Please help me pick a rod/reel combo for fishing out of a kayak

[sandwashslugger]

Looking for a decent rod and reel at a lower end to moderate price range. This rod will be used mostly for fishing out of an ocean kayak, so I need something that is relatively short. I would prefer a spinning reel because I am more comfortable with them when using lures. The rod will be used for mostly fluke, sea bass, etc, but it will also need to be able to withstand the abuse from stripers. What would you guys recommend? I was thinking about possibly an ugly stick???

[KeysKid]

How long is your yak? You need a rod long enough to manuever your line and the fish around the bow. My yak is 14' 6" and wouldnt even think of using anything less than 7'. Any other questions give me a shout.

[sandwashslugger]

Mine will only be 9' 7"

[Bay Stalker]

lamiglas has a new rod out designed for kayak fishing, it may be worth checking out.

Kayak Series rods offer specialized features for fishing from a specialized craft. The extra length will clear paddles when trolling and makes it easy to stay with circling fish as they pass the bow or stern. Both front and rear grips have been designed to position the rod comfortably to fight fish from a sitting position. Seven models will cover the spectrum (any heavier and you’re just getting towed), and the thought behind the designs will make them instant favorites.

http://www.lamiglas.com/prod_indiv.php?groupid=56

[sandwashslugger]

Thanks for that, but that is definitely out of my price range. We're talkin about a broke college student here haha. Thanks again though, anyone else?

[Bay Stalker]

Thanks for that, but that is definitely out of my price range. We're talkin about a broke college student here haha. Thanks again though, anyone else?

They are 149.99 at bass pro

[barrell]

How long is your yak? You need a rod long enough to manuever your line and the fish around the bow. My yak is 14' 6" and wouldnt even think of using anything less than 7'. Any other questions give me a shout.
You dont need arod long enough to go around the front of the yak. You should never let the fish get around the front. Keppe it on your strong side at all times by holding the rod parrallel with the water and perpendicular to the yak if it tries to make a run across the bow. The yak will spin on its axis and the fish will remain on the strong side. A 6 or 6-6 ugly stick is a great choice, Walmarts has em for under $40.

[Guatemala Dave]

iI sort of agree with Barrel, but the Ugly sticks are soft for my liking, I'm partial to graphite. There seem to be a lot of rich "purists" here on the barn, but I have dozens of graphite rods in stock from $20 to $50 which will handle anything you can catch.

The ugly stick is a good choice in the fact that it is TOUGH and you may find times you can't always keep it from getting beat up on the Yak. BTW i have a COMPLETE selection of Ugly Sticks in stock.

The same goes with the reel. There are excellent reels by Shimano, Diawa, Quantum and others for less than $20 that have excellent drags and work extremely well. Not a Van Stall of course, but if you dunk them or loose contact and make a clean release you won't feel bad.

I'm always ready to talk about what you need and the prices are always right, Please call before you stop by until March 1st when I start regular hours.

[eelball]

Listen to barrell and GD, I never take an expensive rod in the yak. Its to esy to lose them. I've only lost 1 so far, but i use a daiawa inshore rod and a shimano sahara for the yak. Just love the feel. I use a short butt rod as well, easier to handle.
Like barrell said, the yak will spin with the fish, so a long rod is not needed for a yak of yyour length. A longer one may not spin as easy and may be a different story.
I think us yakers should start putting a susky flats trip together for the spring.

[badbass]

i have a 14 ft yak and use 7ft stcroix premiers one m and one ml.never had a prob landing a striped one with either of them. not very cheap but worth every penny. as far as yak questions barrel is who to ask ive learned he knows his stuff. i live close to you and fish most summer nights out of the yak if you ever wanna tag alongor have any questions email me. tbirddld@aol.com

[SLOWRIDE]

I use an ugly stik lite and a penn 440 ss and love the action of this setup. The rod is rated for 8 to 17 lbs. test and is 6 foot long, never had a problem with this setup in the past 6 years. I use 10 lbs. test line and have fluke to stripers on with no problems, but it's a hell of a lot more fun than using a broom stick with 20 lbs. test line.

[barrell]

Listen to barrell and GD, I never take an expensive rod in the yak. Its to esy to lose them. I've only lost 1 so far, but i use a daiawa inshore rod and a shimano sahara for the yak. Just love the feel. I use a short butt rod as well, easier to handle.
Like barrell said, the yak will spin with the fish, so a long rod is not needed for a yak of yyour length. A longer one may not spin as easy and may be a different story.
I think us yakers should start putting a susky flats trip together for the spring.
EeL, Im in, lets hope its not snowing this time. Ive got a new larger tent. If barn yakers want to go camping and fishing the susky flats in APRIL post when it would be best for you. Weekends? weekdays? early april or middle? If you are not familiar with the flats it is a fairly shallow bay where all the breeder bass collect and feed before moving up the river to breed. Its catch and release but you have a chance at catching the largest bass in your life off a yak in fairly safe conditions. You need to buy a license and we camp out nearby at a local camground.

[KeysKid]

Barrell,
In perfiect conditions and situations your right, the method you described works fine... Or with smaller fish. But a LARGE, strong fish is going to do what it wants, when it wants. Best to be prepared if your tackling large fish, especially if the conditions arent ideal IMO..
Susky flats in April? Im in.

[sandwashslugger]

After some debating I believe I am going to go with a 6 foot ugly stick, medium-medium heavy action and one of the cabelas salt striker reels. I am on a budget like I said before, and I want something relatively cheap so if I dump the yak and lose the rod I won't be quite as pissed. I appreciate everyones help. Thanks again! Now only if I didn't spend over a 100 bucks on freshwater gear yesterday I'd be able to order that setup haha.

[maine_sport]

Every year, the Absecon Bay Sportsman Center (a Barn sponsor) starts the striper season (3/1) with a sale. At this time of the year, the store is loaded with an excellent variety of rods, reels, and combos (rods with reels). Capt Dave and his staff have the expertise to select the right equipment to meet your requirements at prices that can’t be matched by the big retailers. The sale normally starts about the last week in February. Give them a call at 609-484-0409.