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Anthoknee · Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2015 9:17 am Post subject: Light Tackle Setup - Help Needed

Pretty new to posting but an avid lurker of the site. I am more of a surf fisher and have recently started to dive into kayak fishing with a few friends. I had an old light tackle setup that has lasted 15 or so years (Shakespeare rod and shimano 4000 spinning reel) and it is time to upgrade. looking to stay around $200 (mayyyybe $250) for the rod and reel. Looking for another spinning set up.

I have heard of the Breakaway Alpha 7'6" rods at around $135, I am not sure if I can find a quality reel for $60-70, unless someone has some options/suggestions.

I am used to my Penn Spinnfisher 6500s for surf, they have served me well, not sure if a spinnfisher 3500 would be a good set up with the alpha rod, it would be a bit over the budget...I understand you get what you pay for.

BayFly · Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2015 9:58 am Post subject:

Maybe get the rod you want now, and have a professional guy go over your reels and put them in good, serviceable condition. Later purchase a new reel when you have a better feel for your needs, and more $$$?

lagunarat1975 · Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2015 11:20 am Post subject:

penn battle 2 2500 100 bucks roys has some tfo sig series rods for 72 bucks cant beat em I use this set up for my clients and so far getting a season and a half use before any maint
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Anthoknee · Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2015 1:43 pm Post subject:

A penn battle 2 could work well. Do you have them with braided line? thinking 15# braid?

5moreminutes · Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2015 1:51 pm Post subject:

You can't go wrong with the TFO for $72-$99. No questions asked warranty.
MH- for popping corks and tops
ML- for your soft plastics

Shimano Solstace reel (2500)

FINS wind tamer 15#

And your at $200 and change
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Yak Daniels · Horse Mullet Joined: 25 Sep 2013 Posts: 148

Personally, I really like the H20 Express rods from Academy for my bay setups. I think I have the 6'6", 1/8"-1/2" or something like that. Paired with a Shimano Stradic 2500FJ, that'd put you right around $250 I believe. I've slammed that rod in the truck door and took to Academy and they swapped it no questions asked.

Otherwise, I'm a fan of the Sahara's and Battles.
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Anthoknee · Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2015 7:51 pm Post subject:

I'll be heading to Roy's this weekend to check out the TFO rods. Thanks for the recommendations!

As for the reels, I'll be checking out the Shimano's... Why Shimano when I have 3 Spinnfisher 6500LL's (live liner). While I am finally happy with the purchases, I had to put 2 into the shop at Roy's because of the live liner systems were faulty. 1 wouldn't disengage, which was extremely annoying when it faulted because I had a 4oz spider weight just after the 3rd sandbar and had to bring it in by hand. The other would not adjust the drag on the live liner system. Roy's made it right, fixed both, and I am now a happy fisher. For anyone looking at the Spinnfishers, I would not recommend the live liner systems whatsoever. Which is mainly why I will be checking out the Shimano's. I will say this, the drag system (when it works) is extremely smooth... End Rant.

rodandroll · Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2015 9:54 pm Post subject:

I'm still using Ugly Sticks. Don't think I will ever change. Best rod for the price I have ever purchased.
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Anthoknee · Posted: Fri Sep 18, 2015 8:49 am Post subject:

Just wanted everyone to know that I appreciate the responses and feedback. Went to Roy's last night and picked out a new combo: Shimano Sahara 3000 and Castaway 7' rod. I did find the TFO rods and may pick one up for my next set up....whevener that may be. However the combo i picked out feels nice and light and hopefully I'll be posting up pics of a meat haul tomorrow after a buddy and I hit Wilson's cut with some kayaks. If you are out and see two 6'4" dudes on kayaks, wave/honk/throw us a beer/point to the fish!

Thanks again!

ironmanstan · Posted: Sat Sep 19, 2015 4:59 am Post subject:

A 3000 is a little big for me but good luck anyways.....
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