Northwest Fishing Reports

Hello All,

I am looking to purchase an all around rod and reel for surf fishing, salmon river fishing, and trout fishing (from shore). A friend of mine has let me use his bait caster rod and reel as I have always used spinning reels in the past, but I'm really liking the bait caster's now.

I want to get a reel that can hold plenty of line, but not too huge or heavy, a good light weight rod that has a medium/heavy action.

Here's what I've come up with so far, what do you think?

What would I gain with a 10' 6" rod vs the 9' 6"

Lamiglass Rod:
Casting Length Pieces Lure Weight Line Weight
LX 96 HC 9′ 6″ 2 1 – 8 15 – 30
LX 106 HC 10′ 6″ 2 1 – 8 15 – 30

I was also looking at Loomis:
SAR1084C 9'
SAR1265C 10'6"

Reel:
Abu Garcia round baitcaster: C4-6601

Thanks,
Glen

I would go with a 9 foot okuma celilo or sst. cheap and really durable.
as far as baitcasters. go lo pro. abu black max, or silver max. or even promax. they all have 15lbs of drag.
easy to maintain.
If you got a little extra cash, pick up a revo inshore / toro.
or check out the daiwa lexa hs - l series. I love mine.

surf fishing is hard with a bait caster if your not used to it. swinging a heavy piece of lead around all day can cause fatigue.
Spinning for surf fishing is always a better option imo.

as far as having an all around reel for surf fishing/river and lake (trout fishing) is difficult.
different species will require different gear. Unless you going after 5 - 10 lbs trout, then its possible.

but if you want a good rod for surf and river fishing. get a herring rod
9 foot /1 - 6 oz / 15 - 50lb test.
more than enough to haul in the biggest retail and the biggest king there is.

c_saeteurn,

Thanks for the advice. Well technically, I already have my trout gear. I will look into your suggestions. My friend has the black max and it works really well, that's the one I've tried out, so smooth!

Those Diawa reels look pretty good too, so many choices.

I guess I'll focus on on the salmon rods/reels since my trout gear is already good.

Cheers,
Glen