kingfish rod and reel combo?

[djpalmer88]

Hey all, I was hoping to get into fishing for Kingfish, likely shore based / rocks.

Would anyone be able to recommend a rod / reel or talk me through what I'd be looking for?

Thanks!

[bigkingie]

Live-baiting or spinning? Also do you mean ocean rocks - and whereabouts? 

[djpalmer88]

1 hour ago, bigkingie said:

Live-baiting or spinning? Also do you mean ocean rocks - and whereabouts? 

Spinning and around Sydney / Northern beaches.

[bigkingie]

OK, I assume ocean rocks then. I would go for a threadline reel around 8000 size that has a strong drag and a gear ratio of at least 5:1, with 50-60lb braid and a GT style popping rod around the 8-9'' length with a similar line rating. There is a big price range but there is no need to go high end - might be best to get something modestly priced and see if it's your thing. I would need to know your budget to be more specific. 

[djpalmer88]

10 hours ago, bigkingie said:

OK, I assume ocean rocks then. I would go for a threadline reel around 8000 size that has a strong drag and a gear ratio of at least 5:1, with 50-60lb braid and a GT style popping rod around the 8-9'' length with a similar line rating. There is a big price range but there is no need to go high end - might be best to get something modestly priced and see if it's your thing. I would need to know your budget to be more specific. 

That's great thanks for that, really useful. I have done some rock fishing lately (snapper, trev etc.) But my current setup is too light.

 

Cheers!

[Ed.]

What budget do you have for the complete outfit and what size fish are you hoping to target? This is because there is a huge variation in getting a high end setup and a lower spec'ed one. They range from "yes I can afford that,.........  to how many kidneys do I have to sell).

Often a lower spec'ed one will be completely adequate and you won't need to sell your kidneys! So just need to know your price range and what size/species you are targeting.

[bigkingie]

1 hour ago, Ed. said:

What budget do you have for the complete outfit and what size fish are you hoping to target? This is because there is a huge variation in getting a high end setup and a lower spec'ed one. They range from "yes I can afford that,.........  to how many kidneys do I have to sell).

Often a lower spec'ed one will be completely adequate and you won't need to sell your kidneys! So just need to know your price range and what size/species you are targeting.

He already said he would be targeting kingfish off the rocks. I think it would be safe to assume he would be running into some sizeable ones which will require considerable stopping power. 

[Ed.]

Not having fished off the Sydney rocks, I and probably many others here  would also not know what size Kingfish are around that area.

So to recommend a rod and reel setup without knowing what the target size and or budget is a bit hard.

[Bob9863]

Budget is important for a recommendation on specific set ups, but as to size that's a 6 of one, half dozen of another proposition. 

If casting baits then a larger size 6000-8000 size spinning reel on a 10-15kg rod in the longest size that you can handle for extra distance and reach over the rocks. 

But if casting lures then I would go a 4000-5000 size reel and put ultra thin braid on it, as casting for long periods will burn you out with a heavy rig. 

For instance YGK X-Braid Upgrade X8 in 30lb is pe 1.5 diameter, on my Stella 4000 it would hold 300m with a little backing behind it. 

That's plenty room for long fights, if you want heavier then YGK full drag in 45lb is pe 2 diameter and you could still fit over 250m on it. 

I'd probably go a 5000 size myself and put 300m of of the full drag pe 3 60lb on it, it cast beautiful and is really tough. 

But if your live baiting I'd get standard braid and put it on a reel that will hold 300m of 50lb braid with backing on a bait runner type reel. 

Or you could go an overhead combo, but for distance you can't beat a spinning reel unless you get a tricked up one. 

[bigkingie]

Fights won't be long for kingfish off the rocks. They are very dirty fighters - if you can't stop them then it will be all over. An 8000 size reel will have more drag power. You won't need all the line on a kingfish - though you might if you hook a northern bluefin tuna. Casting distance is not a priority as kingfish are likely to be hooked in close. 

I wouldn't go for a long rod as you will give away too much leverage and won't be able to put much pressure on the fish. 8 - 9" is a good compromise (a GT popper style rod). As kingfish frequent deep water platforms you don't need a long rod - it's like fishing off a wharf. 

[bigkingie]

On 20/10/2022 at 7:15 AM, djpalmer88 said:

That's great thanks for that, really useful. I have done some rock fishing lately (snapper, trev etc.) But my current setup is too light.

 

Cheers!

The Pfluger Salt Spin is a good cheapy. I have seen the 080 advertised for $120. it has a simple but rugged design with a very good drag. I got a cheap Gladiator popper rod a one of the Boat Shows, but they don't seem to be available anymore. Daiwa and Shimano sell some heavy popper style rods at around the $300 mark.