whats the best mid range boat rod and reel!!!

[welshicon]

Having just got into sea fishing, but using the chartered boats rod reel and rigs- i am looking to acquire my own tackle but with such a wide range of fish to catch and tackle out there and a library full of information on fishing sites- i dont know where to start- i dont want to spend out on cheap stuff only to upgrade it months later..

so can any one help me please!!!!!!!!!!

[Drew]

Hi,

Personally speaking I would go for the Daiwa Kensaki 20lb rod. This is an excellent light weight rod that will cover most types of downtide charter fishing.

As for a reel? I would suggest that you spend your hard earned money on the best that you can afford. Spend as much as you can on your reel. Go for the likes of Daiwa - Shimano - Penn and you won't go wrong. Abu reels used to be among the best but recently they have been overtaken by the aforementioned companies.

Whatever you buy stay clear of reels from Fladden & Okuma.

That is my opinion for what it is worth.

[welshicon]

hey thanks for the pointers - jsg

[Baz T]

I changed a couple of years ago to the UGLY STIK boat rod. Not the most expensive of rods, but they are made by Shakespeare, and is the best rod I have used. I have a 12lb class Ugly Stick which has handled 20lb pollack, and cod, yet is also ideal for smaller fish due to its sensitive tip, eg inshore fishing, black bream, whiting, etc. If you really want to be brave, they also do a 6lb class rod. Depends on what fishing you want to do. I mainly use it for wreck/reef fishing for pollack/bass/cod on the drift using redgills/shads etc, with 25lb braid, and provides great sport. I bought my Ugly Stik about 5 years ago, and it cost between 25-30 pounds. (I think there is a newer version UGLY STIK boat rod out now which costs quite a bit more possibly 60 - 70, so look around and you may still be able to get the 25-30 pound version). They also do heavier class rods too if you want to go above 12lb class. They are one piece, 6ft 6ins, and well made. I wouldnt hesitate to buy another one should I lose or break my current one.

[welshicon]

if i did go for one of those two options which reels are ideal!!!

[Drew]

How much money do you want to spend on a reel?

I suggested the Kensaki 20lb rod, it is rated at 12 - 20lb and is the ideal rod for some just starting charter fishing. At £70 it is far superior to the Shakespeare rods with super bite detection and extraordinary light in weight. There are three rods in the range, 6 -12, 12 - 20 & 20 - 30, all are the same price. Before buying you must look at any of the rods before parting with your money.

[scottish_and_mental]

I use a modded uptider for almost everything but agree with Drews choice..As for Reel i would go for a Daiwa
sl30sh loaded with 28lb dynon 3000 braid..
A reel is the workhorse - especially when drift fishing for hefty pollack or fishing with pirks so buy what you can afford ( or can afford to hide from the missus ) and look after it - ive had one Sl0sh for over 10 years and its still smooth as a babies bum

[Baz T]

Yep, my fave reel is the SL30SH - and they do last years, and are very reliable - Scottish and mental hit the nail on the head!

[welshicon]

ok well looks like the sl30sh and ugly stik combo and now for a deep search to find the best competative price thanks lads

[scottish_and_mental]

Originally Posted by welshicon

ok well looks like the sl30sh and ugly stik combo and now for a deep search to find the best competative price thanks lads

E-Bay for the reel mate......EVERY time