Rod suggestions for new SXJ - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

2-Stix · 02-08-2017, 04:38 PM

The SXJ is their jig reel...but it comes with a reel seat and no clamp as it is intended for bass fishing. I have a few Avets. All with clamps. I run a sx for light flylining, mxj for irons, mxl raptor for dropper looping, bottom fishing and jx for heavy flylining.

Graftecs are a great value. If not, I go Cal-Star.

fishnfoool · 02-08-2017, 07:07 PM

I have caught plenty of yellowtail with my sx (not sxj) but in essence same reel. Largest yellowtail was 42lbs, it towed my kayak around for a while but did not take more than 50 yards of line. I was fishing 65lb braid with 3 feet of 40lb flouro and just put a lot of drag on him.
That is just my personal experience, but I have no problem with big fish on my small reels. I have been using my jx 6/4 on the 100 plus pound tuna and had no problems.
I think most people just don't put on enough drag for the game they are going after. You just need to stop that initial run quick as you can

jorluivil · 02-08-2017, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishnfoool

I have caught plenty of yellowtail with my sx (not sxj) but in essence same reel. Largest yellowtail was 42lbs, it towed my kayak around for a while but did not take more than 50 yards of line. I was fishing 65lb braid with 3 feet of 40lb flouro and just put a lot of drag on him.
That is just my personal experience, but I have no problem with big fish on my small reels. I have been using my jx 6/4 on the 100 plus pound tuna and had no problems.
I think most people just don't put on enough drag for the game they are going after. You just need to stop that initial run quick as you can

the largest fish that I've caught on my smallest reels was a 42lb WSB on a shimano cardiff 400. I recall that shortly after I landed and secured that fish I dropped another bait, as soon as the bait hit bottom I checked the drag on the reel and didn't realize how much drag I had on that fish.

h2ofishfo · 02-08-2017, 11:53 PM

X3 on the reel more than enough line if you get spooled your plain not puttin the wood to it or your letting him run with your bait till he digests it and it's half way out the butthole

goldenglory18 · 02-09-2017, 05:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YakDout

...The rod depends on if you are gonna be jig slingin with it or fishin bait.

If bait, I like the phenix blanks. Something like the 7'6" or 8' black diamond in M or MH.

If for jigs (not yoyo jigs) id go with a calstar or seeker all glass blank. 8' - 9'. Something like 20-40lb or 20-50lb blank.

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishnfoool

I would recommend any of the shimano terez rods that fit yourspecifications and it will be a great lightweight combo with more than enough backbone to lift big fish off the bottom.

Quote:

Originally Posted by YakDout

Graftecs are a great value. If not, I go Cal-Star.

Thanks, guys.

The Graftechs I've seen at Turners seem to be a decently put together stick. Maybe I'll take another look at those and see if one fits my fancy.

2-Stix · 02-09-2017, 01:15 PM

I have been close to spooled on the sx a few times...BUT it was not on a yak, 25-35# yellows on a 10 pack I fish monthly at the Channel Islands. I could not stop them. I had the recommend 9# drag set with 30# floro. I think in a yak its another story. I forgot that detail. It does change the game. I set my drag to the 25-33% range of the leader. All backed with 65# braid.

YakDout · 02-09-2017, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2-Stix

I have been close to spooled on the sx a few times...BUT it was not on a yak, 25-35# yellows on a 10 pack I fish monthly at the Channel Islands. I could not stop them. I had the recommend 9# drag set with 30# floro. I think in a yak its another story. I forgot that detail. It does change the game. I set my drag to the 25-33% range of the leader. All backed with 65# braid.

Which is exactly what you want to do to not lose a fish. 1/4- 1/3 drag to lb line ratio.

goldenglory18 · 02-10-2017, 04:19 PM

....and after stopping by a local Big 5 today (I haven't been in one since I was a kid) now I'm seriously considering moving this new SXJ to my MH Proetus and buying a $60 Penn Rampage H for my Saltist 20LW. That stick wasn't the prettiest to look at but it seemed like a steal and I've heard those things are built like tanks...

YakDout · 02-10-2017, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by goldenglory18

....and after stopping by a local Big 5 today (I haven't been in one since I was a kid) now I'm seriously considering moving this new SXJ to my MH Proetus and buying a $60 Penn Rampage H for my Saltist 20LW. That stick wasn't the prettiest to look at but it seemed like a steal and I've heard those things are built like tanks...

60 bucks? Are you sure its not a blem?

goldenglory18 · 02-10-2017, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YakDout

60 bucks? Are you sure its not a blem?

It was at Big 5...........so probably.

02-08-2017, 11:53 PM	#4
h2ofishfo Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Santee Posts: 821	X3 on the reel more than enough line if you get spooled your plain not puttin the wood to it or your letting him run with your bait till he digests it and it's half way out the butthole __________________ GABE<@)((((>€~~~~team ?????uuuh it's fishing

02-08-2017, 04:38 PM	#1
2-Stix Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Ventura, CA Posts: 376	The SXJ is their jig reel...but it comes with a reel seat and no clamp as it is intended for bass fishing. I have a few Avets. All with clamps. I run a sx for light flylining, mxj for irons, mxl raptor for dropper looping, bottom fishing and jx for heavy flylining. Graftecs are a great value. If not, I go Cal-Star.

02-08-2017, 07:07 PM	#2
fishnfoool Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Long beach Posts: 304	I have caught plenty of yellowtail with my sx (not sxj) but in essence same reel. Largest yellowtail was 42lbs, it towed my kayak around for a while but did not take more than 50 yards of line. I was fishing 65lb braid with 3 feet of 40lb flouro and just put a lot of drag on him. That is just my personal experience, but I have no problem with big fish on my small reels. I have been using my jx 6/4 on the 100 plus pound tuna and had no problems. I think most people just don't put on enough drag for the game they are going after. You just need to stop that initial run quick as you can

02-09-2017, 01:15 PM	#6
2-Stix Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Ventura, CA Posts: 376	I have been close to spooled on the sx a few times...BUT it was not on a yak, 25-35# yellows on a 10 pack I fish monthly at the Channel Islands. I could not stop them. I had the recommend 9# drag set with 30# floro. I think in a yak its another story. I forgot that detail. It does change the game. I set my drag to the 25-33% range of the leader. All backed with 65# braid.

02-10-2017, 04:19 PM	#8
goldenglory18 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Seattle Area Posts: 861	....and after stopping by a local Big 5 today (I haven't been in one since I was a kid) now I'm seriously considering moving this new SXJ to my MH Proetus and buying a $60 Penn Rampage H for my Saltist 20LW. That stick wasn't the prettiest to look at but it seemed like a steal and I've heard those things are built like tanks...