NorthWest Kayak Anglers
Kayak Fishing => The Kayak Shack => Topic started by: rustyski on June 10, 2015, 03:40:36 AM
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Hi all,
In looking at equipment, I am not sure what to look for as far as rods and reels that would work well with a kayak. I imagine you want something long enough to pass in front of the kayak bow, but not so long that if you have to high stick to net a fish that you're busting your rod.
I mainly intend to fish for salmon and bottom fish, with the occasional sturgeon trip on the Columbia or Willamette Rivers, and any suggestions for rods/reels that you've had success with would be appreciated. Right now I have an 8' 6" Lamiglas Classic Glass downrigger rod paired with an Abu Garcia C4. I plan on upgrading the reel to a Shimano Tekota with a line counter once I save up.
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Surely you will get many different opinions because its more of a preference, but just about anything will work with a kayak that you normally would any other way. Even a Barbie pole!
I find a 6 or 6-1/2 rod is perfect for me for reaching around the bow on a 13 ft kayak. I have a 5 foot rod that I absolutely LOVE but does not feel right on the kayak. I have also come to learn that you don't need big rods and reels for the type of fishing you are highlighting. Medium to Medium heavy action. Smaller is better in this sense and lighter if you can to save your arms. The C4 is a great reel and so is the Tekota, but he only thing I use my line counter reels for is trolling to know my depth. Now I instinctively count pulls or mark my line with fingernail polish. Otherwise I would suggest you reconsider why you want a line counter.
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You opened the can of worms again :D. For bottomfish I like a 6'6" rod in. I use tsunami rods(sapphire and white hot) all under 50 bucks and have handled 7'-8' sturgeon. I don't own one but I I see lots of ugly stick tiger rods for bottom fish and sturgeon. For salmon I like a 9'-10'6".I use okuma SST and celilo rods and love them(personal preference). They are a great price and performance is great for entry level.I have used them for salmon,catfish, sturgeon.the celilo is a tad stiffer but its my favorite.
I ordered a Penn squall 20 level wind from big fish sports and I love it($20 cheaper than anywhere else).I also use a Penn 209. both for bottomfish and sturgeon. Salmon I like the daiwa 300L.
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8wt 9 foot fly rod!
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8wt 9 foot fly rod!
Like I said... Even Barbie poles! :booty:
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Rods I like about 6 ft. I like them super fast action sets hook better and control us better. . Slow action just makes netting harder.
For reels I like lever drags. I'm constantly adjusting drag and it's much easier and more precise with a lever drag. I use release sg, aver sx, and Shimano tld
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If you ask my dear hubby, he says depends on the fishing. So he has 15+ rods. I have three- one being a tiny 2 foot midget rod. I tend to like shorter poles as long as they reach over the front of my kayak (Revo11).
Have fun!
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Your 8'6" salmon rod with the Abu c4 is a great combo to start with and you can certainly use that to fish for salmon, sturgeon, and bottom fish if you wanted to.
Your next upgrade is probably a shorter bottom fishing rod with a little more power for lifting lingcod off the bottom. The classic budget combo for this is a 7' ugly stick tiger with something like a Penn gti 320. A more modern alternative would be a 7' inshore rod combo. These are basically salt resistant, beefed up, bass fishing rods and reels. They're lighter in your hand and unless your bouncing really big jigs for lings they're a lot more fun for bottom fishing.
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Definitely get the Tekota- best line counter reel on the market IMO. If they made it in a left hand model everyone would be using them. I love the line counter for bottom fish as well as salmon. Salmon and jigging rods are easy to come by on sale. Just switch out the reel for different situations.
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Anyone can catch fish on gear, once you catch something on a fly you will be hooked!
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For jigging a lot of guys use a Trevala rod matched with a Lexa or Revo.
I agree that the Tekota is a great line counter.
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Anyone can catch fish on gear, once you catch something on a fly you will be hooked!
+ 1/2 (I'd give it a +1 if not for the backhand at conventional gear...)
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My arm length allows me to reach around even my 15" kayak with a 7" rod. For me, anything 8" plus makes getting the fish within range of my net more difficult. I picked up some cheap gear for my first season fishing from a kayak. Especially since I paddle, I figured there would be a learning curve juggling gear and I did not want to sacrifice an Avet or Calcutta during that learning process. Now that I often take friends out in the kayaks, that cheap gear is what I lend them to use.
