BigBendFishing.Net

OK, I need some good advice on an inexpensive big fish rod and reel combo. I plan to go after Tarpon and Sharks.

I simply will not be going out in the salt after big fish enough to justify spending too terribly much on my first rig. I'd rather go inexpensive first and upgrade later if I really get into it.

Links to specific combos online would be most appreciated. The more specific, the better.

Thanks, gang!

http://www.pennreels.com/01_products/co ... acombo.htm

I have the CV6000 on a 7' MH Penn rod. Love the combo! Used it jigging for grouper, trolling spoons for mackerel, and freelining live bait for what ever. I think it would make a fine Tarpon/Shark setup. You can cast a 3oz jig half a mile.
Got mine from Bass Pro for $90. Not the cheapest around, but a very nice set up for the price that will last a long time.

Whatever you get just make sure it holds at least 275yds of 25lb test. The migratory tarpon we get up here usually average around 125lbs and will spool you in a hurry (less than a few minutes) on their first run, even with you giving chase.

Pawn Shop. Especially for big rigs. I might buy a new reel but I usually see a few nice heavyweight rods at the pawn shops. If you find a decent reel there as well then you could just clean it up and be set to go. 20-50$ and you could be ready. As to enough line, I'm using braid because the diameter allows for so much more on the reel. Our Tarpon do go 100+ so we will need enough line and backbone to try to slow them down.

Awesome, gang! Thanks for the tips! Please keep them coming!

OK, after all of the terrific advice, I think I'm very close to pulling the trigger on a Penn® Special Senator® 113H Reel/Slammer® Rod Combo from Bass Pro Shops for ~$106. http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=80597&hvarTarget=search&cmCat=SearchResults

Here are the key specs:

Loads up with 475 yards of 30 lb. line. Gear ratio on the reel is 3.25:1 and it weighs 28 ounces.

Reel features:
-1-piece aluminum frame
-High-speed retrieve
-Heat-treated stainless steel gears
-Powerful 28-lb. Versa-Dragâ„¢
-5 aircraft-grade, sealed stainless steel ball bearings
-Chrome reinforced side-plates
-Heavy-duty clicker
-Convertible power handle
-High-strength graphite rod clamp
-Corrosion-resistant

Rod features:
-Rugged 6' 6'' E-Glass blank with Integrated Solid Tip for maximum durability
-Aluminum oxide guides
-EVA grips
-Gimbal butt

Any particular reasons not to?

Thanks again for all of the advice and educational tidbits!

I'm hearing that the one I linked is too heavy. Getting some more feedback that says the Abu Garcia 6500C3 is what I'm looking for. Going to look more at that.

How about this?:

$119.94 38-900-015-02 6500C3
11.3 OZ
RIGHT-HAND RETRIEVE 5.3:1
25"
14 LB/245 YDS GCI71530
1-PIECE 15-30 LB
3/8-2 OZ 7' MH

http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog. ... rchResults

A Penn 4/0 is way too big for tarpon fishing from a kayak. Think more along the lines of a Shimano Calcutta 400 with braid or 700 with mono. A Shimano Tekota 500 would probably work well also. I have a Tekota 600 with braid on a 30-40# rod that I built for use for big fish from the kayak. It really is probably a bit large as well even. I'm not a big fan of Abu Garcia, but a 6500 would work as well.

Nathan

I have a Takota 500, and love it. It's very light, and very durable. I also like the Shimano rods. They are light weight, but strong. Just my .02.

Pawn Shop it. Save the $$$$. You'll hardly use the rig unless you get offshore.