Rod and Reel Info Needed

I was wondering if I can get an idea of what everyone is using. I have bait casting and flyfishing gear, but not sure it would be the same.

It really depends on what species you are targeting, but I generally use all the same gear I did when I was stuck on the shore.  The only set up that has not migrated to my kayak, is my heavy surf casting gear. 

If you have gear for other types of fishing it will work from the kayak. About the only thing to avoid is really long rods. Anything over 10' can make landing fish on the kayak a bit of a pain. Also really large reels become REALLY heavy after a full day in your hands.

Other than that use what you have until you decide you want something different.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

Thanks for the replies. I didn't know if my steelhead gear was enough for the species I will be into.

Even an 8'6" salmon rod can be a pain in the ass. I've been using my salmon rigs for bottom fishing. It works fine until I get the braided line wrapped around the tip of the rod. I plan to get a shorter rod soon. I have plenty of reels laying around that I don't really need a new reel. I prefer a level wind reel with a thumb button. I have an Abu Garcia Kalex which is perfect for me. I like being able to deploy my bait or jig with one hand. Some guys use spinning reels but I'm not a big fan. It's all preference/budget and also fish targeted dependent.

The outfit I have is a Lamiglas XMG 9'2" with a Shimano Curado 201 reel. I'm thinking lingcod, rockfish, cabs, snapper and halibut. All possibilties.

Despite the recent post about getting the best possible gear you can afford, I don't think I could ever bring myself to use a $500-600 rod / reel combo in the salt from my kayak.    First of all, that rod is probably a bit light for halibut and lingcod but will handle the rest okay.  Secondly, none of those saltwater fish are delicate biters so you won't need the sensitivity of an expensive steelhead driftfishing rod.   The Curado will probably be okay, just be sure you service it after every trip on the salt.    Finally, with ocean fishing there is also a risk of loosing/breaking a rod in the surf unless you are able to stow the rod completely below deck.

As a replacement for a light saltwater rod / salmon rod I'd get something like an Abu 6500 with am 8'6" MH  Berkley Air IM8 rod.

You should probably leave that lamiglas at home until you are very familiar with your yak and know your limitations.  Unless you're ok with potentially replacing that setup a few times due to accidents.

Even an 8'6" salmon rod can be a pain in the ass. I've been using my salmon rigs for bottom fishing. It works fine until I get the braided line wrapped around the tip of the rod. I plan to get a shorter rod soon. I have plenty of reels laying around that I don't really need a new reel. I prefer a level wind reel with a thumb button. I have an Abu Garcia Kalex which is perfect for me. I like being able to deploy my bait or jig with one hand. Some guys use spinning reels but I'm not a big fan. It's all preference/budget and also fish targeted dependent.

I'd suggest soaking those reels in fresh water after a day on the salt. I have two and both of them had the springs corrode after about a year of use. They don't seem as robust as the C4s that I have.

I rinse them after every use and soak them every now and then. They work pretty well for bottom fishing. I almost bought an okuma cold water reel with the depth counter on it. $80 at Bi mart. Went back yesterday and it was $100. I forgot I have a 6501 C3 that just needs a tune up. I will probably get that thing running and use it. I have hauled in some big fish with that reel. With maintenance they can last forever.

I rinse them after every use and soak them every now and then.

Ouch. People might disagree with me on this, but I wouldn't suggest fully submerging your reels when trying to clean them off. More often than not your just pushing that salt water further into the reel. I'm speaking from experience here.
One of the guys from Ollie Damon who services my Calcutta TE told me the best thing to use is a wet rag and wipe the reel clean. After 2 or 3 passes with a wet rag most of the salt should be removed. Then wipe your reel dry with a dry rag.  Also, avoid running your reel under high pressure running water like a hose or faucet that's on high, it also pushes salt inside the reel.
Just my 2 cents.

RR - under normal circumstances I'd agree, but if your reel takes a swim or gets completely drenched on launch or landing, I'd recommend submerging it for a bit when you get home, cuz that salt and/or sand is already in there.

Its a tough choice.  Often reels get completely saturated with salt water when going through the surf or even submerged in a wipe out.  I hit them hard with the garden hose then air dry.  If a "good" reel gets a serious salt bath I often pull the screws and rinse/dry/lube the inside.  You have to get the salt off or it will eat even the most expensive Gucci reel in short order.  Kayak use is much harder on gear than regular saltwater PB use, we are just so close to the water you can't avoid it.

I would advise against soaking reels, even in fresh water.  When I get a reel that I expect to use in the ocean, I take the reel apart and coat all the metal pieces with marine grade engine grease.  A simple rinse and air dry after a day on the salt is all that's needed.  Then, once or twice a year I'll take the thing apart and make sure it's doing ok or service it myself as needed.

I rinse them after every use and soak them every now and then.

Ouch. People might disagree with me on this, but I wouldn't suggest fully submerging your reels when trying to clean them off. More often than not your just pushing that salt water further into the reel. I'm speaking from experience here.
One of the guys from Ollie Damon who services my Calcutta TE told me the best thing to use is a wet rag and wipe the reel clean. After 2 or 3 passes with a wet rag most of the salt should be removed. Then wipe your reel dry with a dry rag.  Also, avoid running your reel under high pressure running water like a hose or faucet that's on high, it also pushes salt inside the reel.
Just my 2 cents.

That's pretty interesting. I'm a bit torn now on exactly what is the best method. I may just change it depending on the reel.