All around inshore rod/reel advice

[Leif]

Originally Posted by nic350z

I'm looking for an all around rod/reel setup for fluke, stripers, bluefish. I have always used spinning setups and want to make the switch over to conventional/bait casting. I want something with a level wind since this will be my first conventional reel and I figured it would be easier to get used to.

So far I am considering a Lamiglas 7030ct paired with either a Shimano Calcutta 400b or Abu Garcia Chrome Rocket. Lined with 50# power pro. I like the Avet SX from everything I have read but Avet doesn't make any level wind reels.

Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

I have to tell you that if it was me, I would be getting one of the Kevin Bogan rods. He has many that will fit the "all purpose" scenerio you are looking for. PLUS the rod will out-last any reel you purchase and be 100 times better than any factory rod out there with regards to components, hardware and workmanship. I have a few of his rods for many years and if you ever fished on any party boats you will be hard pressed not to find one in use by the mates, captains and customers.

I would also take Kevin's advice on the reels as well If you insist on the level wind. He has seen what works and holds up through the years.

I don't use any level winds with the exception of the penn 930 and 940.

I know you won't be disapointed if you deal with Kevin.

Good luck in your search!

Leif

[MrAC1980]

The Tekota's and Penn 310/320's are great cheap reels. If your budget is a little higher, the Penn Int 975LD is another great option but its pricey and its lever drag which another story. I also own the Daiwa Saltist 20 Levelwind which is a great tank of a reel for under $200 bucks, it does battle with the Avets in my opinion.

[JerseyCoast]

I wouldn't suggest a level wind for saltwater use either, because you will find the plastic/nylon worm gears are not strong enough for bigger fish, but if money is not that big of a deal, you can find a few that will hold up. Daiwa is a good choice when looking for a level wind.

As for the rod.... well..... that will depend on you and what YOU LIKE. There are different actions, lengths, and such that can be applied here and some may not fit you and your habits.

We have worked on a few rods that are "Utility Rods", ( 1 rod will do it all ). Our Jersey Jigger Rods are exactly that, built to replace a few rods, so you only need one. They are a slower action, nano composite rod blank, that will catch fluke and tuna up to 65-70#.

But, there are different actions and you may not like a slower action. I have found that going with a fast action may be good for one, but not the other. For example, a fast action for bucktailing is ideal most times, but if your dragging bait, you want a slower action, to avoid missed fish. Jope this makes sense????

What are you using now? What type of action? What length? What type of boats are you fishing on? How heavy is too heavy when it comes to fluke? (Do you fish 12oz? or stop at 6oz?)

If you can fill in a few blanks, I think we ALL can help you better.

[JDshots]

Get the Avet SX right off the bat. I started out with a Shimano Tekota myself and it was a nice reel, but there are some drawbacks to using a levelwind.

I picked up the SX a few years ago and haven't looked back. Ended up selling my Tekota because I just didn't use it anymore. You'll get used to leveling the line with your thumb. Once you do it enough it will become automatic.

[reefsquater]

I had fished the Calcutta 400 for ten years on a custom rod. It is a great little reel that held up very well. It is very good for fluke and casting light stuff at stripers.

The biggest problems I had we're if you had to put any kind of weight on them. With 8 oz plus, or a big heavy jig/croc the release button will get stuck. They do also require that the yearly service be completed. Had to totally rebuild mine one time.

I have never had a problem with the levelwind on it, it works flawlessly.

I wound up selling mine on eBay when I went to an avet type combo and missed the light little Calcutta bait aster style in my hand. I bought another used one on this site back in the early fall and plan on using it as my fluke only rod.

If you have to have one rod, go with the avet type reels, but if you can swing a second rod, those calcuttas are really nice to have.