Red Fish Equipment [Archive] - carolinaskiffowner.com

Dave

07-17-2008, 07:28 AM

FoodPlot, you'll likely get a lot of opinion here - this is mine ;D

If I were going to do a lot of red fishing, I'd use a baitcasting reel on a med/light 6-1/2 foot rod and spool the reel with 12-14 lb test. Very much the same setup as for bass fishing, except the rig should be made for saltwater use and easily washed down after each trip to the salt. You can spend less and a whole bunch more but I'd expect to spend 200-250.00 on a decent rig. If you are not comfortable with baitcasters, or prefer spinning reels, that'll work too, spooled with 10-12 lb test however, since these reels tend to cast and manage line better if it's on the light side of what you might put on a baitcasting reel.

Tip: When looking for rods/reels (and just about anything else), Cabela's has a good variety of equipment and I've been well satisfied with their proprietary line. One of the best features of Cabela's is there customer reviews on most products they offer.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/category/category.jsp?id=cat20166&cmCat=MainCatcat20166&navAction=jump&cm_re=LeftNav*Fishing*070708

Dave

lakebiker

07-17-2008, 08:59 AM

Fayetteguy

07-17-2008, 12:40 PM

Im partial to quantum, they have a saltwater use baitcaster with a high gear ration that is nice, and spooled with braid, i lean towards the braid bc it can float. When fishing corks i like to have my line float so when i pull it slack it all comes instantly instead of a delay. I also like 6.5ft rods, thats all i have used but a 7ft would be nice too. I also like quantum spinning reels, they have a $90 saltwater one, and they go up from there.

-Matt

Redfish

07-17-2008, 01:22 PM

Redfish pretty much approves of all above answers. *thumbsup* I typically don't go over 10 lb test, however, and rarely break one off due to line being too small (use your drag). I have found that in the summer the fish begin to get picky because everybody has been throwing spoons and plugs at them and they do learn from experience. For that reason I use low-vis line (typically Stren Big Game in dark green). I use batcasters myself (Abu Garcia) on 6.5' medium rods. I like long rod-butt handles only and not the pistol-grip things they sell for bass fishing. With a big redfish, you will likely want to stick the rod butt in your belly at some point to keep from wearing out your arm (Sore belly on Sunday=fish caught on Saturday!) Now both my kids use spinning reels and catch just as many as the old man. These are a little better for the novice and I think a better rod and reel combo can be had for a little less than one will spend on a baitcaster combo. I do always keep a stout baitcaster, spooled with heavier (say, 14-17 lb test) in the boat for the big schooling bulls that one occasionally will run across here on the Big Bend. Don't spend a pile on a rod and reel. I use Ugly Stick rods, and they suit me fine.

Slim to None

07-17-2008, 06:57 PM

My main redfish combo is a Pflueger Trion GX7 spinning reel and the trion 7' medium fast action rod. The extra length will help in casts and having a solid lower section helps when those pigs make quick runs. Line is Power Pro in the 8/30lbs test, leader is either 25lbs flourocarbon if the water is clear and the fish are picky or 40lbs flourocarbon if i'm fishing over oyster or rocky bottom. Uni to uni knot from main line to leader and always make sure to use some kind of loop knot (canoeman or rapala knot) when attaching your hook or plug.

Capt. Mick

07-17-2008, 07:18 PM

I have had great sucess with Okumas, I now have 7. Very dependable reels for little money. Very smooth action also. I also like the 6 1/2 to 7 foot rods. My reels are spooled with 10 lb power pro with 10 foot of 20lb flourocarbon attached with a nail knot.

bp4life71

07-17-2008, 08:53 PM

I have 4 walmart specials that I bought for 19.99 a piece! They are spinning reels on 7 foot med. action shakespear rods. I have caught more 30 pound fish than you can shake a stick at! Using 20 lb test that came on the reel at purchase.

I will never buy expensive rod/reel combos...in my opinion, they are a waste of money. Of course if you have money to burn, then go ahead and get the fancy stuff! But I would take my rod/reel combo anywhere with confidence! I prefer to spend my money on the fancy tackle! *014*

Big Will

07-18-2008, 06:13 AM

You raise an intresting point my friend. I too have used some el cheapo gear for many moons. I've landed a lot of big fish on rod and reel combos the cost less than $50. Unfortunately, I've also noticed the gears stripping when the plastic reel bodies flex and have worn out the rotor on one reel so bad the spool fell off. I'm feeling you about not wanting to spend bucks on the gear, but I'm starting to think there has to be a balance between the cost and the durability of the gear.

