punishment if flushed after use. If the price is right..GO FOR IT!..LOL!

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kayak ken

· #7 · Jan 9, 2008

kayak_bass_fishing said:
I fish in fresh water rivers and lakes. I would like to get some ideas on saltwater fishing gear. I have deep sea fishing rods but what is best to use while fishing from the kayak. I plan on making some trips this year to the coast to fish but dont want to use my fresh water gear. Any suggestions on what to look for. Thanks for any information posted in advance.

Great question, I don't have any salt water gear yet so I appreciate all the input that this has given. kayaken

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Druminator

· #8 · Jan 9, 2008

I use all 7 to 7.6 foot rods. It's a good length for getting around the front of your kayak if the fish runs under you. In my opinion, the feel and leverage is much better as well in a longer rod. I use all Shimano Terramar rods rated from slow (trout) to medium (reds). I also use Shimano Stradic reels but got a nice Daiwa Tierra reel for Christmas.

Make sure you get a saltwater rod though and not a freshwater rod. A solid saltwater rod like the Terramars are made to handle anything you may wrap up in.

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