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Post by jazzmik on Feb 13, 2019 15:35:45 GMT -5
Hi,
So I've been wanting to get a couple rod/reels setup to fish off the piers (Skyway, Ft. DeSoto) and some inshore stuff. I'm a complete newbie and have been reading through a boat load of the threads.
Anyway, i just picked up 2 combos, please give me some feedback.
#1 - Shimano Teramar 7' MH paired with Daiwa BG 4500 spooled with Power Pro 30 lbs braided
#2 - Shimano Teramar 7' MH paired with Penn Battle II 4000 spooled with Power Pro 20 lbs braided
It's tough buying this stuff when you don't know what you're doing but hopefully I have a couple decent setups that are versatile for pier and inshore.
Still need to get all the extra stuff but wanted to get the big purchase out of the way.
Thanks
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Post by parkpass on Feb 13, 2019 16:10:08 GMT -5
Both will work fine for macks...I use an 8ft Teramar heavy action with a BG 4500 for top water, an 8ft Teramar extra heavy with a BG 5000 for my sinker rig that I rarely use, sucker wears me out. Keep in mind that having a heavy action rod will allow you to sling 20" macks up to the roadbed with ease
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Post by tears143 on Feb 13, 2019 17:05:24 GMT -5
Both are good rod and reel.
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Post by parkpass on Feb 13, 2019 19:16:43 GMT -5
It's none of my business but I would return those rods and that 4000 PENN and upgrade to 8ft rods heavy action minimum and a 5000 series reel....or learn the hard way
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Post by jazzmik on Feb 13, 2019 20:45:09 GMT -5
It's none of my business but I would return those rods and that 4000 PENN and upgrade to 8ft rods heavy action minimum and a 5000 series reel....or learn the hard way From what I understand the 4500 BG is like the 6000 Penn Battle 2.... not the case?? After talking with the salesperson decided on the 4000 Penn for more inshore stuff based on his recommendation. Something a little lighter but still able to use on pier. Can you give me some recommendations that would work for all-purpose setup? Would want to be in same price range... 200-250 for each rig. Thanks
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Post by parkpass on Feb 13, 2019 23:46:26 GMT -5
No, I've never tried to use one rig for all fish, my rigs are set up for specific species
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cored
Whitebait
Posts: 47
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Post by cored on Feb 14, 2019 8:37:06 GMT -5
I do believe you hit the mark for an all around middle of the road setup. Me personally, i would have spent a little less per combo and got a wider spectrum of setups.
Again this is all just opinion but, ill let you in on what I have found I like.... on the lighter end of the spectrum say 4-12lb class, ohero rods are very light weight and “whippy”. Also in the $60 range, pair them with any 20-40$ spinning reel and replace as needed.
Then on the heaver end of the spectrum ide go with a ugly stick tiger with a abu garcia ambassador.
Anything heavier than that ide go with somthing made of Eglass and a penn reel. Any of those can be had for probably <$200.
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Post by ChathamAngler on Feb 14, 2019 8:55:14 GMT -5
I picked up 2 of the following setups for my sons as "all-around" pier rods. They've caught gag grouper, mangrove snapper, lane snapper, sheepshead, ladyfish, lizardfish, crevalle jacks, oyster toad fish and all the bait fish on them down at the SSP. Planning to use them in the coming days for spanish mackerel as well.
Penn Fierce II Spinning Fishing Reel & Rod Combo, 5000 reel with 7' Medium Heavy 1 piece rod. Put 40 lbs braid on them to ensure fewer breaks. Change between 20 lbs. and 40 lbs leader depending on what we're targeting.
Figured I would rather spend less money on the rod/reel to have more for a wide assortment of tackle. Kids and I have been very happy with their performance thus far.
