First time kayaking...

[Robster]

Hi,

Newbie to the forum, so "Hello", and I hope someone can give me some advice.

I have the chance to try my hand at spinning / trolling from a sea kayak off the South Cornish coast next weekend, and would love to get into some bass.

Here lies my problem.....I am a "returning" angler....I used to be a very keen carp and pike angler until my time and attention had to turn to kiddies for a few years, but I've decided now is the time to get back into the sport.

So, I have some great (albeit old) carp / pike gear, but very little sea gear (just a cheap beachcaster / reel combo).

Spinning with a beachcaster doesn't enthrall me too much - I'm no Arnold Schwarzenegger, but I was wondering how my existing gear might cope.

To my disposal I have two 2.5TC rods (plain carbon fibre construction - used to use the for the pike) and two 2.0TC rods (carbon fibre with kevlar whip -for the carp). I've heard that the 2.5TC might be the better choice?

Reel wise I can choose between my "old skool" Abu Garcia 656BW reels (these are graphite body "baitrunner" type reels, which where high quality stuff 15 to 20 years ago!!!) or a cheapie Okuma beachcaster.

I don't really want to have to buy a new rod and reel for a single trip (although I am tempted on the reel front!!).

Love to know your thoughts.

Rob

[KKK]

Welcome to the site. The 2.5 test curve should be fine once you have confidence in this the 2.0 should be ok, as for the reels both are fine provided they can hold a few yards of line, I don't know what bs line you like to use I use 12lb for clean work and 15lb over a bit off rough, I have managed a 40lb conger on 12lb line so most bass should be easy if your clutch on the reel is set correctly.

[Robster]

Many thanks for this KKK.

I'm well used to playing a fish and as I fly fish (the only discipline I've kept up in the last 8 years!), my casting techniqueis OK, so I think I might use the 2.0 as it has a better action than the 2.5.

The reels hold 320yds of 12lb, so no probs there either!

All I need now then is some bass off Praa Sands on Saturday! I'll post the pics.

Rob