Another newbie gear setup question - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

deepdvr · 09-06-2009, 09:12 AM

Hey everyone,

Over the past year I've gotten back into fishing, primarily spending my time doing the freshwater thing. I now have my yak and I'm excited to get out on the salt and go for the larger models. I've been using my bass gear in the bays and its been fine for the usual suspects. I know I'll probably need 2 or 3 new rigs to handle different saltwater species/situations. I want to head out to LJ and other kelp areas and continue to target halibut in the bay.

I'm hoping to get advice on what works for you.

My requirements: I need a left hand retrieve reel due to a bad left arm/shoulder. As usual, I'd like to keep the cost reasonable (maybe $50-$150 for rods, $100-$300 for reels). I'd also like the setups to be good to use on private or party boats.

My initial thoughts were an Avet MXJ 2 speed and then maybe a calcutta 401 or cardiff 401. Do any of you use low profile reels like the 301 Shimano Curado or Revo Toro for anything other than calicos or bonitos or is it too dicey with the spool size?

I figured a Shimano Teramar rod would be nice to have. I'm really in the dark when it comes to rod types/brands/uses for saltwater.

Is it necessary to spend the $ on the 2 speed avet? Is a single speed ample? Will the calcutta or cardiff be enough reel for YT or WSB? Is a non-level wind necessary or any better?

Are the Ugly stick Tigers worth the $60? How about the seekers at $109? I've heard of the Penn Sabres but I've never seen them in a store.

Sorry to ramble on and on. Thanks in advance for the help!

Eric

09-06-2009, 09:12 AM	#1
deepdvr Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Carlsbad Posts: 591	Another newbie gear setup question Hey everyone, Over the past year I've gotten back into fishing, primarily spending my time doing the freshwater thing. I now have my yak and I'm excited to get out on the salt and go for the larger models. I've been using my bass gear in the bays and its been fine for the usual suspects. I know I'll probably need 2 or 3 new rigs to handle different saltwater species/situations. I want to head out to LJ and other kelp areas and continue to target halibut in the bay. I'm hoping to get advice on what works for you. My requirements: I need a left hand retrieve reel due to a bad left arm/shoulder. As usual, I'd like to keep the cost reasonable (maybe $50-$150 for rods, $100-$300 for reels). I'd also like the setups to be good to use on private or party boats. My initial thoughts were an Avet MXJ 2 speed and then maybe a calcutta 401 or cardiff 401. Do any of you use low profile reels like the 301 Shimano Curado or Revo Toro for anything other than calicos or bonitos or is it too dicey with the spool size? I figured a Shimano Teramar rod would be nice to have. I'm really in the dark when it comes to rod types/brands/uses for saltwater. Is it necessary to spend the $ on the 2 speed avet? Is a single speed ample? Will the calcutta or cardiff be enough reel for YT or WSB? Is a non-level wind necessary or any better? Are the Ugly stick Tigers worth the $60? How about the seekers at $109? I've heard of the Penn Sabres but I've never seen them in a store. Sorry to ramble on and on. Thanks in advance for the help! Eric Last edited by deepdvr; 09-06-2009 at 05:17 PM.