About 20 years ago I had a shimano Great White saltwater series spinning reel. It was the stuff legend is made of. It never got washed. Always got used. Always worked, and never let me down. Unfortunately, I lost it in my buddies divorce (it was in his boat when she sold it). Now I find myself searching to replace the reel and haven't found one yet. Ive tried Penn - did ok but plastic body flexes too much. Tried Okuma - not too bad. And Shimano Shaw Grigsby series - not for salt water. My next try is going to be a little jewel I spotted on Cabela's. Its called the Salt Water Striker / Metal.

TooTall

07-18-2008, 07:13 AM

"I will never buy expensive rod/reel combos...in my opinion,"

Here! Here! I've got alot of fish on stuff most of my friends laught at. I love those specials... but it is nice to have a good smooth reel and a matched rod that just ever so lightly shoots the line thru the guides.

Many years back when I was fighting cancer a rich friend had a rod and reel combo built for me. My name is even under the clear coat on the rod. That is now my favorite combo and goes fishing with me every time I'm out; even if it is the wrong rig for the targeted fish.

There is something nice about having the really good stuff even better if someone else buys it for you.

So when you have brought enough of the cheap stuff to find the right combo for yourself, find a famous local rod builder and spend a chuck of money. I bet that rig will not be out of arms reach anytime you are out fishing anywhere.

My 4 cents
Charlie

Dave

07-18-2008, 07:37 AM

And "jewels" they are Will, you won't be disappointed - I don't think there's a better salt water spinning real out there for twice the money.

I have a pair of Salt Striker SS30's mounted on Shimano Convergence Graphite Rods (Model CVS-66MH) 6'6", Line Wt: 8-17 lbs, Lure Wt 1/4-3/4 oz, Power: Med/Hvy, Action: Fast. I bought these last winter as my trout rigs. I have these spooled with 10 lb test cabala high vis line and use a 6', 10 lb fluoro leader tied with a uni to uni knot. (I may go to a 10' leader - as Capt Mick does - since the 6 ft leader gets used up pretty fast with changing lures/rigs as often as I do).

These rigs have been on my boat every time I've gone out, even suspecting I might be fishing inshore. My criteria was a solidly built, steel bodied, smooth drag, saltwater reel, easy and effective washdown with a hose, and that I could fish all day without hand and wrist fatigue. The 30's are a perfect size for me and mated to these rods, I've been thoroughly, completely, and absolutely pleased with em. BTW, the only redfish I've caught this year (fishing with Gunnar) was on one of these rigs - the silky smooth drag and rod flex worked flawlessly to bring the 18" red to the net - I have no doubt it will handle fish of much larger size.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?id=0017215316449a&navCount=1&podId=0017215&parentId=cat20333&masterpathid=&navAction=jump&cmCat=MainCatcat20166-cat20333&catalogCode=IJ&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat20333&hasJS=true

Dave

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc188/djerhart/CabelasSaltStrikerSS30.jpg

Redfish

07-18-2008, 08:53 AM

There is always the decision as to how much to spend on rods and reels, and you all have raised some very interesting points. Ultimately, I look and rods and reels like tools. I have some stuff in my shop that is on the lower end and it gets the job done. And what you generally pay for in higher priced stuff is a higher degree of precision and performance. Typically, after a man has used a tool (read, rod and reel) for a while, he will make the decision of just how much he wants to spend to achieve the level or precision, fit, and finish he desires or he feels is worth to achieve that point. The Wal-mart specials do work just fine, and I myself have landed many a fish on a Zebco 808. The spinning reels my kids use are just that--fairly cheap combo specials. Not that I would not want them to have the best, but kids break rods, drop them overboard, etc., etc. They do catch fish, but both of them have already gone through one or two combos each because little parts eventually break or wear out. At some point, I would guess, they will want something a little better. That is OK. Same thing with me. My Ugly Stiks and Garcias work fine. They are a mid-priced, solidly built tool. Would I like a $300 rod a reel combo? One of these days I will probably go there. Will that $300 rod and reel catch more fish? Not likely.