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Post by jazzmik on Feb 14, 2019 8:56:09 GMT -5
I do believe you hit the mark for an all around middle of the road setup. Me personally, i would have spent a little less per combo and got a wider spectrum of setups. Again this is all just opinion but, ill let you in on what I have found I like.... on the lighter end of the spectrum say 4-12lb class, ohero rods are very light weight and “whippy”. Also in the $60 range, pair them with any 20-40$ spinning reel and replace as needed. Then on the heaver end of the spectrum ide go with a ugly stick tiger with a abu garcia ambassador. Anything heavier than that ide go with somthing made of Eglass and a penn reel. Any of those can be had for probably <$200. Thanks... yeah I may end up getting a 3rd rig setup with an Ugly Stik om the heavy side. I need to make sure I actually use the stuff first, haha. Not like it won't be the first time I impulse buy and end up in the community yard sale! Thanks
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Post by saltybass on Feb 14, 2019 12:31:50 GMT -5
Long time fisherman and watcher of this board. I think you have 2 great rods for snapper, reds, snook, and big trout. The daiwa seems like overkill. The battle is fine, a touch heavy for my preference but a fine reel. A 3500 would be perfect if they made it.
BIG QUESTION - How do you like to fish? Set a rod in a holder with bait and wait? or actively fish lures/bait with rod in hand moving frequently? I am part of the second group even with live bait.
For an all around multi-use set up, you're probably not going to be throwing spoon rigs for macks. Buy something cheaper big & heavy if you really want to try this (penn fierce & ugly stick). If you enjoy it, then go spend money on something specialized for this style of fishing. I don't care for fishing like this for several reasons mostly from a safety/crowds perspective.
I have a formerly 8' teramar MH (wind caught a door and now its 7'6) with an okuma raw II size 40 and 30# superslick Powerpro. I use this for chucking a bait out to the rock piles for snapper and love it for this. Its heavy enough to get 20-24" grouper out of the rocks if they don't break 20# leader first. The only time I use this for mackerel is if I want to throw 3/4 ounce x-rap 12s. I also use it for occasional bonnetheads. I went with the 8' for the slightly more flimsy tip. I used to use an 8' 15-30 okuma casting rod with a 5600 ambassadeur with 20# braid and 100' of 20# mono topshot. I snapped it being stupid and won't pay oversized shipping for a new one even though I liked it more.
My go to rods for 80% of my fishing are 2 bass rods. Both are Powell rods with Abu reels. - powell 703 spinning rod, 7' 6-12# medium power, ex-fast action with a soron stx20 (use to be the highest level cardinal spinning reel) - 10# superslick - powell 723 casting rod, 7'2" 10-17# MH power, ex-fast action with a revo sx - 20# suffix 832
Both have caught over slot snook, reds up to 30", pompano, flounder, trout, snapper, sheephead, macks, ladyfish, etc. These both hold plenty of line and have plenty of power. They're also very lightweight. You can work a lure all day long without any fatigue.
A 4500 daiwa bg seems huge to me. 200yds of 20# mono and 22 ounces?!?! If this actually puts out 22# of drag, you can use this with 50/65# braid on a XXH teramar and do pretty well with grouper. Or use a XH rod with 30/40# braid and kill any king at the pier. Before you buy one of these heavy setups, ask yourself how many grouper and kings are caught in a year on the pier and how many you think you will catch. I have 3 heavy setups that are usually in the truck doing nothing while I use something light to actually catch dinner.
If it were me, I would take the daiwa combo back and get something lighter. Something like a standard size 2500/3000 reel and a 7' medium power 8-12# class rod. 10-15# braid and 15-30# leader. Go catch 90% of the fish off the pier with this.
I'd also recommend Star Rods for their warranty. It's what Shimano/Loomis used to have (break it through normal use and they replace it over the counter no questions asked). Triumph models of StCroix are also a decent series, same blank & guides as a mojo without paying for purple stickers. They're the same as StCroix's Avid series but not as nice of cork.
PS- my favorite rod for macks is a 7' 4-10# extra-light dropshot rod with a 20 size okuma inspira using 10# braid, 25/30# flouro and a 1/4oz bucktail. Super lightweight setup but it works great for me. I have only struggled to flip a mack when they get huge but I have flipped one that was 28" forklength. Rods don't break unless you high-stick them or catch the line on a guide. Or if it was damaged already and then even heavy rods will break on the first hard hookset. Learn to flip a fish the right way but still know that you might pull a hook or pop a leader. Lean over the rail, reel all the way until your rod is pointed down, hold your spool with your other hand, sweep/pull up in one motion with your hands. Pull above your head if he's big and you need the extra distance. Don't bring your tip above 45degrees and don't lock a drag when you do this.