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I have a Trevala S (6'3" 50-80 TVSC63MH) that I use for jigging. I love it! It has caught everything from kelp to Halibut. It is awesome or sturgeon, too. Get a line counter for your salmon rod and put the C4 on the Trevala. That is a nice light-weight jigging set-up that can handle big fish. I use a C4 on mine for bottom fish (lings etc...) and if I am targeting sturgeon or halibut, I put a larger reel on. I would love to get another light (30-40 TVSC63L) Trevala.
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I would love to get another light (30-40 TVSC63L) Trevala.
I've been using the ML version of the TVS, and love it. I'm amazed at its abilities, but I probably wouldn't go any lighter. It's pulled up some decent sized lings with moxy, but I can also see small cracks in the epoxy around the guides.
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I would love to get another light (30-40 TVSC63L) Trevala.
but I can also see small cracks in the epoxy around the guides.
The cracks are normal in rods which are very flexible. They do not affect the structural integrity of the rod. I have not seen a structural failure on a Trevala, which is more than I can say about other production rods and in general am not a big Shimano fan. I repair a lot of rods and I have never repaired a Trevala.
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One piece of advice, use gear that is specific to your fish, not your kayak. Heavy, moderate, fast, slow, short, long, fly, gear, we all fish different gear and catch fish. It's a matter of what works best for what kind of fishing and how you like to fish.
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One piece of advice, use gear that is specific to your fish, not your kayak. Heavy, moderate, fast, slow, short, long, fly, gear, we all fish different gear and catch fish. It's a matter of what works best for what kind of fishing and how you like to fish.
Bingo! Which is probably why kayak fishing specific rods have never taken off.
-Allen
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I would love to get another light (30-40 TVSC63L) Trevala.
but I can also see small cracks in the epoxy around the guides.
The cracks are normal in rods which are very flexible. They do not affect the structural integrity of the rod. I have not seen a structural failure on a Trevala, which is more than I can say about other production rods and in general am not a big Shimano fan. I repair a lot of rods and I have never repaired a Trevala.
Thanks GB2. I've also repaired / built a few rods. I was just being polite since I really like the rod; these "normal" cracks are actually a bit worse than normal and there is some slight play in a guide or two. The main fault is in the thread finish, maybe they didn't get the ratio right or mix it enough, the blank is still excellent. I also tip wrapped it once and bent over the tip top when the line pulled tight. Once it finally gives up, I'll use the warranty to get another one just like it.
I even mimicked their butt section layout onto a little heavier Lami Triflex blank, that is absolutely killer.
(http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/gallery/3142-090214202843.jpeg)
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Good to know. Trevalas are probably the most common rod used in NorCal and a lot of those guys abuse the shit out of them. It's amazing how much punishment they can take. If the guide is loose then that's a problem and I can go back to bashing Shimano. LOL Thanks GB2
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Ive got a new Trevala S and used it for the first time on Sat. I found the first guide from the reel is light on the coating over the thread and it actually feels like the thread is not quite covered in spots. Im gonna see if they want to give a new one to me or maybe I should just fix it, will see.
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I would love to get another light (30-40 TVSC63L) Trevala.
but I can also see small cracks in the epoxy around the guides.
The cracks are normal in rods which are very flexible. They do not affect the structural integrity of the rod. I have not seen a structural failure on a Trevala, which is more than I can say about other production rods and in general am not a big Shimano fan. I repair a lot of rods and I have never repaired a Trevala.
Thanks GB2. I've also repaired / built a few rods. I was just being polite since I really like the rod; these "normal" cracks are actually a bit worse than normal and there is some slight play in a guide or two. The main fault is in the thread finish, maybe they didn't get the ratio right or mix it enough, the blank is still excellent. I also tip wrapped it once and bent over the tip top when the line pulled tight. Once it finally gives up, I'll use the warranty to get another one just like it.
I even mimicked their butt section layout onto a little heavier Lami Triflex blank, that is absolutely killer.
