Rod and reel question - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Gunner58 · 05-14-2015, 11:31 AM

What do you all typically use for yellowtail? I know there are diff methods but what is a good all around setup? I currently have a Abu Garcia 5500 spooled with 40lb power pro and a 7' star rod that is heavy action that can handle up to 3oz weight. Is this to light of a set up. I enjoy going as light as I can. It's all about the fight. Anyone can horse in a fish but it takes talent to get it done on a setup that most might think to be too light.

ful-rac · 05-14-2015, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gunner58

What do you all typically use for yellowtail? I know there are diff methods but what is a good all around setup? I currently have a Abu Garcia 5500 spooled with 40lb power pro and a 7' star rod that is heavy action that can handle up to 3oz weight. Is this to light of a set up. I enjoy going as light as I can. It's all about the fight. Anyone can horse in a fish but it takes talent to get it done on a setup that most might think to be too light.

Use what you like, don't worry about what everybody else uses. I personally use heavier gear for yellows, I guess that means I lack talent....

Gunner58 · 05-14-2015, 11:40 AM

I really didn't mean to ruffle any feathers. Just curious if that is way to light of gear. I don't want to break any of my gear due to lack of knowledge. I just got to the area and really want to get ahold of one of these famous yellows

ful-rac · 05-14-2015, 12:09 PM

You should be able to catch yellows just fine with that gear but you gotta remember that fishing la jolla isn't like fishing offshore. You have to contend with kelp, rocks, other boaters, kayakers and seals...So like I said although you should be able to catch fish just fine on that gear....but trust me your perspective will change when you get rocked, kelped, or sealed....and you wish you could have pulled a little harder.....

....just read it again....seems like you could use a better reel with a bigger handle, and some heavier spectra, your rod doesn't need to be a heavy action....I would go with something medium.

Gunner58 · 05-14-2015, 01:15 PM

I was thinking the same thing. I have used it on 30lb king salmon in the river but that is a little different situation. Any suggestions on a good feel that won't break the bank?

ful-rac · 05-14-2015, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gunner58

I was thinking the same thing. I have used it on 30lb king salmon in the river but that is a little different situation. Any suggestions on a good feel that won't break the bank?

By good feel I'm assuming you mean good reel?

Avet
Shimano Torium
Daiwa Saltist
....I'm sure there's plenty more.

I like and use avets, these reels are not for everybody...but for me they kinda balance out, as far as cost, quality and durability.

If kayak fishing is something your going to take up seriously then invest in some good equipment....not the best top of the line but, good decent equipment, that will serve you well for many years.

Nic D · 05-14-2015, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gunner58

What do you all typically use for yellowtail?I enjoy going as light as I can. It's all about the fight.

I think you answered your own question.

I use Okuma 7' (bait) and 8' (iron) rods with Cedros 10 and 15 size reels loaded with 65lb Izor braid and 6' of 40Izor xxx.

Quote:

Anyone can horse in a fish but it takes talent to get it done on a setup that most might think to be too light.

I don't fish yt all that much, but when I do, I'm not in a "talent" show. I really could care less what the next guy thinks of me, my equipment, my boat or my methods. I'm out there to put as much meat on the deck and have as much fun doing it as possible.

hope this helps.

Nic

taggermike · 05-14-2015, 07:57 PM

From a kayak I don't think many, or any, can horse in a big yellow tail no matter what the gear. I choose to use heavier gear; 65 lb braid, 30 or 40 lb leader, a Shimano TLD 15 lever drag and heavy all glass calstar rod. I've caught many yt on lighter gear but mostly use heavier gear now. Here are a few reasons. La Jolla can be a rough neighborhood; crowds, anchor lines, lobster trap lines, thick kelp, and too many too smart sea lions. Every second the fish is on the line increases it's odd of finding a way to get away, or get killed by a dog, and lowers your odds of landing the fish. I like fighting fish as well, but when you've been fishing all day for 1 bite and you fight the fish for 1/2 an hour only to have a dog get it you might with you'd had heavier gear. Lastly, I'd rather have too much rather than too little. There is always a chance you might hook a real trophy fish; 50 lb yt, 50 lb halibut 60-70ln seabass. By all means, use what you like. I prefer heavier gear. Mike

05-14-2015, 11:31 AM	#1
Gunner58 Member Join Date: May 2015 Posts: 81	Rod and reel question What do you all typically use for yellowtail? I know there are diff methods but what is a good all around setup? I currently have a Abu Garcia 5500 spooled with 40lb power pro and a 7' star rod that is heavy action that can handle up to 3oz weight. Is this to light of a set up. I enjoy going as light as I can. It's all about the fight. Anyone can horse in a fish but it takes talent to get it done on a setup that most might think to be too light.

05-14-2015, 12:09 PM	#4
ful-rac Emperor Join Date: May 2009 Location: Buena Park Posts: 3,649	You should be able to catch yellows just fine with that gear but you gotta remember that fishing la jolla isn't like fishing offshore. You have to contend with kelp, rocks, other boaters, kayakers and seals...So like I said although you should be able to catch fish just fine on that gear....but trust me your perspective will change when you get rocked, kelped, or sealed....and you wish you could have pulled a little harder..... ....just read it again....seems like you could use a better reel with a bigger handle, and some heavier spectra, your rod doesn't need to be a heavy action....I would go with something medium. __________________ There's nothing colder than yesterday's hotdog.

05-14-2015, 11:40 AM	#3
Gunner58 Member Join Date: May 2015 Posts: 81	I really didn't mean to ruffle any feathers. Just curious if that is way to light of gear. I don't want to break any of my gear due to lack of knowledge. I just got to the area and really want to get ahold of one of these famous yellows

05-14-2015, 01:15 PM	#5
Gunner58 Member Join Date: May 2015 Posts: 81	I was thinking the same thing. I have used it on 30lb king salmon in the river but that is a little different situation. Any suggestions on a good feel that won't break the bank?

05-14-2015, 07:57 PM	#8
taggermike Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Chula Vista Posts: 1,589	From a kayak I don't think many, or any, can horse in a big yellow tail no matter what the gear. I choose to use heavier gear; 65 lb braid, 30 or 40 lb leader, a Shimano TLD 15 lever drag and heavy all glass calstar rod. I've caught many yt on lighter gear but mostly use heavier gear now. Here are a few reasons. La Jolla can be a rough neighborhood; crowds, anchor lines, lobster trap lines, thick kelp, and too many too smart sea lions. Every second the fish is on the line increases it's odd of finding a way to get away, or get killed by a dog, and lowers your odds of landing the fish. I like fighting fish as well, but when you've been fishing all day for 1 bite and you fight the fish for 1/2 an hour only to have a dog get it you might with you'd had heavier gear. Lastly, I'd rather have too much rather than too little. There is always a chance you might hook a real trophy fish; 50 lb yt, 50 lb halibut 60-70ln seabass. By all means, use what you like. I prefer heavier gear. Mike