Point in all this is that if you are new to red fishing, I would recommend a medium-priced (say $75-$100) rod and reel combo rigged with line such as has been discussed above. If you are really a novice, go spinning rig. Fish with it a while. Learn how to catch reds and determine how you are going to fish the most (artificials, live bait, with corks, etc.). Then you can decide if you want to step up in fit, finish, and ultimately performance. You can always keep the mid-priced rig for your back-up.

wblack

07-18-2008, 08:57 AM

I'm with Redfish.......except I will never pay $300.00.

Abu-Garcia 550C3 (average $75.00)w/ 20lb mono and a 7' Shakespeare Medium Ugly Stick C1100 ($29.95 at Walmart).

You don't have to spend alot of money to get a great outfit. I have several of these rigs (10 to be exact) that I have successfully used over and over for Stripers, Drum, Blues, Catfish, Flounder. I have the Abu's that range from 28 years old (5000) , to one I just bought (5500C3) with a Boaters World gift certificate from the contest here at CSO! I take the 5000 on EVERY fishing trip and have taken it apart to clean it at least once a year since I was thirteen. It has brass bushings, not sealed ball bearings. *014*

There are OLD Penns, Mitchells, and Abu's that are still being used everywhere. They're tried and proven with simple designs.........that's what I lean towards.

I have NEVER had one of these Abu reels fail. They are great to cast, drift or use for live bait down rods. Just a great medium all purpose set up.

So...............a little over $100.00 and you have a reel that you can clean and repair easily yourself with a GREAT rod for almost nothing!

There's my penny.

Slim to None

07-18-2008, 10:28 AM

i've had too many cheap reels get the drags smoked by big redfish! the el cheapo plastic gears they use just dont last when you catch as much fish as i do. the last straw was fishing back about 3 years ago, i lost two nice fish (30"+) when my el cheapo reels literraly metled into one solid block of junk. after taking them apart and seeing the plastic drag gears fused into one chunk, i said no more and started getting nicer stuff. granted i'm not spending 300 on a combo, more along the 100-125 bucks for a set up. but they last and the drag stays as smooth as ever.

Gunnar

07-18-2008, 12:51 PM

I like to use ugly sticks for most of my fishing needs.They take the abuse I put them thru better than any other rod I've tried. I have a 6'6" (6-15 lb.) with a penn 4400 spinning reel and a 6'0" (8-20) with a abu-garcia 5000 that I usually use to target red's. They can handle any puppy drum I will encounter. With that being said, if I find over slot fish I will switch to a 7"0" (10-25) with a penn 5500 reel. With this combo I can horse them to the boat quicker and release them with less stress.
I always carry an extra spool for my spinning reels with fresh line with me just in case.;D

Gregg

Big Will

07-18-2008, 08:38 PM

Man, this has turned into a great thread! W Black and Gunnar are those Abu reels the red bait casters? If so I have used them and agree they are fairly bullet proof. I just don't like bait casters... Too many birds nests when I was a kid. Now with this new spider wire and power pro line so thin and strong I can cast as far as needed and have just as much luck as my friends using their thumb burners.*laughing**thumbsup*

Big Will

07-18-2008, 08:42 PM

when you catch as much fish as i do Don't you just love this guy? What can I say? He's a Gator!

Charlie, that's a great story. Sounds like you have some very nice friends.

FoodPlot

07-18-2008, 10:04 PM

*Woot**Woot*Boy this thread has raised some different opinions. That's great. But my son resolved my immediate needs with a new Shimano Stradic 4000FH. Loaded it up with Power Point 12 lb line, and a 6.5' One piece Shimano Rod. I have about 6 bait cast reels for bass fishing, and several Quantum, Shakespeare, etc reels in a spinning reel. Heck, I even have a collasible bream pole. I just haven't done much fishing for the salt water Redfish and Speckled Trout and needed some advice. Glad I asked. I will eventyally get a decent baitcaster saltwater reel, in fact tomorrow I may make a trip to Bass Pro Shop in Destin and get one with a 7' Medium action rod. Since I am retired, I have tried to get the best equipment I can, as I have all my life got the middle priced gear due to the family needs. Now it's me and the wife. That's why I just went out and got a CS. Cause I can. Appreciate all the input...Being a 100% Total and Complete Disabled Vet, I am limited In what I can do, so going after the big boys in blue water is impossible but I believe I will be able to handle slot size reds and trout. That is why I was asking in the first place. Keep up the discussion. It's interesting to see so many different sides to an issue.*thumbsup**thumbsup*

wblack

07-19-2008, 12:45 AM

Man, this has turned into a great thread! W Black and Gunnar are those Abu reels the red bait casters? If so I have used them and agree they are fairly bullet proof. I just don't like bait casters... Too many birds nests when I was a kid.

http://www.abugarcia.com/cat.php?k=49999

Big Will, Yes..........sorta. The red ones that you are probably familiar with is like the old 5000 that I spoke of with the "brass" bushings and such. Maaaaan, have they ever changed! IMO, they have the simplest/best drag features that are smooth as silk!

