Flats Rigs

Flats · Post by **Flats** » July 22nd, 2003, 7:01 pm

Looking for opinions / recommendations for trout and redfish flats rigs.

Plan on adding Shimano Calcutta baitcaster to equipment; have always used ambassadeur 5500C3, 6' rod w 12#line.

Looking at CT250, CTE200, CTE200GT with 6'6" rod and 12# line with primary use for casting light jigs and small plugs.

Also looking at light spinning reel - Stratic 1000 with 6' rod and 6# line with primary use for a challenge and fun on the flats and maybe bream fishing with spinners.

Experienced opinions appreciated.

Post by **Tom Keels** » July 22nd, 2003, 7:45 pm

I have the 250 and it is a great reel. Do yourself a favor though. Leave the 6 and 6'6" rods in the bass boat and get some 7 to 7'6" rods for the flats. I have not found a disadvantage to a longer rod. Longer casts, better hooksetting, more power, etc. The stradics are great spinners. Go with either 2 4000s or a 4000 and a 2000.

Post by **Second Chance** » July 23rd, 2003, 8:33 am

What Tom said about the longer rods. Between my son and me we have three of the Stradics 4000 and love them. I think you are going to be a little under gunned with the 1000. You never know what's going to show up on the flats

BOWD UP · Post by **BOWD UP** » August 2nd, 2003, 10:36 pm

I would agree with the longer rod and a shimano reel. I fish mainly with shimano sustain 4000 and Starr rods. They have been excellent for the trout, reds and the occasional lemon fish (cobia). I prefer #12 line, extra limp with a fluorocarbon leader.