Thoughts on rod lengths/cheaper reels for yakking - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Billy V · 08-24-2009, 01:21 PM

My hands down favorite rod/reel set up for Kayak Fishing is:

A 7 ft. Graftech 20-30 Rod with a Diawa Sealine X 40 HA 5:1 Reel.

This combination weighs almost nothing, super light, but strong enough to handle good size Thresher Shark, all size Yellowtail, BSB, WSB and anything La Jolla Has to offer.

This year I had my share of speed demon hook ups on threshers and the drags held up fine.
I recently swapped out the stock drags for Carbotex Carbon Fiber Drags and the reel performs even better.

The rod retails for $169, but periodically go on sale for $135.
They were ON Sale Big Time at last years Fred Hall Show for $99

The Reel is typically $120. Spool it up with 30 lb P-Line Mono and your Good to Go for Most Everything.
-Except fishing directly in the kelp. You will need Spectra for that.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Threaded Mode

08-24-2009, 01:21 PM	#20
Billy V Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bay Ho Posts: 1,382	My hands down favorite rod/reel set up for Kayak Fishing is: A 7 ft. Graftech 20-30 Rod with a Diawa Sealine X 40 HA 5:1 Reel. This combination weighs almost nothing, super light, but strong enough to handle good size Thresher Shark, all size Yellowtail, BSB, WSB and anything La Jolla Has to offer. This year I had my share of speed demon hook ups on threshers and the drags held up fine. I recently swapped out the stock drags for Carbotex Carbon Fiber Drags and the reel performs even better. The rod retails for $169, but periodically go on sale for $135. They were ON Sale Big Time at last years Fred Hall Show for $99 The Reel is typically $120. Spool it up with 30 lb P-Line Mono and your Good to Go for Most Everything. -Except fishing directly in the kelp. You will need Spectra for that.