(http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/gallery/3142-090214202843.jpeg)
Great looking rod!
Which weight tri-flex is that? They are some of my favorite bottom fishing rods.
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I would love to get another light (30-40 TVSC63L) Trevala.
but I can also see small cracks in the epoxy around the guides.
The cracks are normal in rods which are very flexible. They do not affect the structural integrity of the rod. I have not seen a structural failure on a Trevala, which is more than I can say about other production rods and in general am not a big Shimano fan. I repair a lot of rods and I have never repaired a Trevala.
i broke a trevala last year setting the hook on a ling. line wasn't wrapped around the guide, there were no pre-existing issues that I was aware of, etc.... it just broke in half 2/3 of the way up.
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I recently picked up a Ugly stick Gx2 casting rod for 39.99. Stiffer than heck but it seemed to work great for the guests that brought reels but not rods up for halibut fishing. My son caught his fish on it. Very little flex.
I am going to try it out the next time I go out...maybe.
But so far for less than $40 it seems like a great buy.
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Are you pedaling or paddling? I'm pretty new to this mind you, but I've noticed that longer rods (i use a 8'6") seem to work better for trolling if you are paddling. Reason being when I make a turn on my kayak while using a shorter rod, my line tends to get in the way of my paddle.
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(http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/gallery/medium_3142-090214202843.jpeg)
Great looking rod!
Which weight tri-flex is that? They are some of my favorite bottom fishing rods.
Thanks for the compliment! You recommended the 7020 to me a couple years ago, so you get some of the credit as well.
Funny is that I'm honestly unsure of the blank. I got it out of the corner of the Lamiglas factory and it was unlabeled. It was a 7 footer that I cut down to 6' 6". I would guess it's similar to the 7025 .
I recently picked up another similar 7' Triflex blank, a JG841MH. However, I can't find that designation on their site or in their catalog either. :-\
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(http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/gallery/medium_3142-090214202843.jpeg)
Great looking rod!
Which weight tri-flex is that? They are some of my favorite bottom fishing rods.
Thanks for the compliment! You recommended the 7020 to me a couple years ago, so you get some of the credit as well.
Funny is that I'm honestly unsure of the blank. I got it out of the corner of the Lamiglas factory and it was unlabeled. It was a 7 footer that I cut down to 6' 6". I would guess it's similar to the 7025 .
I recently picked up another similar 7' Triflex blank, a JG841MH. However, I can't find that designation on their site or in their catalog either. :-
I lost my 7020 last year and am missing it. I picked up one their 'kayak rods' that supposedly are built on the tri-flex blanks this one is 7'6" 8-20 and I like it just wish it was a touch stiffer.
I have two spinning tri-flex rods 7020 and a 7025 and think I will probably have someone strip the guides off and make it a conventional rod ... maybe spiral wrap ....
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I picked up one their 'kayak rods' that supposedly are built on the tri-flex blanks this one is 7'6" 8-20 and I like it just wish it was a touch stiffer.
Hmmm ... I sold all my Lami kayak rods because I thought they were too stiff. I guess it depends on what you're using them for.
-Allen
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I picked up one their 'kayak rods' that supposedly are built on the tri-flex blanks this one is 7'6" 8-20 and I like it just wish it was a touch stiffer.
Hmmm ... I sold all my Lami kayak rods because I thought they were too stiff. I guess it depends on what you're using them for.
-Allen
I wasn't impressed with their kayak rods either. I didn't fish them, just gave them a couple wiggles in the shop. You might be able to tell if your rod has a triflex blank by looking about half way down. You should visually be able to see where it transitions from a graphite to fiberglass blend for the tip. It could be subtle, like dark gray to black, but you should still be able to see the color change.
I have two spinning tri-flex rods 7020 and a 7025 and think I will probably have someone strip the guides off and make it a conventional rod ... maybe spiral wrap ....
If you want the blank aligned with its major natural axis, they'd need to tear the reel seat off too. It's a bit of a debate as to how beneficial "splining" actually is; but regardless, it may be easier / cheaper to start with a new blank
However, I am a fan of the spiral wrap and recommend you give it a try.
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One of my major complaints about salmon rods is the length of the handles when kayak fishing.
