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Build rod & reel setups for this noob

Posted on 1/30/12 at 8:43 pm
Posted by Blue Velvet
Apple butter toast is nice
Member since Nov 2009
20112 posts
Posted on 1/30/12 at 8:43 pm
First, thanks for all the help from this board this season with taxidermy help, duck id, recipes, and knowledge of access into WMA's and NWR's. I was successful thanks to you guys.



So now that duck season is over I'm preparing for some redfishing with a friend this weekend. I already have a kayak and a pirogue that I use for duck hunting and fishing. However, the only fishing gear I own are cheap, little rods I've had for years. I've never caught anything over 2 pounds with my own gear because every time I went on a serious fishing trip I borrowed from a family member or just used the gear of the charter company. I'm planning on building a serious yakking rig now.

So far I've joined bckfc, followed threads on here, and purchased/salvaged the following: yak, flow-troll bucket, foldable SAM's ice chest, milk crate, anchor, lip-gripper (w/ a floaty), some tackle, etc.

I'm looking to build 3 setups; a spinning reel & rod, baitcasting reel & rod, and a fly fishing setup. I need a spinning reel because it's what I'm used to (:coon:), I want to baitcast but I'm very new to it and need a lot of practice though I know it's what I should be doing, and I'm going to buy a cheap fly fishing beginner kit and learn over a longer period of time.

Here's my questions.

1. Do I need a life jacket, legally? Does it matter if it's Type I, II, III, IV, or V?

2. What's the largest size casting net one can use legally without a commercial license? Isn't it 8 ft? Any recommendations on brand or store to buy?

3. What baitcast reel and rod would you put together if you could build one right now? So far I've mostly read Shimano, any specific one? I'm assuming I need stainless because I'll be doing saltwater fishing.

4. Same as question 3 but insert spinning reel & rod. I'm talking to you Coon.

5. What line do you typically use for larger reds and is it interchangeable between spinning and baitcast?

I know this is a lot of questions. I'm at your mercy and any help would be appreciated. TIA
This post was edited on 1/30/12 at 9:01 pm
Posted by Tino
:yawn:
Member since Dec 2004
86225 posts
Posted on 1/30/12 at 8:47 pm to
quote:

3. What baitcast reel and rod would you put together if you could build one right now? So far I've mostly read Shimano, any specific one? I'm assuming I need stainless because I'll be doing saltwater fishing.


Shimano Chronarch reel

St. Croix Avid Series rod
Posted by Boats n Hose
NOLA
Member since Apr 2011
37248 posts
Posted on 1/30/12 at 8:51 pm to
quote:

3. What baitcast reel and rod would you put together if you could build one right now? So far I've mostly read Shimano, any specific one? I'm assuming I need stainless because I'll be doing saltwater fishing.

4. Same as question 3 but insert spinning reel & rod. I'm talking to you Coon.

5. What line do you typically use for larger reds and is it interchangeable between spinning and baitcast?


I'll try to answer these 3. What's your budget per rod/reel setup?
Posted by deaconjones35
Thibodaux
Member since Sep 2009
9896 posts
Posted on 1/30/12 at 8:51 pm to
Well thought out post. You are on your way to being ready. Here's a couple answers: yes u need a life jacket. Don't think it matters what kind and u don't have to wear it, just have one. I wear mine most of the time especially if I am alone, but it's inflatable. Also, have a horn or whistle with u. That is a must to be legal

As far as a net, I'm a bit confused. Can u clarify?

As far as spinning reels, I have a Penn Battle 400 and love it. Pair it with a 7' medium action and u are good to go. I use 15# mono, sometimes with a heavier leader depending on how I'm fishing.

Also, get a Cajun anchor if u can.

Where u fishin this weekend?

Eta: edit to fix misspelled words...dang iPhone
This post was edited on 1/30/12 at 8:54 pm
Posted by MadtownTiger
Texas
Member since Sep 2010
4412 posts
Posted on 1/30/12 at 8:52 pm to
quote:

1. Do I need a life jacket, legally? Does it matter if it's Type I, II, III, IV, or V?



Don't know on this one but a vest type is what most yakkers where, I don't where one because I can swim and I'm normally not in more than 6 feet of water max.

quote:

2. What's the largest size net one can use legally without a commercial license? Isn't it 8 ft? Any recommendations on brand or store to buy?



