Rod & Reel Suggestions

[MarshCappa]

This is really helping guys! I can't say enough for the feedback. I already have a 8' Ugly Stick with a Penn6500ss and I love it for the skiff but I always feel under gunned for the rocks or beach. I really would use the 9' St Croix as a back up on the skiff or to have as a long distance option so I can launch a plug a little farther out than the Ugly Stick.

[MAKAI]

Get an 8 foot s -glass spun up and put the 650 on that, 2 spools one with 30 # braid, the other 12 -15 # big game. Med to heavy on the blank. S- glass take a little of the bounce out of the braid, and you can really lean on it if you have to.

[stiff tip]

the barbi doll or sponge bob rod n reel by shak e spear at k-mart on sale for 4.99 pink or blue ???????? does that help

[Crafty Angler]

If you've already got a 6500, you've got a great reel for your application already.

My only recommendation is that you remember to remove the drag knob of the 6500 after every use if you can and run warm water over the drag washers and use a soapy sponge to keep 'em free of salt deposits.

Put the additional money into the rod and you won't regret it - but like everyone has already said, you'll find a 9' is going to be unwieldy for use on a boat.

8' is going to be a good compromise size - St Croix is tough to beat as is Loomis - both have plenty of choices in that size and price range, plus or minus a few $$$.

At $200 you may find the budget a little tight for a custom stick unless you have contact with a good rod-builder.

[MarshCappa]

Originally Posted by Crafty Angler

If you've already got a 6500, you've got a great reel for your application already.

My only recommendation is that you remember to remove the drag knob of the 6500 after every use if you can and run warm water over the drag washers and use a soapy sponge to keep 'em free of salt deposits.

Put the additional money into the rod and you won't regret it - but like everyone has already said, you'll find a 9' is going to be unwieldy for use on a boat.

8' is going to be a good compromise size - St Croix is tough to beat as is Loomis - both have plenty of choices in that size and price range, plus or minus a few $$$.

At $200 you may find the budget a little tight for a custom stick unless you have contact with a good rod-builder.

I know what you're saying and thanks for the suggestion. I think I'm getting the 9' from someone on S_B that totally fits my budget. This will be a backup on the skiff and not my primary rod. If anything now I'll do more beach fishing with this and be better equipped. I'll keep an eye out for a reel. The Penn has been good but only after finding out exactly what you described about the sand the hard way. It was serviced by a local guy in town that told me to do the same thing in the future. I have a reputation of finding things out the hard way Maybe this is the year I'm better prepared, no thanks to all the feedback and great posts on this site.

[MarshCappa]

Originally Posted by stiff tip

the barbi doll or sponge bob rod n reel by shak e spear at k-mart on sale for 4.99 pink or blue ???????? does that help

I already have a Speed Racer setup for the canal and a Spider Man for the fresh! I retired a Tweety Bird last summer on the blues! Thanks for the laugh!