Light setup for estuary / river fishing?

[RichH]

Hey guys , chasing a light river setup for fishing the banks of the river , something good quality , looking to catch anything from bream , whiting , flathead , to small cod , and basic estuary species , any idea on what kind of setup would suit and if anyones seen any good combos around or has ideas on rod lengths , reel sizes etc to help me with my search , something light and whippy , cheers RichH

[nadders]

what is your budget mate, and do you prefer spin or baitcast?

as a basic guide assuming spin gear i'd say rod in the 4-10lb area matched with a 2000-2500 reel, spooled with 6lb braid. this will allow you to catch a range of species in the estuaries

if you decide you'd rather specialise in bream/whiting and smaller stuff trade down to a 1-3kg rod and a 1000 or 1500 size reel with 2-4lb depending on how light you wanna go, but you may be in strife if you hook up something bigger

[nadders]

rod length is going to be personal preference but a longer rod with more flex in the tip will allow you to cast light lures further, whereas a shorter rod will make accurate casts easier. personally i prefer shorter rods, but something around the 7 foot is a great happy medium

[RichH]

hey nadders , thinking of approx around $100 or so , as i only get time to fish approx once or twice a week , prefer spin , something light , hoping to put approx 4kg braid approx? like the challenge of using light gear , maybe throw a few lures around with etc , rod and reel with a big of gutts , but light also?? if they exist , jus thought id get some advice before the big shop , would be prepared to pay a little more for good second hand gear also , but wasnt sure of rod lengths and line weights and reel sizes , brands etc

[nadders]

with patience, sensible drag settings and sensible pressure applied 4kg braid will land you just about everything in the river (within reason)

as for the budget, it may be a little hard to find a good quality rod+reel for under the 100 mark, you'll find something that'll get the job done but if you can i'd look at trying to spend a little more for something that'll be nicer to use and last a bit longer, something like a pflueger trion 2-4kg is a good valued rod, matched with maybe a daiwa cy2000 or 1500, shimano sienna etc should be able to run for 200 all up?

obviously if you dont want to spend more than 100 you don't have to, but sometimes it really is worth putting a few extra bob in the long run as you'll use it more if you like it more and should last longer

hope that helps

[RichH]

thank heaps , gives me a guide to go buy , and i think your right , prolly best spending a lil more to get a decent setup that will last longer and prolly smoother than cheaper gear , cheers

[RichH]

would bcf be the best place to get setup? or possiblly a tackle store? i live north brisbane

[nadders]

i do most my shopping at mossops, w'gabba. northside i think jones tackle is the only tackle store around, bcf/anaconda have a store at morayfield/caboolture i think. best bet is to shop around and see whats out there, i like your chances at getting further advice from a proper tackle store vs BCF too

[RichH]

haha yep ..get your drift , thanks heaps for all the informative advice