I'm Going to Alaska $2,000 for fishing Rod and Reel

[williamsrandall]

Hello,

I have just been told I am going to Alaska and I really want to take up fishing again. I have 2,000.00 to spend on 2 reels and 2 rods. I want to catch Salmon, Pike, Trout, Steelheads, and Bass---when I come back to the Lower USA. The reel I have picked out is Shimano Stella SW Offshore Spinning Reel about 800.00 I am really stuck on which rods to pair this up with. I want something that will last a long time as I only want to do this once. Here is my question what is the best of the best? Am I on target for the reel? What would be the perfect rod? If you had this amount to spend on rods and reels what would be the best of best? Just want to get the most out of my money, and something that will stand up to the 20 or so pound fish with no issues.

Thanks,

Randall Williams

[markc]

for rods and reels that will handle up to 20# fish, you can get a lot more than 2 really nice set ups for 2 grand. what is your reasoning behind putting a grand or so into one rod and reel set up for that class of fish?

[williamsrandall]

for rods and reels that will handle up to 20# fish, you can get a lot more than 2 really nice set ups for 2 grand. what is your reasoning behind putting a grand or so into one rod and reel set up for that class of fish?

Hello,

I want something that will last a long time and be worthy of a big catch without cutting any corners, I don't want to find out down the road that the drag wears out and then it falls apart.

Thanks,

Randall

[Van Wildonher]

Get yourself 2 spinning reels with 2 rods for less than $800.00. Get a fly rod/reel with the rest (if you're interested) and a tackle box with some nice lures.

Shimano Stradic 8000 is plenty to handle any 20lb fish. I suggest getting something like it, and a smaller reel maybe 6-12 lb test capacity.

Not saying the Stella isn't an excellent reel... if I had the money I'd get one and probably will some day, but for those fish it's just too big. Keep in mind that the Stella you're looking at is for saltwater where fish are generally much bigger and stronger.

[sashamy]

where in alaska are you going? I was an ocean guide out there...A stradic or cabo style reel is suffient with a 7' m fast action rod, st. croix something like that...the salmon in the rivers will give you a run for your money but those reels should be fine...

[johndtuttle]

The Stella is really over board for any Salmon that swims unless you are looking to set an IGFA World Record for a particular line class or something and require ultra smooth and reliable drags. Salmon pound for pound are one of the weakest fish you'll find imo (and tastiest, true 'nuff). But any decent reel above $100 or so will handle them for many years with proper care and maintenance (which a Stella will require too). Don't abuse it and a Penn 650ss ($129) will last many, many years and catch any Salmon, Pike or freshwater Bass that swims.

These are the kind of fish that you need a Stella for check out this excellent and sick post by Gman:

http://www.sportfishermen.com/board/f9/panama-carnage-beware-61887.html
All of these (GT, Cubera, Pargo Lisa, Rooster, Yellow Fin etc.) are pound for pound, probably 4+ times the fish that a Salmon is meaning if you get into a 10lb Jack or Cubera its like having a 40lb salmon on... And btw, those fish run up to 100+ lbs (with 200lb Yellow fin being landed on Stellas by some) with 20-40lbs being very common... Until you have a 30lb fish tow a 24' panga for 15-20 minutes or need serious drag settings to stop an average Cubera before he saws off your 100lb test leader you won't believe how powerful some of them can be for their size . Then your $800 Stella starts saving you $30-60 poppers every other cast.

Save yourself a $1000 and buy a plane ticket to Panama.

Straight dope, not sugar coated, take it or leave it.

[tschultz]

I would get one casting setup for pike/salmon, I don't use large spinning stuff so I can't comment on that. A Shimano Calcutta TE 400 over a custom Thorne brothers rod built on either a Loomis Steel 20 or 25 blank or Thorne bros new predator series blank can not be beat. I just had one built up with all titanium fuji guides on the Predator heavy blank for muskies, and it is going to be sweet once the season opens.

www.thornebros.com

[Flatdog]

Will you be casting any fly's? or is it, just a bait type deal some Fly rods/reels will cost you $1000 each, Custom Page, Hardy, Scott * 7/8/9/10 weight depending on the size of fish

[Paul H]

I'd agree you don't need to spend $2k, you can get a couple of outstanding rods and reels for $1k, and have $1k to spend on getting to the fish. I'd also suggest on waiting until you get here, as we have some great tackle shops and they will set you up right. If you'll be coming through Anchorage, definately stop in to BJ commercial, they are all hard core fishermen and will set you up with the right gear.

I'd also suggest 3 spinning rods/reels. One u/l outfit for rainbows and grayling, one medium spinning outfit for smaller salmon and pike, and one heavy spinning outfit for chinook.

While salmon might not be the most amazing fighters, when you are fishing them in streams, with 1000 of your closest friends (not an exageration), there is something to be said for bringing them to shore fast vs. getting tangled up in a dozen peoples lines. And, the chinooks can approach 100#, 40-60# fish are very common.

Personally I cannot stand the hoards on the streambanks, don't have a plane to get to the lest crowded rivers, so I fish for salmon in the salt with conventional gear. All my spinning gear is u/l for chasing rainbows on quiet lakes from a canoe. I also keep one of the boat for occasionally chasing rock fish.

[Jack Hexter]

Hello,

I want something that will last a long time .... I don't want to find out down the road that the drag wears out .....
Thanks,

Randall

All drags wear out. That's what they are built for. Brakes on a car wear out too. They are built to basically do the same thing. Doesn't mean the reel is falling apart. The Stella is a good reel, kinda spendy, but will do most tasks you want it to do. You didn't specify what size Stella you have selected. As suggested, a Stradic will do the job as will from small 1000 to an 8000, as will a Sustain at a portio of the price you will pay for a Stella. Just because it cost's more doesn't necessarilly mean it's better.

In Alaska, you will also want a fly rod and reel. A 9 weight will do and can be used back on the flats for bones/permit/stripers and baby poons. Now here's where you can drop some serious coin. Fly rod action is a lot of personal choice and depends a lot upon your casting style. I personally prefer a Temple Forks TiCr, but that's why there are different rod manufacturers and blanks on the market. They are all good! The current state of fly reels are that there are several "lifetime" reels on the market: Able, Bauer, Old Florida, FinNor (if you can find one on e-bay), Seamaster (if you want to wait a while for it to be made or delivered) are just a couple of the reels I own and all have lasted me since the early 70's with a little maintenance.