A recent experiment that I have done is to chop off about 4-5 inches from the rod butt. This facilitates easier removal and placement of the rod in the rod holder with the trade off being that when a big king changes direction directly under my kayak I better have a good grip. The cut was done with a hand saw and then a bolt was used inside the fiberglass and the two pieces cemented together. A wooden dowel would be lighter than the bolt and probably will be done on the next experiment.
In the second photo both fishing sticks are the same model (Ugly Stik Lite Salmon rod).
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The length of the handle is a personal preference. For us old guys with shoulder issues, the longer handle gives us leverage options. I am also thinking about installing a rod cup on the Hobie seat.
As for the spiral wrap, I think that it is utilizing the positive aspects of all the parts on the rod. Skidplate's rods are an awesome combination of art and utility.
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Yes, the handle length is of personal preference but when you take a step back so is the entire rod and reel setup. I posted that image and idea here because I have definitely overheard many kayak anglers complain about the same point. Hopefully someone finds it useful. When do you get old? It looks like you got ten years on me. Must be somewhere in between.
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"When do you get old?"
That a $64,000 question...
I must be getting close myself. Finding that some body parts don't work as good as they used to might be an indication.
Being a little cantankerous could be a clue.
Not caring to impress anyone probably means something too.
There are certainly other signs of getting old.
Then I run into someone like Art (upnorthtex) who has about 15 years on me and I can only admire and respect how well preserved he has kept himself.
You have done well Art.
To the original poster--- use the rod and reel that works best for you.
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+1
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I'm kind of thinking old is largely in your mind. If you spoke to me ten years ago you'd probably say you were old then. Then when I get ten years older I'd probably still not be considered old. LOL
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I'm kind of thinking old is largely in your mind. If you spoke to me ten years ago you'd probably say you were old then. Then when I get ten years older I'd probably still not be considered old. LOL
You are never too old to act immature! Right Ray? =)
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You're never too old to have a happy childhood.
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I'm kind of thinking old is largely in your mind. If you spoke to me ten years ago you'd probably say you were old then. Then when I get ten years older I'd probably still not be considered old. LOL
You are never too old to act immature! Right Ray? =)
If you want to call me immature for not tolerating you then fine. From the very first minute I ever met you, you were extremely rude. Nothing has changed. You beat your chest constantly about your fishing skills which are pretty weak and not very well rounded to begin with. You're just upset that I don't worship you. Instead I see right through you. By the way - It looks like just whooped all your AOTY scores my first go. And I didn't need to have a motor boat drag my kayak twenty miles in the backwaters in Alaska to do it. All right here in Washington.
Rod and reel selection is really about what fish you target, how you target them combined with personal preference.
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Ray ... I hate to break it to you but I don't care what you think or do. Congratulations on your 10 fish, you have a shot at actually winning this year. Good luck!
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There's no mystery brother. The feelings are mutual.
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There's no mystery brother. The feelings are mutual.
If that was true you wouldn't be bragging about your 2nd place standing in AOTY. =)
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I'm not 2nd. More like fourth. Just making sure you know I'll kick your butt fishing. Making sure I drive the point home how weak your fishing skills are. I love being the thorn in your side.
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I'm not 2nd. More like fourth. Just making sure you know I'll kick your butt fishing. Just to make sure I drive the point home how weak your fishing skills are. I love being the thorn in your side.
It's cute that you get so much joy from something so meaningless.
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Oh but you know it isn't. You just will never admit it. Toodle-oo :banjo:
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Ray ... when you threatened me to a fist fight I officially stopped caring about our antics. Adults don't pull that kind of shit. I play along purely for the entertainment value. =) Thanks for the fun!
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^^ Future cast members of Pacific Warriors!
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^^ Future cast members of Pacific Warriors!
Totally!
Bill would show them how to rodeo a Marlin till it's dead. :sign10:
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^^ Future cast members of Pacific Warriors!
Pacific Drama Queens!
-Allen
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Settle it via a one-on-one fish-off!
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Settle it via a one-on-one fish-off!
And followed by a one-on-one-filet-off.
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^^ Future cast members of Pacific Warriors!
:headbang:
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Just no more filleting each other publicly. [emoji79]