Optimal Jig Stick Length On Kayak

[summers in kuwait]

I have used 8´ rods in the past for surface irons and they will help considerably to extend casting range, but personally I don't have any rods longer than 7´ now. I find the shorter rods offering more power when fighting fish.

[SoCalEDC]

Originally Posted by FullFlavorPike

Personally, on the kayak I find it hard to load up a traditional, glass jigstick so it will really throw an iron. These rods were designed for use standing up on a boat, not sitting down. Then again, I'm admittedly no surface iron expert.

I have used my Daiwa DXSB 801 12-40# swimbait rod with a 300 size lexa to throw surface irons a few times, and it casts well from a seated position. Of course, there's a problem with using that setup for that purpose because it is straight braid to a short piece of fluoro, which is good for swimbaits but isn't ideal for irons because you don't get mono stretch or glass rod action to help keep even pressure on a treble hook. Trade offs.

You probably shouldn't listen to me because I don't fish surface irons; but that's because I can't seem to make that setup work on a kayak for myself, so I carry swimbaits around instead.

Originally Posted by iethinker

My opinion....Agree that the short "jig-sticks" are not optimal for kayak. I have come to love my Daiwa Proteus Inshore rod for throwing most anything. Swim-Jigs, Tady-C, Tady-TLC, even good with Salas 6x Jr, Etc...

Mine is a PRIN76MHFB

Get a Lexa or a Saltist for reel.

I fish what most people call "bargain" equipment for trolling and bottom fishing but for casting all-day, the better stuff radically out performs. Use conventional or large format baitcaster for casting heavier weight lures on kayak...no arguments! I use a 2x rod length leader (25-lb +/-) and an FG-knot to braid with no problems.

For heavy YOYO I do go to a heavier set-up (still 7-feet) but I could drop my Tady-4/0 off the Proteus Inshore as well. A crisp 7.6' rod with braid is wonderfully sensitive for rock-fishing. You are on a kayak and having a rod that works for arm-casting and loading well during fight means going a bit lighter than some "boaters" would have you believe.

Originally Posted by skrilla

You're on a kayak so you're stealthy. Instead of using a longrod for distance try moving in closer.

Most rods I use on the kayak are 7-7'6. Tried landing fish on a 10fter... never again.

Originally Posted by YakDout

I like 8’ rods for jigs on kayak. 7’ for bait.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Originally Posted by tak100

The longest rod that will fit in the back of your pick-up.

Originally Posted by FISH11

X2

Originally Posted by summers in kuwait

I have used 8´ rods in the past for surface irons and they will help considerably to extend casting range, but personally I don't have any rods longer than 7´ now. I find the shorter rods offering more power when fighting fish.

Thanks for the input fellas. I looked at a couple of rods in the 7-6" to 8' range and I am all but sold on a one particular rod (the Californian tri-helix 8'). I am still deciding if I want to use a reel I already have or buy another one. I will have to try a couple of my current reels on the rod before I make that decision.

[FullFlavorPike]

That tri-helix will either give you the best of both worlds, or highlight the shortcomings of both glass and graphite contstruction

[SoCalEDC]

Originally Posted by FullFlavorPike

That tri-helix will either give you the best of both worlds, or highlight the shortcomings of both glass and graphite contstruction

Guess I will find out