If your talking about a cast net, I don't think there is a limit, although you probably won't be throwing more than a 8ft net.

quote:

3. What baitcast reel and rod would you put together if you could build one right now? So far I've mostly read Shimano, any specific one? I'm assuming I need stainless because I'll be doing saltwater fishing.



Shimano does make some of the best baitcasters, Curado's are a pretty standard, but you'll be dropping a cool 200 for one but Allstar rods are good rods and they'll run around 50.

quote:

4. Same as question 3 but insert spinning reel & rod. I'm talking to you Coon.



Quantum all the way. Make some stout 50 series reels, again All Star rods are decent middle of the pack rods.

quote:

5. What line do you typically use for larger reds and is it interchangeable between spinning and baitcast?



POWER PRO, if you want a fluorocarbon, go get some but braid is just to damn good for mixing trout and reds.
Posted by Blue Velvet
Apple butter toast is nice
Member since Nov 2009
20112 posts
Posted on 1/30/12 at 9:00 pm to
quote:

Tino
quote:

Shimano Chronarch reel

St. Croix Avid Series rod
What gear ratio and I'm assuming rust won't be an issue?
quote:

Boats n Hose
quote:

What's your budget per rod/reel setup?
I'd like to spend $300 or less per rod&reel combo but can go a little over if necessary.
quote:

deaconjones35
quote:

As far as a net, I'm a bit confused. Can u clarify?
I meant casting net & I'm probably just going to get an 8 foot. Speaking of normal nets do most yakkers carry one?
quote:

Also, get a Cajun anchor if u can.
Got one.
quote:

MadtownTiger
Thanks for the specifics.
This post was edited on 1/30/12 at 9:08 pm
Posted by Tino
:yawn:
Member since Dec 2004
86225 posts
Posted on 1/30/12 at 9:03 pm to
quote:

What gear ratio and I'm assuming rust won't be an issue?


6.4:1

rust shouldn't be an issue if you take care of the reel( washing it with fresh water after use, regularly oiling it)
Posted by Boats n Hose
NOLA
Member since Apr 2011
37248 posts
Posted on 1/30/12 at 9:04 pm to
Alright, I'll go ahead and figure you don't want to spend a whole lot on rods and reels.

If you're fishing salt and mostly reds, for a good value on a baitcasting combo I'd get an Abu Garcia Revo S new on eBay for ~$100 and put it on a 7' medium heavy fast All Star Classic rod from Academy.

For spinning, I'd look at the Abu Garcia Cardinal 503 or Shimano Sahara 2500 and put it on an All Star Classic 7' medium rod. This one would be better for specks too. The baitcasting combo I mentioned would be a good rod for bass too.

As far as line goes, I'll let the saltwater guys handle that. But I'd probably put 20 or 30 lb power pro braid on the spinning reel and either the same on the baitcaster or some 15lb mono.

ETA the baitcasting combo will be about $150 and the spinning combo will be a little less than that, like $120-130 or so.
This post was edited on 1/30/12 at 9:09 pm
Posted by PapaPogey
Baton Rouge
Member since Apr 2008
40487 posts
Posted on 1/30/12 at 9:09 pm to
I really wanna get in on this convo, but it's way too much to type on a phone. I think y'all have got it covered. Shimano Shimano Shimano blah blah blah
Posted by Tino
:yawn:
Member since Dec 2004
86225 posts
Posted on 1/30/12 at 9:09 pm to
quote:

medium heavy fast All Star Classic rod from Academy.

For spinning, I'd look at the Abu Garcia Cardinal 503 or Shimano Sahara 2500 and put it on an All Star Classic 7' medium rod. This one would be better for specks too. The baitcasting combo I mentioned would be a good rod for bass too.

solid advice for his price range
Posted by MadtownTiger
Texas
Member since Sep 2010
4412 posts
Posted on 1/30/12 at 9:11 pm to
Seeing some of your other questions.

Cajun anchors are definitely good to have although anything that ways 5 pounds should be good since you won't be pulling that hard in your yak, whether it be a nice piece of stainless steel or an old civil war cannon ball, you won't be going very far regardless.

If you get a net which you can either get that or a boga grip although a boga will be better for space purposes. But if your rocking braid you can just lift the fish into the yak. But back to the net if you get one make sure you get one with a clip on the end so you can clip it to a loop on the yak as to not lose it if you drop it. If you have a crate just put it on there.

Also I wouldn't worry too much about salt water as most companies build there reels accordingly to combat salt spray just make sure to wash it down every trip.

