Reel Recommendations? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Silentskorn · 08-10-2012, 08:53 PM

Thanks for the all the recommendations. I think I'm leaning towards the Shimano Charter Special. I'm also curious to your opinions about line test. Originally I was going to use 20 lb spectra. But I am not sure if that's what I should be using or not. I am interested in using spectra but should I use a heavier test? The charter special says the power pro ratio should be: 40/410, 50/405, 65/390. Would it matter if I only used 300 yds of 20 lb spectra? or is that just not enough. (When it comes to ocean fishing I am a total rookie). I am only going to be doing in-shore fishing out of my kayak. It won't be that deep out there. Or should I just go ahead and get 300 yds of 40? Once again any tips/information is greatly appreciated.

October · 08-10-2012, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silentskorn

Thanks for the all the recommendations. I think I'm leaning towards the Shimano Charter Special. I'm also curious to your opinions about line test. Originally I was going to use 20 lb spectra. But I am not sure if that's what I should be using or not. I am interested in using spectra but should I use a heavier test? The charter special says the power pro ratio should be: 40/410, 50/405, 65/390. Would it matter if I only used 300 yds of 20 lb spectra? or is that just not enough. (When it comes to ocean fishing I am a total rookie). I am only going to be doing in-shore fishing out of my kayak. It won't be that deep out there. Or should I just go ahead and get 300 yds of 40? Once again any tips/information is greatly appreciated.

what are you fishing for? Your best bet is to get 65lb specta and then just top shot it with whatever the application is going to be. Fishing calicos? Top shot the spectra with 20lb mono. Wanna switch for some Yellow tail? Top shot the spectra with 40lb fluorocarbon. This way, no matter what, you have maximum line strength and flexibility to catch various species.

learn to tie a good uni to uni. I got my knot down to where, the other day, I got snagged and I pulled my 40lb spectra to 20lb mono top shot and the hook bent released and the knot held up.

EDIT: my bad, i just read "In the bay". 30-40lb spectra in the bay is good. And then just put on 12-15lb mono. (nothing in the bay is really gonna be big enough break that)

Silentskorn · 08-10-2012, 09:12 PM

Great, thank you October, I think I'll go with the 30 lb. I will definitely keep in mind the other information for the future when I graduate from a rookie haha.

Amish Ed · 08-10-2012, 09:49 PM

Why go that big for fishing in the bay? I'd look at the Shimano Cardiff in 300 or 400 size. I use a 300 with 40# Power Pro and a 17# top shot. Plenty of line with that setup and not too big a reel either.

October · 08-10-2012, 09:55 PM

I just sold a calcutta 200GTB for 140 bucks in Mint condition. That would be a perfect bay reel too.

Silentskorn · 08-10-2012, 10:33 PM

I'm thinking a slightly bigger reel would give me more flexibility in what/where I wanted to fish in the future. Am I wrong in thinking this way?

roadx · 08-11-2012, 06:38 AM

all the reels suggested are good suggestions

i would go with 65 spectra no matter which reel you select and use a leader sized to what your targeting.

the charter special is not as big as what it looks in the picture and would make a good match with the ugly stik but is over kill for the bay, great for the other applications

Silentskorn · 08-11-2012, 01:50 PM

I ended up getting the Charter Special. Size wise it's about exactly what I wanted. I greatly appreciate everyone's input. I think I'll be on this forum for a long time. The people are awesome and there is so much information that will help me in the future.

08-10-2012, 09:49 PM	#4
Amish Ed Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Grants Pass, OR Posts: 1,906	Why go that big for fishing in the bay? I'd look at the Shimano Cardiff in 300 or 400 size. I use a 300 with 40# Power Pro and a 17# top shot. Plenty of line with that setup and not too big a reel either. __________________ Amish Ed You can't catch it again if it's dead!

08-10-2012, 09:55 PM	#5
October Fish Whisperer Join Date: May 2012 Location: Menifee Posts: 154	I just sold a calcutta 200GTB for 140 bucks in Mint condition. That would be a perfect bay reel too. __________________

08-11-2012, 06:38 AM	#7
roadx . Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 1,155	all the reels suggested are good suggestions i would go with 65 spectra no matter which reel you select and use a leader sized to what your targeting. the charter special is not as big as what it looks in the picture and would make a good match with the ugly stik but is over kill for the bay, great for the other applications __________________

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08-10-2012, 08:53 PM	#1
Silentskorn Junior Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Sacramento Posts: 7	Thanks for the all the recommendations. I think I'm leaning towards the Shimano Charter Special. I'm also curious to your opinions about line test. Originally I was going to use 20 lb spectra. But I am not sure if that's what I should be using or not. I am interested in using spectra but should I use a heavier test? The charter special says the power pro ratio should be: 40/410, 50/405, 65/390. Would it matter if I only used 300 yds of 20 lb spectra? or is that just not enough. (When it comes to ocean fishing I am a total rookie). I am only going to be doing in-shore fishing out of my kayak. It won't be that deep out there. Or should I just go ahead and get 300 yds of 40? Once again any tips/information is greatly appreciated.

08-10-2012, 09:12 PM	#3
Silentskorn Junior Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Sacramento Posts: 7	Great, thank you October, I think I'll go with the 30 lb. I will definitely keep in mind the other information for the future when I graduate from a rookie haha.

08-10-2012, 10:33 PM	#6
Silentskorn Junior Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Sacramento Posts: 7	I'm thinking a slightly bigger reel would give me more flexibility in what/where I wanted to fish in the future. Am I wrong in thinking this way?

08-11-2012, 01:50 PM	#8
Silentskorn Junior Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Sacramento Posts: 7	I ended up getting the Charter Special. Size wise it's about exactly what I wanted. I greatly appreciate everyone's input. I think I'll be on this forum for a long time. The people are awesome and there is so much information that will help me in the future.