Kayak Reel Advice

[NeddyFishes]

Hi,

 

I just got a new fishing kayak for fishing around Sydney, inshore and offshore. I need some advice on reels (and rods another day).

Just trying to decide on a reel for my medium outfit, i was looking at either the Penn Spinfisher 4500 SSVI Live Liner or Penn Spinfisher 6500 SSVI Live Liner filled with 20lb braid probably. I would be using it for either flicking plastics for snapper, or maybe some bait fishing from time to time. Also, do people think the 'live liner' feature is worth it / useful?

 

I was also looking at the Shimano TLD reels, but not sure which size (15-25)? I would be using this for trolling and live bait for Kingfish or other pelagic fish, maybe with some 30lb braid or 15kg mono? Any advice on reel size, or line weight and type would be appreciated.

 

Any advice would on the above would be greatly appreciated, or general advice on outfits for Kayak fishing around Sydney inshore and offshore.

 

Thanks

Also, I already have a Shimano Nasci 3000 reel with 10lb, paired with a Diawa TD Black 2-5kg rod as my lighter outfit.

[sharknett]

I have never fished heavier than 30lb braid from the yak. Currently have two Daiwa 4000 size reels which have landed some pretty decent kings. I am considering replacing one with a FinNor Lethal 60. My main concern is keeping the breaking strain down to something I can break off if snagged. There is only so much pressure you can apply from the yak.

Your existing 3000 setup will be fine for most snapper.

As most of the water you will fish from the yak will be 30 meters max you don't need a huge amount of line. I would probably cross the 6500 off the list. The 4500 will also give you nearly as much drag as the biggest TLD and be much easier to handle on the yak.

 

[NeddyFishes]

Cheers Sharknett

 

Can I ask why you are thinking of going with the FinNor Lethal 60? (Also, is that a similar size to the 6500 I was looking at?)

 

I was looking at TLD as I heard they were easier to manage in the Kayak when trolling and could also be easier to manage when winding in big fish as the reel on top of the rood offered a little more clearance between you the fishing rod / reel around your legs.

 

I think I might just go with one or two spin reels now and get used to the Kayak for now, I will look back into the overhead reels at a later time. 

[sharknett]

I think the FinNor 60 is about the same size as the Daiwa 4000. One of my Daiwas is starting to stiffen from salt water intrusion and a bearing replacement is half the cost of a new reel. A friend bought the FinNor Lethal 80. It looks pretty solid and can be had for under $100 on sale.