REEL AND ROD SELECTION

Question
Hi there Richard, got a little question for you. I was wondering what is the best combination as far as rod & reel combos. Meaning rod length and reel size (line cap.). I do all my fishing out of South Texas, Port Mansfield and South Padre Island. The main lures I use are Top Dogs, Spoons, Soft Plastics and here and then some live bait. What would be the best set-ups for this lures. Thanks Richard hope to here from you buddy.  

Answer
Hi Omar;

 That is some "little question" you ask.  Sort of like asking what is the best choice of a bride.  Because the only good answer is whatever suits you best.  

 I am not trying to avoid answering, but rather trying to share over 40 years of fishing experience.  The bottom line is that whatever works best for you, is the right choice.  I do not know how tall you are, how strong, young or old, nor any other factor that might influence the choice of an ideal rod and reel.  

 The big mistake made by most people in selecting an appropriate rod and reel combination is to consider a particular species of fish.  You know, like a catfish rod, or a marlin rod, or a flounder rod.  Have you ever heard of a fly fisherman use a "trout" rod?  Of course not, what they choose is based upon factors of presentation of particular flies they intend to use and where they will be used.

 I have several different rods I use for striped bass.  Each is for the same fish, but for different means of fishing.  In the spring I do a great deal of bait fishing with clam bellies.  I find a baitcasting rod of 6 1/2 feet with a conventions reel loaded with 15 pound test ideal.  Later in the summer I tend to do more casting with surface plugs and soft plastics and prefer a 7 foot spinning rod with fairly small reel loaded with 10 or 12 pound test line.  Later in the season, I cast tins and large swim shads and use a heavier outfit.  When live lining bunker and herring, a stiff 6 foot conventional rod with 30 pound test is what I use.  

 My suggestion is to simply match the combo to the way in which you will be fishing.  You mention some lures you use but do not mention size or weight.  Any decent quality rod will show on the blank information about line test and lure wieghts.  Use that to guide you.  You also say you will be fishing bait.  The same rod that can easily cast a live shrimp would not work well if you were casting a large herring.  

 There is no perfect combo for all uses.  But since I do cast lures similar to what you described during the fall bass fishing season, you might start by looking at spinning rods in the 6 1/2 to 7 foot range designed for line test in the 10 to 15 pound range, and matched to a spinning reel that is also designed for that line weight.  

 I hope this is of some help.

-Rich