Had better winter days of chasing trout. A bad day of fishing is better than no day of fishing at all.
Haven't been able to get out with all the rain, but just got my first fish of the year. 5.42 off a little patch of grass next to a dock.
Planning on socially distancing myself right onto a native stream Friday. Temps are coming up, hoping for a hatch, and just to be out doing something where I can turn my brain off for a bit.
Went fishing yesterday afternoon, basically can't go on weekends now because the boat traffic is so bad with everything shut down. Had a good time but no fish. Saw a raccoon, porpise and a huge as bluefish leap out the water chasing bait.
I choose to believe the Raccoon was riding on the dolphin’s back and they were successful in their endeavor. #OxfordComma
Took the day off from work for a mental day. Way to windy to get out on the beach for tarpon on fly. Instead, threw the net for threadfins and tarpon fishing in the bay. I normally hate live bait fishing but it was just nice to get out. Went 0/3 on tarpon.
Went 5 for 10 on top water this evening. Ended up with a nice 26”. First time I’ve ever thrown a badonkadonk. Not my favorite, but not horrible.
My first topwater redfish was so awesome. Sunrise dead low tide, dude destroyed the lure. I'm now tempted to trade in my kayak or sell it for a solo skiff.
For sure. We have plenty of snook. Can walk the beach during the summer and sight fish them literally a few feet off the sand. Can catch them in the winter up rivers and creeks as well. If you don't mind driving, I can give you some spots down in the Everglades right off us 41 that are perfect for kayaks and can pretty much guarantee you'll catch one or both. Just gotta look out for Gators, and crocs
Gheenoe NMZ is a skiff I've always been tempted to buy. Great for winter negative lows around here. We just have so much big water to cross
Snook are making there way back up here. We can catch the in st. Augustine and lower. My cousin used to charter snook trips in Bradenton until he got to busy at Yellowfin. Only reason I'm debating a small skiff is because if my son and because my kayak spot is getting a ton of boat traffic right now
Thank you. Can anyone recommend a solid but not wildly expensive spinning reel? Google tells me a pflueger president isn't a bad place to start. Edit: seems like most of you guys are saltwater fishing.
Depending on what you consider wildly expensive, Abu Garcia, Daiwa, or Shimano all have options in the 50-75 dollar range. The Bass Pro store line is also fine for most people. What are you planning on fishing for, and where? That'll help narrow it down further. Most everyone in this thread will have good input for ya.
Where and what are you targeting? Most big companies have entry, or one step up that will suit any freshwater needs fine.
I'll be using it for lakes in Georgia and Alabama. Id like to stay around 100 bucks for the rod and reel. Seems like I can get something decent for around there maybe a little more.
My suggestion- look around for the reel. Any name brand reel will be fine. You aren't going to be putting real stress on the drag or anything in fresh water, and you don't need to worry about saltwater killing it. I've never used pflueger, but a quick look on Amazon seems like that is a solid choice. I'd recommend 2500 series. 3000 is the same size reel for most companies, just a larger spool capacity, so ok with that if easier or cheaper. Spool with 10lb braid of your choice. I would not buy a combo as they are usually crap rods that will cast like a pool stick. Rods are where you should be more careful. You'll want a 7' light or medium light fast action. I almost wouldn't buy a rod without putting my hands on it first, but that's me. A $60-$70 rod is probably where you want to be. I've used Shimano clarus rods, and would recommend those. Probably going to be slightly over budget, but buy once cry once, and get something that will last you imo
So I've fished my entire life and some how never used a bait caster. Is there a brand/style that would be best for me to start with while I'm learning? I have a lot more time now and I am going to start fishing Lake Norman.
I fish basically exclusively pfleuger reels. 25 is the ultralight size. I’d go the 30 size as a good all around reel. Then you should be able to find a Fenwick rod in your price range to get yourself a really decent setup for $100-120. That was basically exactly a setup that was my first foray into a better rig and I still use it.
Was meant to piggyback on the advice to @It’sAlwaysSunnyInAthens. I didn’t see your reply before hitting mine.
Yea, they're much better than a spinning reel from what I'm told. I want to start flipping but also fishing prespawn where I'll need the sensitivity.
Thanks guys. Probably going to grab a 60 dollar real and look for a nicer rod. Have you guys used ugly stiks? Read an article that said one of their elite models was one of the best rods under 100 bucks.
I learned on a $70 Lew’s combo from field and stream. There are a ton of videos on YouTube on how to use one
I only use baitcasters. I hate using spinning tackle now because I feel like I have so much more control with a baitcaster. As far as getting one to learn with, I don't really know of one that makes the process easier. Just have the brakes turned up when you're first learning to prevent overruns. This will limit your casting distance, so you'll want to ease off that brake as you get more comfortable thumbing the line to control it. Once you know what you're doing, there's nothing to it. As far as brands, I fish Lew's, Shimano, and Daiwa reels. I can't really tell a huge difference in any of them, but they're all around the same price point, so that's probably why. Any other questions, let me know.
Yea I want the control and distance. I think I'll check out Lew's since it's been mentioned several times already. Thanks guys