Inshore And Light Saltwater Tackle For Big Bass

[bigbill]

I picked up a inshore 7' rod that has some of the backbone I'm looking for. I found another one that's stiffer at the top section of tip. I find it funny we don't really see some of the spinning rods like the crankbait rods are with more stiffness at the top. But fishing from shore with the bigger fish I think the inshore setup will work with my larger heavier lures. I have the mister twister super top props repainted in bass lure colors. I had the mister twister top props redone in bass colors too

I want to try these with some smaller pike lures I have too. I'm seeing the bigger gals swim by me at the drop offs so I know they are there.

I just picked up an okuma exipoir #55 spinning reel for my inshore setup. It's going to be like fishing with a tow truck now. Now I need to

figure out what test line to use next.

[tomustang]

20 or 30lb braid line.

I use 20lb for inshore with a 3000 reel, holds a regular spool of 20lb power pro.

[bigbill]

I was just thinking about braided line too. The second rod I picked up is a bit thicker in the upper section. I should be able to hold there heads up now so they can't go down in the weeds.

One night I caught a snapping turtle the size of my 30" tall jeep tires. On my freshwater setup. He was clawing the bottom of the drop off all the way up. I was using night crawlers then. After the turtle stirred up the bottom the catfishing was awesome as it got dark. They were hitting the panther Martin lure with the yellow blade and the black spots with a shot of bass scent after we ran out of worms.

I seen my last big bass hit my topnocker I guess to stun it then she turned and ate it. I seen her upper fin and part of her body out of the water. I lost my new state record.

[WRB]

The late Bill Murphy (in Pursuit of Giant Bass) used a Cardinal 7 spinning reel on a custom 7' 6" spinning rod, light salt water blank with large salt water guides for years!

[SirSnookalot]

20 or 30lb braid line.

I use 20lb for inshore with a 3000 reel, holds a regular spool of 20lb power pro.

Might be tip toeing in my neck of the woods.  Most of my inshore set ups I use a 4000 reel , setting the drag pretty much where I would set a 2000 or 3000 reel the main difference is just line capacity and I use 15 and 20# braid on inshore rods.

My heavy bass set up is a 7' med inshore rod with a 35 supreme (used for snook for 18 months before switching it to freshwater) with 12# supercast, looking forward back to 15# power pro on it.  This combo is used for high banked canals and areas with a lot vegetation, weedless flukes are my main bait with it, but 3/4 to 1 oz lures are no problem.

[new2BC4bass]

Might be tip toeing in my neck of the woods.  Most of my inshore set ups I use a 4000 reel , setting the drag pretty much where I would set a 2000 or 3000 reel the main difference is just line capacity and I use 15 and 20# braid on inshore rods.

My heavy bass set up is a 7' med inshore rod with a 35 supreme (used for snook for 18 months before switching it to freshwater) with 12# supercast, looking forward back to 15# power pro on it.  This combo is used for high banked canals and areas with a lot vegetation, weedless flukes are my main bait with it, but 3/4 to 1 oz lures are no problem.

So you didn't like the Supercast?  Put the 20# on my Zillion PE Line Special, but was only out one evening to make a few casts with it.

[0119]

I picked up a inshore 7' rod that has some of the backbone I'm looking for. I found another one that's stiffer at the top section of tip. I find it funny we don't really see some of the spinning rods like the crankbait rods are with more stiffness at the top.

Most inshore spinning rods are 'popping' rods, soft tips for lobbing popping cork rigs.  They make great crankbait rods.   If your plan is to make long casts with heavier lures from shore and insist on a spinning reel, look at Cabela's Predator European style rods and some decent carp rods.  Otherwise since your using heavier weights for long distance, there is no way your going to get casting gear performance out of gear.  You definitely want to go with 4000 size spinners for this type of fishing. 

[SirSnookalot]

So you didn't like the Supercast?  Put the 20# on my Zillion PE Line Special, but was only out one evening to make a few casts with it.

I had the 20# on my barracuda spinning outfit, the lures I use spin 360 degrees constantly, the coating breaks off with all the line twist.  Much prefer a traditional braid, that gets a lot of line twist too.  I have the 12# on my bass outfit, I'll say it's ok but again it's not my preference.  It is very smooth and quiet.  PowerPro is thinner per pound test and stronger.

[bigbill]

I went with the okuma 55 reel because of its larger spool. I'm not sure what test braid to go with yet. I was thinking about 20 or 25lb braid. . Maybe 30lb braid being the max. Now what color braid? I'd like to stay away from using a leader since its mainly topwater or to 3' below the surface.

[bigbill]

The late Bill Murphy (in Pursuit of Giant Bass) used a Cardinal 7 spinning reel on a custom 7' 6" spinning rod, light salt water blank with large salt water guides for years!

Thanks for the info, now I know I'm on the right path.

[new2BC4bass]

Thanks, SirSnookalot.  I was aware of its thickness because of the coating.  Normally not a problem for me.  Actually often a benefit since it requires less backing. 

 

Yup, long distance casting isn't for an Extra Fast rod.  Slower action is a definite plus.

[WRB]

Take a look at Okuma CC-C-701MH or -761H Cedros Coastal spinning rods and reels. Made for calico bass and pacific yellowtail, both very strong fish in kelp paddys.

Tom

[bigbill]

I lost two new state record fish already, remember the third time is the charm.

[SirSnookalot]

Take a look at Okuma CC-C-701MH or -761H Cedros Coastal spinning rods and reels. Made for calico bass and pacific yellowtail, both very strong fish in kelp paddys.

Tom

I own this rod, mine is a 8' spinning mh 10/20 rod, on it is a Quantum Cabo 40.  I am a bit disappointed with the casting distance, I did expect it to be better and my 7' and 7'6 Redbones mh 10/20 easily cast right by it.  To get the most out of the rod I'm using 1.5-2 oz lures, I'm big into feathers.  The backbone is excellent, although it's not a rod that you can spring fish up with, a net or gaff is necessary for shore use.  I do really like the aluminum reel seat and aluminum rings, very solid fit.  What makes this combo good is the reel, not quite as smooth as a stradic but more cranking power and better drag IMO, this reel is very well built.  The stradic fj 5000 at 10.8 oz  was not a good fit and the 6000 fj at 20 oz was too heavy, the cabo at 14 oz was the perfect match for this rod, that said this is not a light outfit but fairly well balanced.  This is a pure saltwater combination, I wouldn't consider it for any other use.