With 12lb mono and above, you can hardly "birdnest" one if you try. Honestly Will............if you bought one of the C3's today (and they do make much better and exspensive reels) I'd be willing to bet you would ask yourself why you ever used anything else. My Dad and I have been hooked since my Grandfather bought me the first one in the family at 13. My Mom and Dad, my Wife and family lived at the North Carloina coast for about six years and we caught MANY, MANY Reds on these 5500's. Try one..................please.

Foodplot, Glad to hear that you're set-up..........NOW YOU'RE IN FOR A TREAT WITH THE FIRST RED!!! *014*

Guys, Check out the attached link, read a little about them now, I don't think there is a better bang for the buck! Wow! They have a $15.00 mail-in rebate now...I haven't purchased one that cheap in a long time!
Another penny of mine! *006*

NOTHING ELSE MATTERS

07-19-2008, 12:46 AM

I've been married to Penn and Shimano for years now, and i just love them. I understand there are other brands cheaper on the price that might be as good, but i will stick with Penn 955/965/975 and Shimano 200 dc/200 gt and also Daiwa is coming to the game strong, so i bought the saltiga 30 couple of years ago, im getting also the new saltiga 20 and i also have the viento which i love for a very light tackle.

Redfish

07-20-2008, 02:43 PM

One of the features I like about the newer Garcias is the thumb-bar casting feature. Wblack is right about them being easier to cast without getting the spool all ahead of itself and knotted up. But, you can still nest one up pretty good if you aren't careful. These reels are tough like the older 5500-6500 series reels, but the thumb-bar allows you to cast without reaching over with the other hand. My buddy, who is a guide, uses them and likes the left-hand wind so he never has to switch hands with his rod (casts and holds the rod in the right hand and reels with his left). If you are a spinning reel user, this may be a good option for anyone thinking about trying a baitcaster.

BTW, I'm a Gator too, Will, and I didn't choose the username Redfish just cause I like the name.*Woot* I have never burned up the drag on one of the Garcias. They will take a pounding and are pretty easy to service (periodic cleaning and oiling). I would not consider them "cheap reels," but they are not fancy-smancy either.

The main advantage I see in a baitcaster, no matter what brand, is you do not get line twist like you do with a spinning reel. I also think the drag systems are smoother and tougher than the mid-priced spinning reels I have used. The primary drawback to them is the tendency to over-run, and this can be a pain on windy days. However, once you've used one for a while, you will rarely have a "birdnest" that can't be easily pulled out. You just have to develop a touch.

http://www.abugarcia.com/cat.php?k=49999

Guys, Check out the attached link, read a little about them now, I don't think there is a better bang for the buck! Wow! They have a $15.00 mail-in rebate now...I haven't purchased one that cheap in a long time!
Another penny of mine! *006*

If you add a Ungly Stick rod to this, you will have a great combo for under $100. You might buy a more expensive combo, but I don't think it would catch any more fish with it.

Fayetteguy

07-20-2008, 03:48 PM

Im one of the few people in the planet that does not like ugly stick rods, i want a super fast yet sensitive tip, and the ugly's ive played with all have a floppy tip, yeah its sensitive but too soft for me. I have had a great bang for the buck with bass pro tourny special rods, get them on sale for 29.99 quite often. As for saltwater reels, i use a quantum pti energy....my freshwater bass reel, i have been using it for several yrs in salt, i just wash it down after use, and take it apart to clean every few months, have yet to see any corrosion, but i like to be meticulus about cleaning and servicing. I also love my Abu baitcaster, it was a blue one they used to have, blue and stainless not the blue and brass......if i could find that again i would buy one, i think its a 6500...but couldnt tell ya.

I forgot im in this place with all these gators............

Oh and im biased against ugly stick, its the only rod that has ever broken on me........go figure right, im sure it was just a bad blank or something but it hurt my feelings and lost me a big fish so i switched to tourny specials.

