Need help finding good match for reel

[XpatBubba]

I think I have settled on the 1800F Shimano Saragosa (after reading G-Mans posts and doing a lil homework). It seems to be the best thing in my price range. What I need to do is find the best match up for this reel on the cheap. Of course in this game nothing is cheap, I dont want to skimp on quality either. What is the best buy for a jigging rod to match up with this specific reel.

planning to target snapper, grouper, AJ's, wahoo and possibly tunas that grab the metal in the water column. Was planning to spool with 50lb braid.

Hoping to find a great match, after reading posts etc I know how important it is for rod and reel to act as a single unit and fish comfortably. Advice is appreciated.

[XpatBubba]

http://www.anglerscenter.com/rods_shimano_trevalaf.htm

This is what I have been looking at for a match

[CFScheer]

I'm relatively new to the jig game myself, so I'll let the guys who know more alot more about rods make the rod suggestions....they'll undoubtedly steer you in the right direction.

As far as the reel and line goes, 50 lb. braid seems a bit light for a saragosa 18000F. That is a big reel that has a strong drag and a lot of line capacity. I think 80-100lb braid would better allow you to maximize the reel's drag and line capacity potential. Having this extra line strength will let you put the hammer down any plus sized grouper, snapper or AJ's headed for the rocks.

How big do the grouper, snapper and AJs that you'll be targeting run? How deep will you be fishing? Is there a lot of current? How much do you want to spend on the whole set-up? With all of this info some other guys here will be able to make some really valuable suggestions on a complete jigging system.

[paul708]

This is a good starting rod for the 18K...priced at 229.00
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZsiRtT2jrc

Nice action,good for about 18# of drag, maybe a little more.
there are a few different line and jig weight ratings in this blank series.

If you target this size fish, and fish this way..
this may be the perfect rod. at a great price


Also there are a few other good blank choices.
The OTI have a few new blanks coming.
They are in the low 300 range

i have been doing a few riley blanks,

also the Jigging masters.
i just got a few new blanks from kil to build.
they are over 400

You have a bunch of good choices and price ranges.

and there are more blanks choices avail.
give a call to go over a few.

good luck with your reel and jigging next year.

[d-a]

I think I have settled on the 1800F Shimano Saragosa (after reading G-Mans posts and doing a lil homework). It seems to be the best thing in my price range. What I need to do is find the best match up for this reel on the cheap. Of course in this game nothing is cheap, I dont want to skimp on quality either. What is the best buy for a jigging rod to match up with this specific reel.

planning to target snapper, grouper, AJ's, wahoo and possibly tunas that grab the metal in the water column. Was planning to spool with 50lb braid.

Hoping to find a great match, after reading posts etc I know how important it is for rod and reel to act as a single unit and fish comfortably. Advice is appreciated.

Whats your budget?

The trevalla rods are great for light jigging but you will want a better rod if targeting Aj's and groupers. They dont have enough backbone to pull them away from structure.

d-a

[andrew whitman]

OTI 400g. Paul will sell you one or build one to your specs. perfect with the 18000. also i would go with 80 pound braid. you will get plenty of line on it even at 100 pound. you will not get the most out of the setup with 50lb. i have the same setup and there isnt much i wont get to the boat with it.
I went the trevala route and was disappointed after the first real fish. i love the trevalas for snapper and reef fish but for anything bigger it just isnt fun.

[Sea Draggin]

OTI 400g. Paul will sell you one or build one to your specs. perfect with the 18000. also i would go with 80 pound braid. you will get plenty of line on it even at 100 pound. you will not get the most out of the setup with 50lb. i have the same setup and there isnt much i wont get to the boat with it.
I went the trevala route and was disappointed after the first real fish. i love the trevalas for snapper and reef fish but for anything bigger it just isnt fun.

Strong advice. Pretty work andrew.

[paul708]

OTI 400g. Paul will sell you one or build one to your specs. perfect with the 18000. also i would go with 80 pound braid. you will get plenty of line on it even at 100 pound. you will not get the most out of the setup with 50lb. i have the same setup and there isnt much i wont get to the boat with it.
I went the trevala route and was disappointed after the first real fish. i love the trevalas for snapper and reef fish but for he nything bigger it just isnt fun.

Thanks andrew.
The new OTI blanks are coming here soon.

the regular 300g and 600g are here now.
they never had the 400g in blanks.
but the production rods in 400g are avail.if you want.

[XpatBubba]

Thanks for the info. I am looking at a under $250 rod, trying to get out the door with a set up for $500 with the Saragosa.

[d-a]

Thanks for the info. I am looking at a under $250 rod, trying to get out the door with a set up for $500 with the Saragosa.

Like Andrew said, the OTI is hard to beat for the price your looking for.


d-a