Boatless Fishing Forum, Reports, Info

I use a 7 ' mh ugly stik w/ a baitfisher 4500, spooled w/40lb braid.
The reel has been fine, but I need more backbone for live baits, and bottom fishing from the pier. Any suggestions.

I like a jigmaster on a 7to 8 ft rod unless you throwing large baits then I'd go heavier on the reel and rod.

try a 8 ft star rod or 9 ft you can get it at bass pro.

They did have 9foot, I have a few.

Big Daddy 9 foot Star Rod would be a good one to start with and put a Jigmaster on it like Philly suggested, they are not to pricey and will last a long long time, the Star rod is noodley but will help you with casting at first, from my experince it help me to get better at putting it out there, then when i got a better and smoother reel and a little stiffer rod it was like throwing nothing and it sailed even farther.

Unless you are going to only use this for dropping Live baits on a liveline or bottom for Slob Snook, you than should have a much stiffer rod and you might as well go 4/0 and put 40lb or 60lb test line on it, this way you have a chance at inland bridges fishing those Big boys with Mullet.

I'd buy the oceanmaster rod over the starr it's the same blank but a little cheaper my $.02

Again from my understanding Philly is right

Thanks guys. My strength is spinning tackle. I haven't learned to throw a conventional- what's the learning curve for a jigmaster-How much time should I expect before I can throw it well (all other things being equal)?

BF-I like the idea of big mullet baits for slobs; I also like the idea of reaching out there for a shot at some screamers at the pier.

I'm going to BPS today. What should I expect to spend for the rod and reel?

PS-cold and windy today-Friday; Any predictions on the bite at Anglins today/tonight?

I believe the set up should cost around $200 but Philly should know best he has been on a buying spree lately LOL, but it has been a long long time since I bought a star rod and jig master, one of my set ups like that is 25 to 30 years old so they last.

as for fishing this weekend:
My best educated guess, is fishing may be good the next couple of days, if we get 2 to 3s waves in and it kicks up the color of the water and i am hearing they should come tonight.

But if it stays flat and clear fishing will not be the best.

But heck you never know what might swim by and eat your bait.

I am hopeing for some water movement and color change because I want to fish in the morning.

I got a nice baitrunner 6500 on an oceanmaster rod which is a good setup for $169 it's great for live linning and you can throw bigger baits on it.

What star rod/ oceanmaster rod- what blank am I looking for-I see 10 and 12 ft.?
Philly-what rod are you using with the 6500?
I'll probably go conventional; It's time to learn. I'm interested in experiencing some keys bridge fishing. Gotta have a some backbone.
I'm tempted to look at the 6500. We've caught buck and a quarter poons on the 45. Dragged in some nice overslots too.

Big Daddy wrote: I'll probably go conventional; It's time to learn. I'm interested in experiencing some keys bridge fishing. Gotta have a some backbone.

... Then do not get a noodle whippy type rod. You will regret it. Find something in the 10 ft. range and it fits the pier/bridge fishing well. Try to find a rod that has a fast tip.

... Then do not get a noodle whippy type rod. You will regret it. Find something in the 10 ft. range and it fits the pier/bridge fishing well. Try to find a rod that has a fast tip.

I'm listening. You have anything specific you'd like to recommend? Brand, construction, whatever? I've looked at a ton of rods online today- but I have no experience with these, yet. So, the more counsel the better.

.. I am not one who buys online. I like to touch, and see what it is I want before I buy. Unless you are in a rush, take your time and look around. There are Star Rods that are fine. You could also check out tackle shops and marine flea markets for used stuff. Even the forum has plenty of the guys selling off their stuff. I will say it as if it were me buying the rod, not going the custom homemade route as I would. Stay away from whippy. Some will say it is ok. I say it is not. Especially the longer length you want. 9 to 10 feet, mostly 10 ft is perfect for pier and bridges. Because after you get this rod and go conventional, and get used to it all, you will understand what more suits your liking. Also, whippy rods make harder for casting distance with jigmasters and such reels. You lose torque. Just be patient in looking. I am sure you will see something that jumps out at you. Rush a purchase usually makes one regret. And get a 1 piece.

One piece is the way to go with rods and a jigmaster is a great reel to learn how to cast with.

It's a 15-40 lb class