-Matt

somehow i missed you got a shimano, nice!

Dave

07-20-2008, 04:22 PM

The main advantage I see in a baitcaster, no matter what brand, is you do not get line twist like you do with a spinning reel.

If you don't mind, I'd like to pick up, and expand on that thought Redfish, especially for those that might just be getting started fishing. *Cheers*
Spinning reels have a general ability to cast lighter baits and lures more efficiently, provided they are spooled with appropriate diameter line and filled to proper capacity. Once you get to 1/4 oz baits and/or (about) 10 lb line, the casting abilities start to equal out. When you get to, or above 15 lb test, I think the baitcasters come back into favor, for size, weight, and all day casting comfort.

Once the line has settled on a spinning real (sometimes line twist is present immediately after spooling line on reel), the primary way line gets twisted is from novice fisherman who crank the handle when there is no line being retrieved (ie. lure or hook caught on immovable object or fish is working drag). Line twist can occur with any real if the lure or bait causes the line to spin, most often when trolling. A quick and easy way to remove line twist is to remove all terminal tackle and let a few hundred feet of line run out behind a moving boat. If you haven't done this before, you might be surprised how much friction water applies to the line when it's trailing about a hundred yards behind the boat, with nothing attached to it ;D

Though not usually referred to as "bird nests" or "professional overruns", line tangles are not that uncommon on spinning reels, and can be even more debilitating. All experienced spin-fishermen monitor the spool, especially when beginning the retrieve (when there is often slack in the line) to see that a loop is not formed outside of the spool. If there is, immediately stop retrieving line and hand remove line from the spool until the loop is removed. If you're lucky, the tangle will be short and manageable and you'll be back to fishing in short order.

When a nasty tangle occurs, whether baitcasting or spinning gear, you risk the loss of many feet of line. If you loose a hundred feet of line on a baitcasting reel, you can still cast the lure/bait (almost) as effectively. If that same amount of line is lost from a spinning reel, you will loose considerable casting length, as the line on the spinning reel has to overcome the friction from the top lip of the spool.

Each reel type has it's place and in many circumstances, can be used interchangeably. Each however, deserves a bit of understanding to know which is best for a particular application. The skill and experience of the angler is part of the equation and so it's very difficult to "recommend" a certain type of reel without this important consideration. I can cast either reel with confidence but my choice of reels (for the past decade or two) has been "spinning" for light/medium duty inshore fishing and conventional reels for near and offshore fishing. I probably own 10-12 baitcasting reels but they rarely find their way on my boat these days. That should in no way mean that I believe spinning reels are superior to a good baitcasting reel in the hands of an experienced fisherman!

Dave

FoodPlot

07-20-2008, 05:14 PM

I'm kinda the opposite Matt. I like the Ugly Stick but can't stand the Penn Rods. Had to break on me without undue pressure, etc. Dave, I agree with the line twisting. If drag is going out, no reeling should be taking place. I've had a lot of experience on northern pike in Montana and Walleye in Lake Erie. I can cast more accurately with a spincast, and I have rarely experienced the birdsnest in a baitcast since I learned how to adjust them when you change lure weights, lines, etc. It's just I mostly see people redfishing with the spincast. Gonna try it next weekend with a Cajun Thunder and Shrimp or Gulf lures.

Fayetteguy

07-20-2008, 09:00 PM

If your ever near a bass pro they have a popping cork made by "inshore extreme" it is made out of nickel titanium maybe, the metal that goes through the cork that is, and it is the kind of metal that will bend but never kink. A little more than the basic ones but they will never kink up on you, i had one cork i used.....somewhere around a yr i think, it is still tied up and waiting for a good trout bite again! Just a thought.

-Matt

(I cant say i dont have a ugly stick, i bought my girlfriend the pink one.....)

Ed&Brenda

09-22-2008, 09:45 AM

I have been wanting to get a baitcaster for awhile now. Well while out this weekend I picked up an Abu Garcia 6501 C3 Ambassadeur. Hopefully it will work out for me, if not you may see it in the dock sale section :)

TexasCoastman

09-22-2008, 05:40 PM

Cabela "Saltstriker" rod, 6.5--7.0 foot, Okuma spinning reel, 14 lb. test. Put a 20 lb. leader on it if you like, or are fishing around oyster shell.

