Newbie looking to join up 10/5

[kevbeer]

So I have purchased:

-Stroker 7 ft. casting rod 15-40 lb action, on sale at big5
-Penn Warfare Star Drag 20N conventional reel, 15 lb. max drag
-KastKing SuperPower 50 lb braided line - low visibility grey

Is that line the best braided to go with? Or at least decent? I can return if not. Sounds like maybe it is on the thicker side at .4 mm?

What type of hooks should I use for la jolla kelp? 2/0 circular? I plan to run 6 foot 30 lb. mono leader for a while, then graduate to 30 lb flouro at some point.

[goldenglory18]

Originally Posted by kevbeer

So I have purchased:

-Stroker 7 ft. casting rod 15-40 lb action, on sale at big5
-Penn Warfare Star Drag 20N conventional reel, 15 lb. max drag
-KastKing SuperPower 50 lb braided line - low visibility grey

Is that line the best braided to go with? Or at least decent? I can return if not. Sounds like maybe it is on the thicker side at .4 mm?

What type of hooks should I use for la jolla kelp? 2/0 circular? I plan to run 6 foot 30 lb. mono leader for a while, then graduate to 30 lb flouro at some point.

Meh, on a rod/reel combo like that, I'd drop down to 40lbs braid (visibility doesnt matter in your situation), and get a few leader spools 20/30/40. My line preference is Seaguar Premier leader and Daiwa J-Braid in high-viz colors.

Take the reel to a shop and have them spool it up correctly. It will be cheaper in the long run and with braid on conventional reels is VERY important to make sure it gets spooled tight and neat.

Hooks all depend on size of bait (what are you doing for bait?) Remember, J hooks (flyline, gorilla, drop shot) typically need a solid hook set to catch a lip or mouth plate correctly. Circle hooks (Mutu) on the other hand don't need a hook set. Just apply pressure and reel, reel, reel.

[kevbeer]

Thanks GoldenGlory. I will take your advice.

So this weekend I am hoping to get out in the open ocean on my dinky Kayak. I have researched livewell and livebait, however, to keep it simple I am just going to fish plastics and metals. I just need to get out there and build some time on the water.

So I was thinking La Jolla because really I do not know any better/easier place to try for my first time out in open ocean. Please suggest something local to SD if you want.

So La Jolla. See attached image. I am paddling so shorter is better. I am thinking to putz around in the yellow circled area. I understand it is 1 mile paddle if I launch from the Kellogg park area? Is there better launch point like around the coves? I know there are restrictions.

Thanks in advance.

[kevbeer]

fell Ill Thursday and didn't get around to getting out until sunday 11 am. went to mission bay instead. feeling more confident with trip #2. I am thinking maybe get 3+ more bay trips before I even go open ocean. casting distance and padeling speed had noticeable improvement, among other things.