Posted by Blue Velvet
Apple butter toast is nice
Member since Nov 2009
20112 posts
Posted on 1/30/12 at 9:12 pm to
Okay. I'm realizing I'm going to spend more than I thought. What's a good set up that's a scale up? $300 and under per rod&reel combo.
Posted by Boats n Hose
NOLA
Member since Apr 2011
37248 posts
Posted on 1/30/12 at 9:12 pm to
quote:

I really wanna get in on this convo, but it's way too much to type on a phone. I think y'all have got it covered. Shimano Shimano Shimano blah blah blah

I recommended 2 Garcias

I'm an Abu Garcia fan though. I think their products are grossly underrated by the Shimano fanboys. Not to knock Shimano, I love my Curado too. But Abu will not disappoint.
Posted by dke2
dauphin island
Member since Mar 2011
1710 posts
Posted on 1/30/12 at 9:14 pm to
1 yes you can get one of the cheap orange ones, but thing is you may actually have to wear it at somepoint so I suggest in investing in one thats about 20-30 bucks. also legally you are required to have a noise making device like a whistle. if you go out before sunup you will need a light that is visible from 360 degrees.

2 8ft net what? i hate nets just more crap on the boat I use a pair of pliers. if you want a net go to academy and get a one they make for kayaks.

5 trilene big game 10# for everything
Posted by deaconjones35
Thibodaux
Member since Sep 2009
9896 posts
Posted on 1/30/12 at 9:15 pm to
I have a folding net that I got from Wal Marks. Saves space but rarely use it for reds...mainly for specs.

Where u goin?

Isn't talkin yak fishing great????
Posted by Boats n Hose
NOLA
Member since Apr 2011
37248 posts
Posted on 1/30/12 at 9:17 pm to
quote:

Okay. I'm realizing I'm going to spend more than I thought. What's a good set up that's a scale up? $300 and under per rod&reel combo.


Baitcaster: Shimano Curado on a Falcon Coastal 7' medium heavy rod. If you're planning on fishing specs a lot with it then 7' medium.

Even better, get an Abu Garcia Revo SX on the same rod. Will cost more, but a better reel IMO. Harder to get used to the brakes on it though.

Spinning: Shimano Sahara 2500 on a Falcon Coastal 7' medium rod.

Posted by Blue Velvet
Apple butter toast is nice
Member since Nov 2009
20112 posts
Posted on 1/30/12 at 9:20 pm to
quote:

Where u goin?
No idea yet. I'm tagging along.
quote:

Isn't talkin yak fishing great????
Yes. I'm going to be a burden on this board now that I can't kill ducks. You guys are opening a can of worms. I'm borderline catching a fishing fever on youtube videos alone at this point. Also, if any BR guys head south for redfish I'll buy you a case of the beer of your choice for some help in the field.
Posted by MadtownTiger
Texas
Member since Sep 2010
4412 posts
Posted on 1/30/12 at 9:21 pm to
quote:

Okay. I'm realizing I'm going to spend more than I thought. What's a good set up that's a scale up? $300 and under per rod&reel combo.



Dude you don't need to drop 3 on a combo, but if you are here's another tip. Get a f'n pool floatie tube and cut about a 5 inch piece off and zip tie that bitch to your rod, the section between the reel and the first eye. That way when you drop your rod in the water, it'll be right there.

But if you still want to drop 3 on a rod n reel, put more into the reel, that's where manufacturing differs, rods are too damn similar to pay 100 for one when you can get essentially the same for 50. Though if you go cheap on your reel you will definitely notice. All the companies mentioned: Shimano, Quantum, Abu Garcia, Penn they all make higher end reels than there middle class reels if you feel like dropping more money.
Posted by Boats n Hose
NOLA
Member since Apr 2011
37248 posts
Posted on 1/30/12 at 9:26 pm to
quote:

Blue Velvet


Word of advice. The second set of combos I mentioned are nice. But, especially just starting out, you don't need anything more than the first 2 I mentioned. Those 2 will cost you less than or right at $300 for everything, and will hold up well and are fine pieces of equipment. Even if you get other gear later, you'll still fish with those combos. I suggest keeping it cheap for now and not getting carried away, if you really enjoy it then they'll be plenty of time for you to find excuses to blow money on new gear later on down the road (it's an addiction )
Posted by Tino
:yawn:
Member since Dec 2004
86225 posts
Posted on 1/30/12 at 9:31 pm to
quote:

(it's an addiction

that it is
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