FS Digest

Light saltwater/freshwater setup

Hi everyone, what are your thoughts on having a light/moderate rod with a 1500 sized spool for inshore kayak saltwater fishing using plastics? It doubles over as a freshwater setup as well. I plan on catching Texas inshore game fish like trout, redfish, and flounder with it as well as large mouth bass, small mouth bass,trout, catfish, and pan fish. Thanks!

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by pteroduck

FS Digest

That should work fine, go with 10lb braid since you will have to fight them longer anyhow you can keep your drag loose enough for that. Personally I use a 2500 or 3000 for most of my inshore fishing just because I like to toss an occasional bottom rig on and relax while fishing for reds and small line really zips out there.

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by Krrast

FS Digest

I'd bump it up to a medium rod and a 2500 size reel with 10 or 15lb braid for a much more versatile combo. Never know when you're going to hook into a bigger than expected fish or something like a shark or ray in saltwater. I use a penn battle 2 2500 on a penn battalion medium rod with 15lb braid as my go to 'do everything' combo. It's light enough to throw 1/8 oz lures and weightless soft plastics for panfish and bass, sensitive enough to feel a 1/2 oz jig touch bottom in 30 feet of water, and strong enough to handle stripers to 32" and big cownose rays.

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by LiarWithTheAce

flyguy Loc: Lake Onalaska, Sunfish Capitol of the World!

1500 is a little light, 2500 will be just fine, not any lighter for saltwater.