Kayak tackle question

[Birdman]

Maybe this is moving backward on the fishing evolutionary trail but I'll ask anyway.
I bought my Pungo (12' from before there were 10' & 14's) about 5 years ago and I love it. I put aside my old surf rod for the fly rods several years before I bought the yak and haven't touched it since. My old surf rod was a Diawa spin reel on a blank I found at the Block Island dump in the early 70's (before it became a tony transfer station). All that is to say I have been out of the spinning rod and reel market for a very long time and I would like to get a spinning set up that would be good for the yak for those times when the fly rod doesn't fit the bill. Here's what I would like it to do:

Used almost always from the yak.
Primarily casting but occaisionally dragging a tube and worm.
Stripers are the primary target with albies too.
Must be 2 piece to stow in the boat and lock in the truck cab.
Tolerant of benign neglect
Long enough to clear a fish around the bow (about 7')
Not overly concerned about the finer points of casting quality of the rod.
My general view of spin rods is the opposite of fly rods - with fly rods put the $$ in the rod not the real - spin rods vice versa.
Heavy enough to do the job but light enough to avoid the "pole 'n winch" feel.
$$ range - $200 or so.
I've built several fly rods so suggesting a good blank is an option. (is it my imagination or do all spin reel seats seem really cheesy?)

Just not sure what a good 'sit down" set up would be. Thanks for any suggestions.
Sam

[Slappy]

Build one yourself!

In the yak you want a shorter butt than you can buy off the rack. For under 200 you can get a top quality 2 pc rod. Go with your favorite brand--loomis, st croix etc, add some SIC guides, get creative with the handle, but keep the butt section short for easy casting/fighting.
You are right about reel seats, but look a little harder, there are some interesting products out there.


You are probably better off with an average reel and a higher quality rod. Build it light for sensitivity and you won't go back to cheap rods again!

[WeeHooker]

You might consider a mid-heavy weight, mid modulous steelheaad blank from cabelas or anglers workshop, etc. I built an 8.5'er that is sweet from my pungo or the beach. Weighs ALLOT less than many rods of that length and has a softer action that helps keep fish from breaking off ( Kind of like a fly rod). You might even consider a 9/10 fly blank wrapped spinning style. However, I have yet to find a rod I liked that will cast a 1/2 oz popper AND drag a tube equally well.

[E-Glades]

I fished the Everglades for a number of years from a kayak. I would always have 2 rods ready to go. Both of them high quality graphite rods - you can't go wrong with a St.Croix or equivalent. I have noticed a huge difference in controlling the fish - especially near the end of the fight - even when fighting fish just over 10lbs. -Rods are worth the investment - rods with a spine help. One rod in my yak was 6.5' and the other was 7.5 feet. The shorter rod felt better when i was sitting in the boat and the longer better when I got out to wade. Granted i wasn't generally in clear water - and was only needing to cast 60-70 feet or so at most. I found 10lb. test was the best and adequate for almost all occasions. So most rods rated for 6-14, 8-15, or 8-17 would work well 7' is a good size for all around. Remember the boat works really well as a 2nd drag system. akin to what slappy says - Some of those 8-9' steelhead rods are great if you cut about 6-8" of the butt ! Shimano Stradic is a decent reel.

[Birdman]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I think I'll risk the wife's ire and order a blank or two!

[SamRiley]

Ask the Mrs for help picking out the thread colors..... it worked for me :)

[Birdman]

I wouldn't dare ask her to pick colors - I'll be painting rooms for the rest of the season.....

[fishingqueen]

i have a 14, wow what a big difference

[ToddMan]

What is the biggest difference you find between the 12' and 14' pungo? Is the speed and tracking worth the trade off in weight for carrying?

Thanks

[WeeHooker]

My two cents as a fishing paddler and amature boat builder.
I currently have 3 yaks to haul my 5'9" 200# butt around: an origional 12' 1" Pungo (classic), a loon 138 and my newest, a Tarbon 140 Angler. Out of those 3, the 12' Pungo is my "go to boat". It tracks as well as the others (without the rudder), weighs less than both and is the easiest to haul. As for speed, It's not a rocket but not a slouch either. It's only marginally slower than the other two 14' boats. For the most part, My fishing is dome within a few hundred yards of my launching point so int;s no biggy anyway.
As an amature boatbuilder /designer (and student of boat scantings effects on performance, ) I can tell you that EVERYTHING is a trade off.
While I have not got to paddle a Pungo 14 yet, I suspect that it's new hull shape will likely track no better and maybe catch more wind than the Classic. If I had to guess, I would say that it's biggest improvement might be with heavier paddlers.
As with all yaks it's important to try before you buy. Just be sure to keep an open mind , and try several models/length before buying.
hth

[Birdman]

My classic pungo is actually one of the Superlights (39# versus 49# for the standard) It does make it easier to handle.
I'd be interested to hear from those who have tried both the 12' classic and the new 14'. I haven't tried th 14 yet as I'm a bit afraid I'd be tempted to trade in.

[ToddMan]

Birdman,

I feel the same way. I love my pungo 12', but there is always something better. I'm afraid I would like the 14 and want to trade up.

Toddman