Slim to None

09-23-2008, 09:59 AM

matt- you're not alone on the dislike for ugly sticks! i've broken several of their rods over the past couple years. granted they replaced them for free, but i still dont trust them anymore. the last one could be considered my fault, as i was catching legal sized grouper on my inshore combo.*laughing* it sure as heck was a lot of fun, until the rod exploded into about 5 pieces*006*

Fayetteguy

09-23-2008, 11:28 AM

haha! hey i was trolling with a shimano trevala jigging rod last week, man that ting had some bend and i was very worried when a huge cuda hit it.......i think its good that the line got cut but that rod held up! Im a fan. Also i have just picked up a quantum boca and man do i love this reel! a seeled drag to keep it clean and dry which i like. I have also switched from the big pole float corks for deep running and cut a popping cork off the wire and rigged it up slip float style, works great, much more reactive and sensitive then the big long pole floats......Ill see if i can take a pic, i have all my rods rigged up and ready to go, just havent gone!

-Matt

boogieblues50

09-23-2008, 12:53 PM

Hey
ok Iam old probably bought over 100 rods and reels in my life...Here is what I have come to love for Redfish and trout...I have two 7ft custom rods...$150 on ebay guy in Calf makes them problably worth a whole lot more...they are on a 7ft magnum lamiglass blank..rated 10-12 and 10-20 lb line 1/8 to 3/4 oz lure weights....fast soft tip lots of flex with a monster strong bottom end....20lb power pro red...and 18 inches or so of flourocarbon leader...you need a fast soft tip with good flex when using braided line...and a heavy butt end for pulling them sideways out of structure....the reels are a quantium Cabo and an Okuma VS...both are around $150 each...the Okuma VS's have a 5 year warranty...and have the absolute best drag system I have ever used on a spinner...the Cabo is pretty dang good too...thats why I bought 2 differnt reel to try them out side by side...I would give the Okuma a 10 and the Cabo 9.5...They each hold over 300 yards of 20 lb braid....again with Redfish and braided line you need a realy good extra smoth drag...let the drag fight the fish and reel in using the rod and reel when the fish quits runnig,,,if he runs again quit reeling and let the drag and rod do the work...another good reason for braided line...you can fit so much more of it on smaller spinning reels...I dont realy understand people not wanting to spend money on a good rod and reel...Most spend a fortune buy boats and rigging them out so they can get out fishing for a limited number of hours a year to go fishing than want to cheap out on their fishing equipment...I know if I lose a big Red it aint gonna be my rod or reels fault....Also with these two rods they are so well balanaced and light I can cast all day which is a good thing for an old fat fart like me...

Ok here is what I use for the Big Bull Reds that can go up to 50lbs....I went with what I think is one of the great classic rods that are not real expensive....Two 7 ft Shakespear Tiger rods....20-50 line weight....1/2 ounce to 6 ounce....Two big Okuma VS's series reel that I also use for surf fishing...they come with two spools one is loaded with 30lb Fins braided when the reels are on my surf rod...When there on the Tiger sticks 50 lb power pro braid with 50lb flourocarbon leaders....They give everything to the big bull reds in short order....also have used them trolling with downriggers and worked great on Kings...Wahoo and even some gag groupers....also work well as boat rods with a heavy leader...many snapper and big old rust belly grouper have given up on them...
Yes I have plenty of baitcasters ,,,,from bass rigs to big boat rods....Bit the 4 rods I mentioned can do 99% of my fising freash water...bass fishing...catfishing....salt water...reds trout...flounder...grouper...snaper ...kings....strippers...ect...maybe not to good on crappie and bream..but I do keep and ultra lite on the skiff...My friend made me a leader for it that has six hooks sorta like flys tied to hook...I stop at the cut sometime...dip it over the side wiggle it and come up with 3 or 4 good pinfish on it...can fill the live well up in 15 mins...I suck at throw nets...lol
So yes I have about $1000 in four rods and reel but I quarantee I have more than that In my shed that I went thru to get to these 4 and I wouldnt trade them for nothing...Most of You if You fished with them one day would be wanting to buy them...And no iam not rich I bought them a little bit at a time...Was hard to put the money out for them till I got the first one put together and started using it....Hopefully they should outlast me...
BoogieBlues

bozwell

10-03-2008, 07:39 PM

I thought I would add my 2 cents worth here as well. Below are a few pix of the rig I have been using lately from my Skiff.