Sorry for the extra long first post but hopefully this helps someone out there. Hope to see you guys out there and some fish on the pier in the next couple weeks.
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Post by jazzmik on Feb 14, 2019 13:19:01 GMT -5
Thanks for the reply saltybass ... others as well! I would say I'm in the second group also... actively fishing. The lighter rig would make it more versatile inshore also (I guess?)... Almost went with a Star Rod that was priced same as the Teramar. It's crazy reading through so many posts, the different opinions on what folks use which makes it hard to choose a combo for someone like me that doesn't know what he's doing
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Post by parkpass on Feb 14, 2019 14:05:09 GMT -5
Just remember this: Strong rods and high speed reels will get you more fish, otherwise you'll just be feeding Flipper
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Post by redwrecker on Feb 14, 2019 14:19:32 GMT -5
Your setups are fine and good all around rods that will cover most of the fishing from the piers. It doesn’t take fancy/expensive rod and reels, although it’s nice to have quality stuff.
For Mack’s I use a 7’ medium ugly stik baitcast rod with a abu Garcia ambassadeur 5600 reel. Reel has upgraded carbon fiber washers and 20lb mono mainline. Nothing special and I have no issues slinging Mack’s over the rail or getting them away from flipper. Including those big 24 inch Mack’s.
My snapper/sheepshead rods are a 7’ medium calico jack spinning rod with 2500 penn fierce 2 for lighter weights. And a 7’ medium heavy calico jack rod with a 4000 penn fierce 2 for bottom fishing. Never had issues with those setups. I use the same rods from the boat on inshore reefs catching snapper up to 17” with no problems.
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Post by jazzmik on Feb 15, 2019 16:43:42 GMT -5
saltybass I ended up picking up a 3rd combo... Calico Jack 7'6" Medium with a Daiwa BG 3000 spooled w 15lb braided. I think I'll try these out for a bit and should be covered for most stuff. Thanks
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Post by parkpass on Feb 15, 2019 17:11:19 GMT -5
Now all you need to do is learn how, where, and when to fish in this area. You can do it on your own(takes some time) or spend time on the piers watching and asking questions. Some folks won't share their knowledge but most will
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Post by jazzmik on Feb 15, 2019 17:36:40 GMT -5
Now all you need to do is learn how, where, and when to fish in this area. You can do it on your own(takes some time) or spend time on the piers watching and asking questions. Some folks won't share their knowledge but most will The hard part but also fun. It does suck not knowing what you're doing though. Im not used to that I just got back from Tampa Bay Outfitters who were super helpful and picked up some things to get me started. Have any tackle suggestions?
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Post by parkpass on Feb 15, 2019 17:46:21 GMT -5
Yeah, just get something shiny, sling it out and crank like hell...macks love it
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Post by ledhotzeplinpepr on Feb 19, 2019 20:57:51 GMT -5
A few of you mentioned a leader. Is this fluorocarbon or mono on the leader?
I'm gonna be in the area for the first time from February 26 - 28th. Gonna cast shiny things with my 7-foot Ugly Stik and Stradic 3000, and I'm going to rent a setup from the baitshop to fish with live bait.
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Post by tears143 on Feb 19, 2019 21:07:39 GMT -5
fluorocarbon or mono as leader both is fine. Just do not use braid for leader.
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Post by redwrecker on Feb 19, 2019 22:14:47 GMT -5
I used flouro in the past for many years and now I only use mono. I don’t get less bites using mono rather than flouro. To me the biggest benefit for flouro is its more abrasion resistance. But not worth the price to me.
