YellowTail Set up

[YakDout]

Originally Posted by addicted2sp33d

+1 for Fishaholic.



For the reel, make sure you have sufficient line capacity, and the drag is capable of fighting the fish the way you want to fight the fish.



For the rod, pick something that has some backbone to it, and where you can reach the tip around the bow or stern of your kayak without releasing your grip (in case the fish goes under your boat).



For me, this means a Shimano Corvalus 401 with an 8' Shimano TDR Medium Heavy with 50lb PowerPro because:

• Some vanity - I wasn't a big fan of the flashy gold Cardiff
  
• Enough Line capacity to go DEEP fishing off Catalina when needed
  
• Relatively low profile for such high line capacity
  
• It is my "one rig to fish them all" setup.
  

This setup has landed Medium-sized Yellowtail (I have yet to hook up a 20lb+ yellow), Rockfish, countless bass, countless Bonito, large bat rays, large guitarfish, and one very mean ~5' Angel Shark.



After a 60+ Bonito day in 2014, I upgraded the drags to CarbonTex because the OEM drag washers started slipping towards the end of the day.



I think most guys here use heavier gear... I suppose I like to give the fish more of a fighting chance.

You will definitely be testing the drags of that round bait caster when you hook up to a yellow 30lbs +. I'm not saying it's not possible, but it's definitely a good way to test the drag in your reel. You might find yourself buttoned down pretty quick to not get spooled by something of that nature.

[bubblehide]

Personally, I think you need more than one set-up. But, if I were to only have one set-up, I would go with an 8' true 40 pound rod and a reel like a Penn Fathom 25N, Saltiest, Avet or the like. You have plenty of choices in both rods and reels. But keep in mind, that old saying, cry once, pay once. Ideally down the line, you will have several set-ups.

John is a good, he'll take care of you in both equipment and price. His brother, well he's okay

[bubblehide]

Let me add, I would spool the reel up with spectra, and go with a short topshot.

[chxh8me]

New Uglystik 12-30 with a used sealine/saltist 20
And
New Uglystik 20-50 with a used sealine/saltist 30 or 40

Both of those setups would run you about $300, or probably less if you dig around or find coupons to buy the rods with. And they would have you covered from bass to yt/wsb (and tuna on party boats).

I had a torium forever... Just like my saltist more. Seems more robust... Though the finish on the silver saltists are crap. But i don't care cuz they are dedicated kayak reels.
Both toriums and saltists are easy to maintain. Stock drags on the torium turn to dust when you have big fish pulling on the other end. Stock drags in saltists last longer.

Both utilize anti reverse bearings... But I've only heard of these going bad in the torium, and not the saltist (not to say that they won't).... Which lead to a knuckle buster.

For lever drag my choice would be an avet sx or mxj

[addicted2sp33d]

Originally Posted by YakDout

You will definitely be testing the drags of that round bait caster when you hook up to a yellow 30lbs +. I'm not saying it's not possible, but it's definitely a good way to test the drag in your reel. You might find yourself buttoned down pretty quick to not get spooled by something of that nature.

Honestly, I'll be beyond-excited when this happens.

If it can run 300 yards+, I'll have the proof (a really good excuse) I need to get some more fishing-gear budget from the family accountant.