what boat rod / reel

J

jpster

Well-known member
I'm wondering what people would recommend for a new boat rod / reel combo

Reel wise I have to use something that has a level wind (thanks to eczema I've had all my life). I could do with something with a good gear ratio to bring up those 30lb cods a bit quicker from the wrecks!

Rod wise.. not sure what to get, I'm thinking 30-40lb class should cover everything from a boat but open to suggestions / ideas.

I didn't think I would need a new rod as I've not long had one and never used it yet.. but this afternoon the missus closed the door on the tip and managed to smash the top eye off and knacker the tip.. no doubt I could get it fixed but it's also a excuse to get another rod :D
 
the ron thompson zensorflexs are cheap as chips mate and they last forever had mine for over 6 years and never flackered or you could go for the super kenzaki which has mint reviews as for the reel im using a saltist 50h but they are expensive i used to have a diawa sealine 300h and that thing could literally pull the wreck up only down side was it was a bit heavy but for the money £30 couldnt go wrong
 
kingcod deano said:
the ron thompson zensorflexs are cheap as chips mate and they last forever had mine for over 6 years and never flackered or you could go for the super kenzaki which has mint reviews as for the reel im using a saltist 50h but they are expensive i used to have a diawa sealine 300h and that thing could literally pull the wreck up only down side was it was a bit heavy but for the money £30 couldnt go wrong
Click to expand...

I'm thinking about getting the super kenzaki 12-20lb but not sure whether to get the 2 or 3 piece version. Anyone offer any advice??
 
personally i would get the 2 piece version as the more pieces you have the more likely it will break lol the 3 piece one was made for traveling i think
 
I use TLD's 15 and a range on 8lb-12lb class rods, not used anything else for a while now and they tackle anything i have hooked and that includes 40lb+ tope.

Fish light have more fun, 99% of the fish you will catch will be 3-6lb range and a stiff rod or winch will spoil the fight...just my opinion.


As for what rod, anyone with a through action i like, not a fan of just a tip action, i.e bend's to 3rd eye and rest solid.
 
northeast1 said:
Fish light have more fun, 99% of the fish you will catch will be 3-6lb range and a stiff rod or winch will spoil the fight...just my opinion.
Click to expand...

agree with that...I've just bought a rod that is a lighter and longer class than the ugly stick 20lb Boat Rod I was using (and thought was great) and have to say it makes it sooo much more fun...poker sticks and a winch as Rich says aint my idea of fun and overkill for the fish that you will catch in the main


Shimano Charter Boat special comes with lever drag AND level wind - surely a winner?
 
Sonik sk3 12-20lb coupled with an ABU 7000 with level wind is a perfect combination. The higher the gearing makes it more difficult to "winch" in a big fish, plus if you're using braid, it will lesson your chance of getting it to the surface by ripping the hook out, not to mention the added strain on the gears.
The Sonick costs £59-45. and I absolutely love mine. It's 7ft-6ins long, one piece, and will handle just about anything in our coastal waters.
 
Last edited:
I've used:

Shakespeare Saphire Boat 20lb Boat rod - good basic starter rod but very soon switched to...

Fladen Maxximus Solid Carbon Green

Whitby Angling Supplies-Sea Fishing-Rods-Boat-Fladen Maxximus Solid Carbon GREEN 7ft Boat Rod

Great great rod and I would buy one again - but a second hand one that I could get re-whipped as the high build and varnish round the eyes goes flaky after a few trips

Then I got...

Shakespeare Ugly Stik 20lb Class Boat Rod

SHAKESPEARE UGLY STIK CLASS BOAT ROD 7.6ft 20LB SEA | eBay UK

another great rod and beefy enough to cope with all situations for this coast but have had problems with the handle (Norman has the same rod and hasn't had any probs) so recently bought this...

Fladen Maxximus Offshore Boat Rod - Last few to clear

I have to say that so far this is poss edging the green solid carbon...it's long and very reponsive and feels great with a fish on :)
 
Im not a fan of fladen at all, I find 90% of the stuff they produce poor. Not just rods,but tackle,reels etc. That's just my opinion and not meant to offend anyone that may be recommending the fladen stuff. My advice john is to POP down to a decent shop and try a few rods/reels out and get a feel for something before parting with your hard earned. If you decide to buy don't forget to haggle its amazing what you can get
 
Last edited:
I agree 90% of the gear fladen produce is cheap rubbish, but the other 10% imho, ie the solid carbon rods, offshore rods etc, are of a much higher quality!
Check out the shimano vengeance rods, and the abu GT325 reels for lower end priced gear.
More to spend? kenzakis, fladen solid carbon, suverans, ugly stiks are popular choices:)
 
kingcod deano said:
was it any good tone been thinking of getting one for a while now because i seen a lad using the 20 version and it looked like the dogz danglies
Click to expand...

Never used it mate as was part of a job lot I'd bought to sell on...was tempted at the time to keep for myself though as it looks like it wouldv'e been good fun to fish with :)
 
Well after I snapped my rod last week I've bought myself

Shakespheare Ugly Stick 6ft 30-80lb line rating single piece (with Fuji guides)
Rod

Penn 22 GTO reel (4.3:1 nice low geared to crank in the fish)
Reel

Dynon 3000 55lb braid to fill the spool.
Braid

I am not saying this is the cheapest option but I've now been boat fishing for just over a year now and now know that I want to invest in some nice kit that will be used in anger.
 

Similar threads

Mike
New North East Sea Angling Website
Replies
0
Views
2K
Mike
Mike
D
Rod and Reel suggestions
Replies
3
Views
541
dave craig
D
kayos
Ya Bass!
Replies
7
Views
1K
tonybax
tonybax
S
What 13' rod for a FS reel in the £150 range?
Replies
13
Views
1K
ecoli
ecoli
Codqueen
Fishing with Mr. Grumpy!
Replies
11
Views
1K
eddie t
eddie t
Back
Top