Just Starting To Fish Via Kayak, Have Some General Questions

[ryanlaw]

Hey guys, I just recently started to fish and I was looking at buying a rod/reel. I fish in a kayak, and I've only used my friend's fishing rod. Would you guys pair the Okuma Trio-30 and Daiwa Team S Spinning rod together? Is there a better rod/reel for under 150 total? Also, I plan to fish for bass with the occasional pickerel biting my line. Thanks!

[Darren.]

Hi Ryan, and welcome to the forums!

 

Since you're just starting out fishing, 

you can always start with a less-expensive

combo to get used to things, especially 

when doing so from a kayak.

 

Mistakes happen, rods get lost, etc....

 

That said, for $150 there are a lot of combos

you could buy. I have no experience with 

Okuma reels, Daiwa rods are pretty decent.

 

I'd head over to a Bass Pro shops or Cabelas,

or Gander Mountain, etc., and put your hands

on their combos, or talk with someone about

good rods/reels to pair.

 

For me, personally, I'd pick a Shimano reel, 

maybe the Sahara, and a Bass Pro Carbonlite

rod to pair it with.

 

However, another excellent, less expensive

rod you could hit up is the Berkley Lightning

Rod Shock. That's about $50, but a good rod.

Then you could look at something like a Shimano

Symetre... That's me. Daiwa, Pflueger, and others

make great reels, too.

[ryanlaw]

Thanks Darren for the thought-out post. I really like the looks of the Daiwa rod so I think I might get that or something similar since I would guess 4th of July sales are a thing. I don't really know a lot about reels other than I want a spinner reel. What do you think a good 50-80 dollar reel would be? Also what kind of sales are there for 4th of July? Also, what kind of gear ratio should I get for a 6'6" pole if that matters?

[d-camarena]

Go to cabelas, get a cabelas tourney trail/pfleuger president combo for $100= profit

[d-camarena]

Oh and you will drop rod in the water. I just lost a brand new rod on thursday

[Mattfrom_NJ]

Hey man welcome to the forum. I too kayak fish almost exclusively (except rare occasions when I get invited to go tuna fishing : ) ). Anyway, my favorite kayak rod is *** ***. They're are nice and light while not breaking the bank. For that matter I believe American legacy fishing has models on sale for $75 and I believe if you sign up for their newsletter you get $25 store credit. That's a nice rod for $50. As far as reels go, I'm partial to shimano, love my Stradic's, but there are many nice offerings from other manufacturers. You don't need a heck of a lot of line capacity to bass fish from kayak so something in the 1000 to 3000 should suit you. I fish 3000 size for all my inshore fishing. Good luck dude, search the forums for answers and tips. The people here are kind and very knowledgeable.

[AdamsEye]

I would look at what kind of lures you plan of fishing most, and getting a rod with an action that favors the one's you will use the most. Things like the lure weight, and action of the rod should determine what rod/reel you wind up buying.

 

If you know what kind of lures/baits your gonna fish the most, you can look up technique specific rods that fit. http://www.stcroixrods.com/products/freshwater/mojo-bass

 

That link has a chart, it list the technique, power, action, and lure weight. Like Jerkbait is medium power, fast action. So you know if you plan on using jerkbaits more then anything else, a rod with this power and action would best suit your fishing.

 

Once you know what kinda rod you want, you can look for a combo that suits your price range and fishing.

 

Hope that helps.

 

And welcome to the forums!

[the reel ess]

For $150, I'd go for 2 combos. But I'm a cheapskate. I have a Pflueger Trion that I bought for $40 and a Medium Berkley Lightning rod ModF tip. This is my trebles and wacky rig rod. That was $40. I'll get another Trion later because this one has been such good quality for the price. This action is also light enough for crappie in a pinch.

 

My second spinning combo is a matched BPS combo that they've discontinued, a MH/Fast tip for the single hook baits like flukes & worms. I only have $150 in both and I have all spinning situations covered. Full disclosure: I carry 3 baitcast combos too. The idea was to have all the bases covered and not need to carry the whole tackle bag. Just one little Plano box.

 

Of course, you can spend as much as you want on a single combo. If you're going to only get one, it should probably be about a 7' MH, Mod Fast tip. I find the longer rod helps fight fish around the bow of the kayak. And that power/action is the best for covering most of the bases.

[AdamsEye]

For $150, I'd go for 2 combos. But I'm a cheapskate. I have a Pflueger Trion that I bought for $40 and a Medium Berkley Lightning rod ModF tip. This is my trebles and wacky rig rod. That was $40. I'll get another Trion later because this one has been such good quality for the price. This action is also light enough for crappie in a pinch.

