So I am getting back into fishing after about 15 years. I have a kayak I will be fishing from, Malibu Stealth 14 and I’m 6 foot tall. I live on the Gulf Coast of Florida and plan on fishing the flats. Redfish and sheapshead will be my main goal. Maybe some flounder if possible, and some snook here and there.
What I am looking for is some setup advice. I hear Ugly stick is one of the better rods out there now. But would love to hear peoples opinions. I have around $125 to spend on a pole and reel. I know it is not a lot, as some setups I hear people spending $300+ on the rod/reel alone. It would be nice if I could get two combos for the $125.
Besides shrimp and other live bait, what are some good artificial lures to use?
What is the the recommendation for fishing line?
I’ll let my husband take this one.
i use a 7 ft Berkley Cherrywood, with a Mitchell that you can’t buy anymore. Just an oversized 306, holds 210 yards of 12 lb test mono. Don’t use mono! 50lb Fireline is the only way to go, with a 2-3 ft florocarbon leader in 20 lb.
Wish I was there with ya.
Try Zara Spooks in the morning for redfish and trout. Any larger sized Rapala should work just match the colors to smelt or sardines. Have fun and stay out of the oil…
Daiwa Black Gold BG15 reel for $75 and a Shakespeare Ugly Stik Inshore spinning rod, 7′ MH version. 30lb Power Pro would be nice.
A lot of people swear by the Black Gold’s, the Ugly Stik’s are tough as nails, and Power Pro is one of the best braids out there.
The Malibu Stealth is a good choice. Malibu makes a good kayak. I like the Pro Explorer but that’s just personal choice. I target redfish, speckled trout and flounder on the Texas gulf coast.
The Ugly Stick is a good rod but feels a bit on the heavy side if you are going to use artificials. It’s ok for bait, though. I have a number of rods and most seem to be American Rodsmith. You need something with a bit of back bone if you are targeting reds and sheephead. I’d go with a medium weight rod. Ugly Stick has that. For your reel, look at Shimano. I’m assuming you’re going to be using a spinning reel…I hear you Florida fishermen LOVE your spinning reels–lol. I use a baitcaster 90% of the time. Look at the Shimano Sedona. It runs about 50 bucks here. You are right. You don’t have to spend $300+. I catch as many fish or more fish on my $100-150 set ups. If you go with the Ugly Stick you may be able to get two good combos for your $125.
You could spend $100’s on artificials (and I have–lol). They catch more fishermen than fish. Don’t look at all the fad stuff. Stick with the “tried and true”. I’d get a Super Spook, a Super Spook, jr (2 of each in both in a light and a dark color), a Repala Skitterwalk (I like PINK), a slow sinker, a sub surface walker, some spinner baits like Redfish Magic, a couple of gold spoons, and some soft plastics. I like paddletails but to each his/her own. Look for local colors that work. You are going to have to use a swivel since you are using a spinning reel or you will end up with a lot of line twist and knots. Look for Norton Quck Clips. It is a swivel with a clip (not a snap) attached that allows you to change artificials quickly. I got tired of tying loop knots and tried it and they work great. There will be people who will tell you “reel fishermen tie knots” or they change the action of your topwaters or artificials but like I said, I catch as many or more fish than they do. Try the Norton Quick Clips.
Since you are just starting out, I’d stick with mono, not braid. Berkley Big Game is good, go with 12 lb test and use a 20 lb flourocarbon leader. You can try braid later. It is stronger but it has problems all it’s own (like tangles and wind knots) that can ruin fishing trips when you just getting back into fishing.
You didn’t ask but go with a bruce claw anchor. It’s easier to deal with that other anchors. When you are on the water, you want to go with what is easy.
This a very good website: http://www.texaskayakfisherman.com
You can get a lot of ideas about setting up you kayak and fishing tips. It’s based out of Texas, of course, but you’ll get a lot of good information.
Go out and catch big fish!! Good luck.