LMB and Stripers on the same Rod/Reel combo?

[bunnielab]

I am looking to add a baitcaster setup to my arsenal and was hoping to find something that could be used for both LMB and some limited trolling and/or jigging for Stripers. I have been looking around and have found the Lew's BB1 Inshore Speed Spool. It seems to get great reviews and seems to be a good value for the money. From reading around it looks like it would work with 20-40lb braid which I think should cover both fishing situations.

I am still hunting around for rod options, I like to keep a ton of gear in my car for impromptu to trips so I prefer 2-part rods, however I don't see many offered for casting reels. So far I am looking at this Abu Garcia 6'6" MH or this Ugly Stick version.

If I give up on a 2-part rod there are these more budget options, one from Lew's and one from Abu. Reviews on both of these are somewhat mixed.

So first, is this a workable idea, and second, am I on track with the options I am looking at?

[Mbae]

I've heard good things about the speed spool. I am in the same boat as you currently. I am personally thinking of picking up a Daiwa Tatula Type R in a 6.3:1 ratio to serve as my freshwater and light tackle bay baitcaster. Another option would be the Daiwa Lexa 300 but i think that may be overkill for freshwater around here.

Haven't thought about rods much but will probably get a 6 - 6'6 medium light - medium moderate action rod

[Cowpokey]

I've got an Ugly Stik GX2 spinning rod (paired with a Penn Fierce reel); it works well for trolling the bay.

Not sure if I'll buy another bait casting rod/reel any time soon. I've had quite a few over the years; spinning rod/reels are better suited for the type of fishing I do.

The GX2 rods are tough and components are salt and braid resistant...also very important for my applications.

[Turtle135]

I think that is a workable idea, that largemouth gear is well suited for striper jigging presentations.

Regarding the rod, I was actually using the one piece Abu Garcia Vendetta (VTC66-5 6'6" Medium) on Sunday jigging for stripers. The rating on the rod is for lures from 1/4 to 5/8 ounce but I was jigging 50' down with a 1.5 ounce jig and 7" soft plastic. Since you are not "casting" the striper jigs but rather thumbing them down to the stripers that rod works remarkably well for that application. It's a medium but it is a stiff - fast medium and does not collapse from the weight of the presentation. I have that rod because I spend most of my time fishing for largemouth bass (and it works very well for typical largemouth presentations).

This is just my personal preference but I really prefer the sensitivity of a one piece rod.

[Memory Maker]

I've heard good things about the speed spool. I am in the same boat as you currently. I am personally thinking of picking up a Daiwa Tatula Type R in a 6.3:1 ratio to serve as my freshwater and light tackle bay baitcaster. Another option would be the Daiwa Lexa 300 but i think that may be overkill for freshwater around here.

Haven't thought about rods much but will probably get a 6 - 6'6 medium light - medium moderate action rod

......... Usually medium heavy to heavy fast action bass rods are recommended for stripers ........ Jigging a 3/4 oz jig head with a 6 in plastic lure is difficult with a light or medium action rod. You may also need enough backbone to turn a fish away from structure etc ...... Just my opinion

[Turtle135]

Check out the free preview on this video, he talks about the rods that he likes for striper fishing....

https://tightlinejunkiejournal.pivot...o/6931/preview

[Mbae]

......... Usually medium heavy to heavy fast action bass rods are recommended for stripers ........ Jigging a 3/4 oz jig head with a 6 in plastic lure is difficult with a light or medium action rod. You may also need enough backbone to turn a fish away from structure etc ...... Just my opinion

I am talking fun light tackle action for schoolie stripers not trophy bass

[mweber02]

For rods, the BPS Graphite Series rods are great for a low cost. Usually 40 but they drop them to 30 a few times a year. I would expect to see them on sale during the spring fishing classic coming up in 2 weeks.

They are inexpensive but I'm really impressed with how they compare to more expensive rods. I'll always favor my St. Croix but these aren't far off at all.

[ComeOnFish]

I own BPS and Cabelas IM6 and IM7 (I prefer IM7) rods for LM, Specks, puppy drum and striper. They are all medium and fast action rods. These rods are inexpensive and are definitely OK for fish under 12 lb (because I haven't caught bigger ones on these rods yet). When I troll heavy lures (6oz +) or Stretch 25, I use Med Heavy rods.

I am not good in casting for LM when I use a Med Heavy rod. So when I go to Lake Anna for striper and other species, I bring both Med and Med Heavy rods for casting and trolling heavy lures. I carry med rods only or med heavy rods only in Chesapeake Bay depending on the size of the expected stripers and how I fish.

I use 20# test braided.

Joe

[Mark]

Why limit your bait cast search for stripers to trolling? You can also cast the BB1 reel for them. I'm sure the inshore BB1 version is excellent but I use freshwater LM bass equipment exclusively for my Bay and tributary fishing. I rinse it thoroughly with fresh water after each use and I have had no problems with my equipment failing.

I have Lews BB1 speedspool for fresh water and it casts extremely well. I also have Shimano Curados. They are fine reels. I can't say I favor one brand over the other.

The Bass Pro rods mentioned by others above are an excellent value. I have a medium weight 6.5 foot spinning version. It's a bit less flexible at the tip than I would like but it would serve will you well jigging heavy lures and the medium weight version has plenty of backbone for stripers.

St. Croix makes good one piece bait cast rods at various price points. You can get a very serviceable Premier Series rod at about $130 new (if you shop on-line.) They make inshore versions also. But I'm not sure the extra expense of inshore models is required for fishing in the mid to upper Bay and its tributaries if that's where you do most of your outings.

Another good LM bass bait cast rod is All Star. I use a 6.5 foot version (actually made for bass worming) in the Bay and it has served me well casting and trolling for stripers.

Good luck in your search.

[bunnielab]

Thanks for all the input guys, good to hear I am on the right track.

I am leaning toward the Inshore reel as I know myself enough to know that I am not to be trusted to rinse the a reel every time I use it in salt or brackish water. The Inshore also has a bit more line capacity then their freshwater offerings.

As for rods, I have a 6' UL spinning rod now and it is a pain to keep in my car and I fear for it's tip every time someone opens the rear doors. With that in mind, would I be giving up more with a one piece shorter rod or a longer two piece one?

[Mark]

You'd be giving up leverage and casting distance with a shorter rod and perhaps the ability to move a fish from one side of your kayak to the other depending on the length of your boat.

I don't believe you'd lose any sensitivity (that you'd notice) with a two-piece rod with a ferrule. I would encourage you to routinely wax the ferrule because it makes a tighter connection yet one that comes apart easily when desired for storage. Also if you're not going to rinse your rods after use salt may enter the ferrule and seal them closed over time. Wax may help to prevent that. Just remember to slide the pieces together after waxing the male portion of the ferrule and then rotate the rod into alignment 90 degrees or so. That will give you a good seal at the joint.

I use one and multi-piece rods. I do not notice a difference in the rods of similar rating. I travel with them rigged and connected, including 9 foot fly rods because I have room to do so and it saves time at the launch site. But rod tips are always vulnerable during travel regardless of rod type unless you carry them in tubes or padded cases.