 

My second spinning combo is a matched BPS combo that they've discontinued, a MH/Fast tip for the single hook baits like flukes & worms. I only have $150 in both and I have all spinning situations covered. Full disclosure: I carry 3 baitcast combos too. The idea was to have all the bases covered and not need to carry the whole tackle bag. Just one little Plano box.

 

Of course, you can spend as much as you want on a single combo. If you're going to only get one, it should probably be about a 7' MH, Mod Fast tip. I find the longer rod helps fight fish around the bow of the kayak. And that power/action is the best for covering most of the bases.

HE nailed it, I totally agree you would be better off with two lesser priced combos!

[the reel ess]

And Welcome! There's a lot of very good advice here. 

[Darren.]

Thanks Darren for the thought-out post. I really like the looks of the Daiwa rod so I think I might get that or something similar since I would guess 4th of July sales are a thing. I don't really know a lot about reels other than I want a spinner reel. What do you think a good 50-80 dollar reel would be? Also what kind of sales are there for 4th of July? Also, what kind of gear ratio should I get for a 6'6" pole if that matters?

 

Ryan, one of the reasons I like Shimano reels

is they are 6.x:1 ratio. As well, I like the smaller

profile spinning reels - usually a 1000 size.

 

Brings in plenty of line for me. I'm also partial

to shorter rods for kayak fishing, but it is really

a "to-each-his/her-own" type of thing.

 

The longest I use now are 6'6" Carbonlites. Can

understand why some love longer rods in the 

7' range, but just not for me at this point in my

fishing life.

 

But one of my fav kayak fishing rods is a 5'9"

Shimano Compre. That thing is fantastic in 

tight quarters.

 

For $50 to 80, have a go at these reels:

 

Shimano Sahara

Shimano Spirex (different type of spinning reel...I have 2)

Pflueger President

 

Just my humble .02. Plenty of other reels in

that price range. These are just some I looked

at. I own the Shimanos all the way up to the 

Stradic FI reel.

 

For me, Shimanos felt better in my hands. I like

the way they reeled, they way the handle was, 

the balance, etc. But everyone is different. I was

very strongly considering the President, but it just

didn't feel great *to me*.

 

You may love the President. Tons of folks here do.

That's why I encourage you to put your hands on

as many rod/reels at a local shop as you can. 

 

You are the best arbiter of what you will like fishing 

with for hours a day out on your yak!

[ryanlaw]

Thanks for all the replies, I plan to use Jig-n-worm, which is what my friend uses. It seemed to work pretty well and the worm is maybe 3 inches long. Now I'm leaning towards a 6'6 or under rod. I also plan to go to Cabela's/talk to my friend about what I should get. I'll check out all the rods/reels you guys suggested. The President has a bunch of models at the same price, which model would be the smartest to get? Other reels have multiple models, with kayak fishing in mind, what should I be looking for?

[Darren.]

Thanks for all the replies, I plan to use Jig-n-worm, which is what my friend uses. It seemed to work pretty well and the worm is maybe 3 inches long. Now I'm leaning towards a 6'6 or under rod. I also plan to go to Cabela's/talk to my friend about what I should get. I'll check out all the rods/reels you guys suggested. The President has a bunch of models at the same price, which model would be the smartest to get? Other reels have multiple models, with kayak fishing in mind, what should I be looking for?

 

Typical bass fishing on a spinning reel is

size 2500.

 

I'm not typical, LOL. I much prefer the weight

and size of a 1000 size reel. Never ever once 

had an issue bringing in bass over 6 pounds

in open water, or in sticks, grassy conditions.

 

All depends on what you're comfy with.

[DCales84]

I've been kayaking fishing for several years now and have mostly stuck with using my less expensive setups due to the increased chances of having one dropped in the water. As others have said it's bound to happen.... And for me it happens often. Both of my current kayak setups are Berkley lightning rods. Both are 7' with the casting setup being MH and the spinning setup being M. Be ready to disassemble and clean your reels often and aside from that you should be good to go. I recently bought some lightly used lews casting reels for my kayak setup and have been using a spinning reel that I purchased at a steep discount. All together both setups are way under $200 and they do everything I ask of them.