I have several different BG reels as well as several different Ugly Stik rods so that's why I went with the BG15 and the Ugly Stik Lite. Tremendous value for the money (around $70 for the reel & $50 for the rod) and both are rock solid and will last forever. I have been using Suffix Elite or Tri-Plus 14# as my base with the rig pictured. The hooks I found at the Fishing Hole off of 460 in Wakefield, VA. They are Eagle Claw nylawire snelled 3/0 circle hooks. The reason I have been using these is because where I fish (Hatteras) you never know what you are going to catch (Puppy Drum, Flounder, Bluefish, Trout, etc).

With 50# mono snelled hook, after a few Bluefish, Flounder, etc. the line can get a little frayed. The Eagle Claw's are light and last pretty much as long as you want to use them. Usually the only time I change them out is when I've bent the hook taking it out of a fishes mouth.

I usually use finger mullet for bait (chunked, live or filleted) and will use an egg sinker from 1/2 to 1 oz or with just a float depending on depth.

chumhead

10-04-2008, 11:47 PM

I also like the new Okuma reels... I was stuck on the Epixor line, as I retired all but one of my Shimano's and now have 6 Epixors from the EF-10 ultra lite to the EF65's for offshore. My last 2 Okumas were the Salina 30 and 50, they have a dual drag system (drag disks on the top AND bottom of the spool) and can produce some serious, smooth drag. My standard redfish setup is the Salina 30 spooled with 10 or 20 lb PowerPro on a 7' Rapala rod ('bout $30), I also use my offshore bottom fishing setup for some of our big bull reds under bridges, a Salina 50 with 65 lb PowerPro on a Bass Pro Shops Extreme Jigging rod (rated for 65 lb Braid, since this reel will produce 60+ lbs of drag) . Here are a few of the reds we've caught....

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e66/chumhead/PICT0008-2.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e66/chumhead/PICT0013-1.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e66/chumhead/PICT0002-5.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e66/chumhead/PICT0044-1.jpg

And these two caught on my Salina 30 by some friends....

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e66/chumhead/PICT0021-3.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e66/chumhead/PICT0029-1.jpg

chumhead

NOTHING ELSE MATTERS

10-05-2008, 09:48 PM

Chumhead, you said that the salina 50 produces 60 lbs of drag ? Is that correct ? It sounds like very very high number.

chumhead

10-06-2008, 09:50 PM

Nothing Else Matters,

Yes, I did say 60. Actually, Okuma says 65 to 70, but since they only list the older 45 and 55 series, I figured I would round it down a bit. Here is a link to their website with the drag ratings:

http://okumafishingforums.com/showthread.php?t=445

The Dual Force Drag does produce some serious drag....but to be honest, I have never truely tested it on anything other than fish (and a sunken beach chair.....once).

chumhead

NOTHING ELSE MATTERS

10-06-2008, 10:40 PM

http://www.okumafishingteam.com/reels/surf/salina.html

Acording to this the salina's 55 are only rated for 15 lbs test. How can they have 60 lbs drag? Maybe is a typo? Normaly the rear drag seting is for the bait runner use(on a bait runner reel). *006*

The regular salina does not show a rear drug, just on the bait runner reel.

chumhead

10-07-2008, 12:20 PM

Well, I had typed an explanation with a bunch of links, but the power flickered off and I lost it all (yep, not quite fishing weather today).

The figure you are looking at is the line capacity of the spool, rated for mono line. I use 40 and 65 lb test PowerPro which has the same diameter as 10 and 16 lb mono, so I can get the same capacity of line on the spool, but have 4 or more times the strength. This rating has nothing to do with the drag capability of the reel, only the line capacity of the spool.

Salina's are available in regular front drag spinning reel...
http://www.okumafishingteam.com/reels/surf/salina.html
as well as Baitfeeder model...
http://www.okumafishingteam.com/reels/surf/salina%20BF.html
I doubt the baitfeeder feature would produce more than a couple of lbs of drag, as it is only to allow the fish time to take a bait before setting the hook.

I have only really pulled this kind of drag on one fish, a large grouper that had me in the wreck before I was ready. I pulled on him for a while (it felt like forever) but ultimately could not get him out of the wreck and had to break him off so I could re-tie and go back to fishing. I snapped 65 lb PowerPro, and was sweating like crazy by the time the fight was over. Pulling large amounts of drag is not something I would want to do for any length of time, but it is fun for short periods of time.

chumhead