Suggestion on reel please
 

Hi, I just recently picked up a rod in a trade and wondering if this would be appropriate for YT/WSB/Hali and what kind of reel to put on it. Or, should I just keep it as a bay rod?

It is a Cousins Raze Rod - 7'9 rated Xfast and Xheavy for 15-25# lines and 2-6oz bait. So its got a lot of backbone and is very stiff.

This was bought originally for throwing large swim baits to LMB. It is very light to hold but being so stiff I am not sure if it would be appropriate for live bait.

For line, i was thinking 40# braid to 15-20# leader for sardines/chovies on something like a saltist 30 or a lexa 300? Or maybe an avet sx if bait? I really dont know... Unless you guys think I might actually be able to pull on a YT or WSB on this, then maybe up to a reel that will be hold more line?

Or, maybe just use it a jig rod?

Im open to any and all suggestions, even if its to just do mono or floro, or just trade it for something more what I need.

Thanks guys :you_rock:

Lots of guys use lighter sticks and pull on YT/WSB ... Those raze rods should be able to handle just fine. I would go with a saltist, mine has never given me problems.

+1 on a Saltist I have a few of them both levelwind and traditional conventional

the daiwa saltist hc levelwind is an awesome reel.

TLD 15 with 65# braid is a great bait reel for YT

go with a low profile baitcaster on that Raze rod. Lexa300HD, Okuma Komodo 364, etc.

One reason I was thinking the lexa was because I wanted to keep it nice and handy. But I honestly will probably be using it for bait mostly. Saltist are cheaper and are always recommend though.

Is there a really a need for more than 200 yards if 65# braid? Im hoping this setup will hold me over till I get a proper weight rod and reel. Then be more of s back up.