Kayak Bass Fishing Rods And Reels. Do I Chuck It All? Or Do I Add To It?

[DoyleMich]

I just got a brand new Jackson Cuda 14 kayak. I have been trying to evaluate what I need for bass fishing in Michigan. I thought the easiest way to ask for advice would be to explain what I have now, and go from there. This is my list of tools. I have:

2- Quantum Retroflex IM8 spin rods, 6'6" med. action, 1/8-1/2 lure wt., line wt. 6-14lbs.

1-Shimano SI-66MHB spin rod, 6'6", action ??, 3/16-1/2 lure wt., line wt. 8-15lbs.

1-Northwest Outfitters Clearwater spin rod, 6'6" med. action, 1/8-3/4 lure wt., line wt. 4-14lbs.

1-Shimano Sahara 2000FA spinning reel

1-Okuma Stratus ST20 spinning reel

So... Throw them in the trash, or add to them with what? I want to hit the water with what I need to be ready for a good day on the water! I have a ton of plastics and crankbaits.

Help me get ready! And thanks!

[J Francho]

Fish with what you have! Learn how to use the kayak to get to spots you can't from shore or boat, and fish your style. Eventually, you'll realize what may or may not be missing from your arsenal. My guess is you'll want some heavy cover gear. The kayak will allow you slide into some heavy slop, where lazy pigs are lying in wait. Stout gear will get them out, and if not, you can just pull yourself in to the fish. Congrats on the new ride!

[DoyleMich]

I plan to do that for sure! I have been interested in the bait casting route. I am not new to kayak fishing. Had a Native Ultimate prior to my Cuda. I have nothing for the heavy stuff, so what should I get?

[Sodus Bay Scooter]

I fish out of my kayak the same way I fish from a bass boat. I also stand in my kayak when I fish though. If you're asking me, I would say keep your stuff, especially what you're confident with.

You can always get new stuff

[thehooligan]

I like using spinning rods in my kayak, i feel more comfortable fishing with them over baitcasting rods. I also use my old gear cause they get beat up more when switching rods, while your catching fish, etc. Id stick with what you have...

[BryanM]

I fish rivers and usually only bring one or two rods at most.   As I'm floating there are a lot of areas I have to hold the rods because of low trees.   I snapped one rod early on when I was shooting a rapid and it got caught up in the above trees.  

 

Now I bring older rod and usually only one.  St Croix Triumph Medium Power with Fast tip.  Spinning reel.

 

Bryan

[J Francho]

I mess up more rods on shore and in my big boat than ever in the kayak.  If you are going to take out several rods - I rolled with around eight in my kayak - then you'll need some rod management.  I like to have 3-4 more holders than rods, that way there's always a place to put them.  Some newer boats, like the Hobie Mirage Pro Angler, allow you to store them under the gunnels, which is pretty cool.  The important thing to remember is to watch for casting and overhangs.  Keep your casting side free.  If you have rods right behind the seating area, bu sure to use lure wraps.  Nothing worse than being pinned to a rod in the middle of the lake - ask me how I know!

 

Here's a few shots of me in my old rig:

 

 

 

[clayton86]

I mess up more rods on shore and in my big boat than ever in the kayak. If you are going to take out several rods - I rolled with around eight in my kayak - then you'll need some rod management. I like to have 3-4 more holders than rods, that way there's always a place to put them. Some newer boats, like the Hobie Mirage Pro Angler, allow you to store them under the gunnels, which is pretty cool. The important thing to remember is to watch for casting and overhangs. Keep your casting side free. If you have rods right behind the seating area, bu sure to use lure wraps. Nothing worse than being pinned to a rod in the middle of the lake - ask me how I know!

Here's a few shots of me in my old rig:

Hey that kayak looks familiar!!!! Lol

I have JF's old kayak now and I have it set up the same way minus one rod holder on the front. I carry 6 rods right now but with grass and Lilly pads starting to emerge on the surface I'm gonna be adding a frog rod so 7 rods and 9 rod holders.

[Hanover_Yakker]

Congrats on the new ride. Definitely hold onto your gear.  I'm sure there is some good mojo on a few of them at this point.  I still have some budget combos in my arsenal that get frequent use and are very productive.  Also, they are great loaner setups for when others want to go with you and they don't have any gear.

[lmbfisherman]

I like using spinning rods in my kayak, i feel more comfortable fishing with them over baitcasting rods. I also use my old gear cause they get beat up more when switching rods, while your catching fish, etc. Id stick with what you have...

When I'm in my canoe, I use my older/beater gear I will feel comfortable of scratching etc..a canoe is tight quarter for 3-4 rods and sometimes bangs around more often. So I'd definitely take this route. 

[pabassr]

 I fish out of my kayak, just like I`m in my bass boat as well. I would keep what you have and watch what others are doing and using. Get on forums like this one to get a feel on what to use from others. The bottom line is you fish with the gear you like to fish with and feel comfortable with. If you would like baitcasters then go and try them. If you need heavier equipment then get it.

 But don`t get something because he or she has it. Go and fish the areas and let the different bodies of water dictate what you may need.

 I have a lot of fishing buddies that kayak fish and that don`t kayak fish.Some of them use only spinning reels and some only use baitcasters.  I use both because that is how I fish. What  ever way works for you is the best.

 I also carry 4-6rods when kayak fishing, and at least 8 rods when in bass boat.