Rod/reel for dock fishing?

[Dynasty]

I was curious what a good setup would be for around $100-150. I currently am using a 7' medium heavy action rod with a baitcaster spooled with 12lb. I was thinking it would be easier with a spinning setup (no backlash). Also I was curious what lb. line should I spool it with? I pretty much would only be using plastics with it if it makes a differnce.

[RossT]

I use a 6'6" MH spinning rod. Its a Techna AV which has a pretty fast action. It has a sensitive tip, but lots of backbone to drive those HP hooks through. I've tried a variety of lines and have settled on Spiderwire Stealth in 20lb. I use a spinning rod for skipping tubes, Gulp Minnows, and 1/8oz. jigs under docks. But for 3/8oz. jigs, I will stay with my flippin stick.

[LOWinEYEin]

As for rods/reels I would stay with whatever you are most comfortable with.

Lines, I would go with Power Pro, Spider stealth will start to peel and you will get alot of frustrating moments, with power pro, it has a coating on the line that wont peel, and is stronger, and can get it in the same diameters as Spiderwire....

My .02, or more like .03

[Deitz Dittrich]

a 6'6" MH Shimano Compre rod with a Shimano Sedona 2500 would be a very decent combo for dock fishing and would retail under $150.... I would think about 20 lb powerpro as the line.. very good abrasion resistance...

[This message has been edited by Exudedude (edited 04-07-2004).]

[locolocal]

Shorter the rod, the better in my opinion. If you've ever tried to hit the 6-8" gap between the back of a boat and it's lower unit with a 7' stick...it's a challenge. Accurracy is the #1 consideration for docks.

6' or 6'6" bait or spincast in my opinion is the ticket. Pick the one that affords you the greatest number of casts. Spincast for me. Regardless of rod/reel, you've got to use braided line. Docks have so many sharp edges that can zip through mono in an instant - especially when you have a fish on the other end that has one thing in mind - get out o' dodge!

[Ray Esboldt]

I use a 6ft. heavy action spinning rod with a larger spinning real. I will admit that my rod may be a little too stiff (careful there), but I like the initial power I get on the hookset. I prefer 30lb Spiderwire Fusion.

If you're going to go the spinning outfit route, I suggest not dumping $100 into a reel. Dock fishing reels have a short life. Get a decent quality Shimano in the $50 or under range.

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Ray Esboldt

Catch-N Tackle
MarCum
Stone Legacy

[This message has been edited by Ray Esboldt (edited 04-07-2004).]

[This message has been edited by Ray Esboldt (edited 04-07-2004).]

[Dynasty]

Thanks for the good replies. I might try to get the hang of pitching with the baitcaster but try a shorter rod for better accuracy, maybe I can save myself some money. I will probably pick up some of the power pro in 20lb, I don't like how the stealth gets all tore up.

[RossT]

I've been using Spiderwire Stealth for over a year now, in 20, 30, and 50lb. test and have never had anything "peel" off of it. In fact, there is no coating, so there is nothing to "peel". Stealth has Teflon pressure treated into the fibers, not coated.

[Dan Wood]

6'8" Medium X-Fast with 14-20 lb. Stren Braid and Stealth for my dock rods (spinning).

Prefer to stick with the baitcaster for more subtle presentations and pinpoint accuracy around docks. Baitcaster is the same size 6'8" MXF for docks - w/ 17 lb. Vanish.

The Xtra fast action gives you the flexible tip so that the fish won't feel resistance as easy on the pick-up, and gives you plenty of back-bone to smack 'em too...

[Trailblazer]

If your a mono guy, try IronSilk. I love this line!

[BigMike]

For spinning combos I really like the Spiderwire & Spiderline too! I would probably throw in fireline. There are a couple of different styles, but like them all pretty much the same. Just be careful not to spool your reel completely full (not that your suppose to...but a lot of people do). If you completely fill your spool it will start to loop off (aka spinning reel backlash) later in the day when make casts - I think because of inevitable line twist! Nothing major, just save yourself the hassle.

As for mono, I like iron silk too, but the big problem with mono (mainly for people who don't fish as much each year or only respool once or twice a year) is that is mono has major line memory issues! It's not fun when you go out and your line looks like a stretched out slinky sitting on top of the water!

If you are looking at the economic factor of line, mono is much cheaper, but save yourself the money and get a braided line. You may only have enough to spool once with braided, but that one spool could last you all year (maybe more if you don't fish as much) vs. having to respool a few times a year with mono!

[Trany]

I personally use a 6'6" St croix medum action rod, I use either my quantum KineticPTi with 12# or my shimano syncopate with 17#. I prefer to use the mono, I dislike firewire, due to the fact whenever you tie a knot it brakes. I like the smooth reeling of my quantum, but I really like my shimanos quick fire casting trigger.

[andy j]

I used iron silk a lot last year for docks and had mixed emotions. I like the way it casts, line memory is a issue, It breaks in weird ways, It is not as abrassion resitant as they say it is. I am going to go with power pro almost exclusivly. Thanks AJ

[Ray Esboldt]

Trany,

If you're having trouble with knot breakage using braided line, you may want to switch to a Palomer knot. I've never had break-offs with that knot and braided line. However, I have broke Trilene and cinch knots with braids.

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Ray Esboldt

Catch-N Tackle
MarCum
Stone Legacy

[Dynasty]

I use Spyder stealth line on my setup for fishing thick pads with frogs. After every trip I have to cut off a good 20' or so because of how ripped up it gets. I also had to change the whole spool 2 times last season. Pretty expensive.

[LOWinEYEin]

I've used Spyder for the past 5 years, and it does peel. The new Stealth, frays, if you fish alot, and of course "catch fish".

[Dan Wood]

The Stealth does fray a bit after some use, I agree. It is sort of a toss up - PowerPro you have the discoloration factor. Stren Braid is very good stuff from what I've seen so far - maybe my new favorite...

[East Rush Rules]

go with 14 l.b iron silk, it rules

[Dan Wood]

Ditto on the Palomer knot for all braids... You shouldn't have breaking problems at the knot.

[DougSpringBay]

Like Ross T, I use a Fenwick Techna AV. However, the HMG AV is an excellent choice as well. Coupled with an Abu Garcia 4600 C-4, that is my dock rod choice. Oh, 6'6" casting rod. I feel I can get a quieter preserntation with the baitcasting setup.

Doug

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Captain Doug Wintle
Spring Bay Resort & Guide Service
http://www.SpringBayResort.com

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[Jig Master]

As far as spinning rods and skipping go, use what you're confident with as far as length, just remember that a little bit shorter rod gives you better control. When it comes to reels just make sure that no matter what brand you use, you get one with a larger spool. This allows line to flow off the reel quicker and results in longer skips. As far as baitcasting goes, get a quality reel (at least $100) and a rod with some backbone. My personal choice is a 7' med/hvy St. Croix Avid with a shimano curado

[EBass]

I still use a spinning outfit. I have a 7' medium rod with a shimano 4000 reel. Last year I used 12lb test. This year I'm trying 10 lb test Pline.

I'll let you guys know how it works once summer is upon us.

[locolocal]

I used 14lb Fireline on my spinning outfit (Shimano Sahara/6.6 GLoomis MH) last time I was out - had near perfect results. Not a single line twist or rat nest issue! I was skeptical at first, but I was very impressed with it's performance.