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Post by carlf on Feb 20, 2019 9:29:30 GMT -5
I used flouro in the past for many years and now I only use mono. I don’t get less bites using mono rather than flouro. To me the biggest benefit for flouro is its more abrasion resistance. But not worth the price to me. I agree, for spanish macs, I dont think flouro is worth the extra $$$, i just use 40 or 50# mono. Sometimes really light wire especially if a lot of kings are around.Dont forget that spanish macs love DOA or Voodoo-style shrimp, can work magic when they are being picky!
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Post by ChathamAngler on Feb 20, 2019 13:11:17 GMT -5
I used flouro in the past for many years and now I only use mono. I don’t get less bites using mono rather than flouro. To me the biggest benefit for flouro is its more abrasion resistance. But not worth the price to me. I agree, for spanish macs, I dont think flouro is worth the extra $$$, i just use 40 or 50# mono. Sometimes really light wire especially if a lot of kings are around.Dont forget that spanish macs love DOA or Voodoo-style shrimp, can work magic when they are being picky!carlf - do you fish the DOA shrimp like you do a spoon when targeting macks? Cranking pretty hard? Any and all guidance on how you fish the artificials is appreciated.
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Post by carlf on Feb 21, 2019 10:12:53 GMT -5
Nope, below a clear bubble with a 2' mono leader or simply by itself with a short wire or mono leader. Just cast out, let if sink/drift and "pop" it every 5 seconds or so. They usually hit it on the fall or sitting still. The hits are fierce!
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Post by tears143 on Feb 21, 2019 21:29:27 GMT -5
Don't like plastic lure for macks... and you know why.
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Post by parkpass on Feb 21, 2019 22:30:02 GMT -5
Waste of money
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Post by saltybass on Feb 22, 2019 1:47:18 GMT -5
A few of you mentioned a leader. Is this fluorocarbon or mono on the leader? Yes. Both have a time & place. Mono is less dense (softer) and tends to float. Flouro is more dense (harder) and tends to sink. Slightly more abrasion resistant. There is some visibility difference but not a lot.
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Post by carlf on Feb 22, 2019 9:53:03 GMT -5
I use the cheaper DOA-type lures from Walmart, around $3 for a 3-pack. I've caught a limit of macs (15 here in AL) off of just one without it coming completely apart. Well worth the money if that is what they are hitting. But to each his own....
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Post by tears143 on Feb 22, 2019 17:04:26 GMT -5
I use the cheaper DOA-type lures from Walmart, around $3 for a 3-pack. I've caught a limit of macs (15 here in AL) off of just one without it coming completely apart. Well worth the money if that is what they are hitting. But to each his own.... Yes, if that's the only thing they are hitting on... But I am pretty sure that's not the only thing it hit on.. imo
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Post by snookninja on Feb 25, 2019 11:23:27 GMT -5
Nothing wrong with the rods. The termar's are good rods and both your reels are fine and will do the job.
If it were me I'd skip the MH action and go Medium on one set up with a 2500/3000 and Heavy or XH on the other with the 4500BG or a small conventional like an avet or Penn fathom/squall or any other make/model.
For fishing the Skyway or any other bridge or rail type setting longer is better, 8ft if you can, that extra length will help with casting distance and keep the line away from the bridge.
The MH is a good all-rounder, but both sets you have are too similar, nothing wrong with that, just something to keep in mind.
Good luck and tight lines.
SN
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Post by jazzmik on Mar 1, 2019 10:40:26 GMT -5
Nothing wrong with the rods. The termar's are good rods and both your reels are fine and will do the job. If it were me I'd skip the MH action and go Medium on one set up with a 2500/3000 and Heavy or XH on the other with the 4500BG or a small conventional like an avet or Penn fathom/squall or any other make/model. For fishing the Skyway or any other bridge or rail type setting longer is better, 8ft if you can, that extra length will help with casting distance and keep the line away from the bridge. The MH is a good all-rounder, but both sets you have are too similar, nothing wrong with that, just something to keep in mind. Good luck and tight lines. SN Yeah I ended up getting a 3rd setup... Calico Jack 7.6ft Medium with a Daiwa BG 3000. Went to the South Pier this past Sunday not a single bite. Was there from 6:30 am to 10:30. Heading back out this weekend. Not sure if going to the Skyway or trying Fort DeSoto.
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