[Maxximus Redneckus]

Dont forget a comfy PFD.. and if u happen to get in rough water dont grab your grab handles if u start to tip let it be one with the waves.And all ya need is 2 combos with short rods cheap will work but dont skimp on line

[FishTank]

Dont forget a comfy PFD.. and if u happen to get in rough water dont grab your grab handles if u start to tip let it be one with the waves.And all ya need is 2 combos with short rods cheap will work but dont skimp on line

 

Good advice.  We had 12 people rescued in various locations today here in Indiana that were in kayaks.  All them due to high, fast moving waters and unseen debris. 

 

Also, here if don't have a pfd with you or on you it's a $125 fine (minimum).

[ChrisD46]

For all the kayak bassers : How many prefer to stand versus sit in their kayaks while bass fishing ? Does this change your thoughts on rod lengths or other equipment considerations ?

[the reel ess]

I wouldn't stand in mine. I would prefer the ability.

[flyfisher]

I do both but it really depends on your kayak and technique.  My past three kayaks have had a raised seat position so standing isn't as big of a deal but there are certain times where standing gives you a better presentation. When I am fly fishing i stand pretty much all the time but boat control becomes more of an issue as it doesn't take much wind to move a kayak around so i prefer to do that while anchored or at least wedged into some vegetation or other natural boat holding location.

 

As far as rod length goes, it is personal preference.  Most of my convo tonal rods are in the 7' range.  I just don't like them much shorter but I know others who do.  For my fly rods, they are all 8' and up.  Generally speaking, kayak fishing doesn't require any different gear than any other type of watercraft.

 

For all the kayak bassers : How many prefer to stand versus sit in their kayaks while bass fishing ? Does this change your thoughts on rod lengths or other equipment considerations ?

[buzzed bait]

i'm one of those that prefer shorter rods in the yak.  i don't have any rods over 7' because of it.  i can stand, sit, whatever you want in the ride 135 it is super stable.  i like to do a mixture of the two, but if the wind is blowing and you stand up it is like launching a sail. 

[the reel ess]

7' rod seemed like a cane pole when they were new, replacing the old 5-6 pistol grips. Now they're the norm. I usually have 3 7' and 2 6'6" on the kayak when I go fishing.

 

I only pack a couple shorties when I'm going down a tiny local river (really just a big creek-only after a rain) or I intend to catch panfish. And that's because I've never caught a bass that's bigger than a pound in that creek. I have seen a couple cruising that may have been 2 pounders.

[cottny27]

I like shorter rods in 6'6" range for kayak fishing.  Also rods that have the shorter butt end.  If I was able to stand it would be a different story for rod length.  

[keyvike]

I also fish alot from a kayak and if I had just one rod to use from a kayak it would be a 6'6" to 6'9" MH spinning rod.  It might not be the best for everything but can be a jack of all trades rod for just about anything you would want to throw. Could go 7' if you wanted but I personally prefer something under for throwing accuracy in tight spots. I tend to use my older rods in my kayak just in case I dump one overboard so your on the right track with not spending too much on your setup.

 

I would look at the 6' 6" MH Shimano Clarus rod with a Pflueger President 6930x reel, this setup would be perfect.

 

I'm a 260lb. heavyweight ... NO flipping way I'm standing in my Native Slayer 12.. LOL

[buzzed bait]

should have specified that i too feel the best rods are about 6'6 - 6'10".  even though i can and do stand a lot, i still fish sitting down so the shorter rods and shorter handles like cottny said.

standing in the kayak is a matter of confidence and balancing out your movements.  last week i realized i left a rod stored in the hull after i launched so i walked to the front of the kayak, opened the hatch pulled out the rod and walked back in about 25 feet of water.  it can be done much easier than you might think.  and i'm no little guy necessarily at 6' tall and 215 pounds.

[Arobb2012]

Thanks for all the replies, I plan to use Jig-n-worm, which is what my friend uses. It seemed to work pretty well and the worm is maybe 3 inches long. Now I'm leaning towards a 6'6 or under rod. I also plan to go to Cabela's/talk to my friend about what I should get. I'll check out all the rods/reels you guys suggested. The President has a bunch of models at the same price, which model would be the smartest to get? Other reels have multiple models, with kayak fishing in mind, what should I be looking for?

I have 2 combos I take out on my kayak. 1 is a 6 foot 8 inches shimano sellus jig and worm rod. It a mxf paired with a pflueger Trion 35 spinning rod. My other is a 7 foot berkley lighting rod mf casting rod paired with a quantum kinetic. I love the shimano pflueger combo. I throw weightless plastics with it and have pulled in a few 2-3 pound bass with no problem.