Paddle-Fishing.com

First, I just want to say I realize that this isn't a fishing report and probably would be better suited to the General Forum but I'm specifically interested in hearing about the type of equipment folks in this area use.

Next, I do realize that this type of thread has been done before, but I think this is the type of info that new comers to the forum are looking for not to mention I personally find it interesting.

Finally, I would like to ask that no one slams someone else's choice. While I realize that is certainly your prerogative, I am specifically asking about YOUR favorite not what you think about the guys that replied before you. (i.e. I wouldn't be caught dead using that piece of crap xyz reel, they used to be good but have gone to crap.) That being said, try hard to avoid being a ...well you know.

As for me, I use primarily FH-FJ and CI Stradic 3000 and 4000 reels. Most are loaded with 15 or 20lb slick 8 braided line to which I attach a 20-30lb Fluorocarbon leader. I have several St. Croix rods, a TFO and a Teramar that I use predominately. Most are medium light, though some are medium with fast tips ( I have to give them the whip test before I buy). They are all in the 7 to 71/2 foot range. I fish top water much more than any thing else normally targeting reds but happy with the trout and occasional Snook by catch.

Please share your personal favorites.

Loomis GL2 8-17 (medium power) fast Action

it will pitch a jig as far as you'll need and has enough backbone to land anything you're likely to encounter on the flats, it will also work a topwater, but usually use a Med/Heavy Loomis for that job

Same as East Coast, Flamingo, or Choko....

7' Rod light and medium action, 3000 &/or 4000 series reels, 10/15/20# braid with Fluro leader.
MPO choice, Star Plasma, Shimano Stradic &/or Ci4, Suffix Fuse or P-Pro... multitude of different fluro leader material don;t really look at the label for anything except strength, 15/10/25/30 pound strength depending on target species.. those are personal choices because that what I have and use the most but I have plenty of other brand/model rods & reels. I never start out a ttory "I caught xyz with my abc rod with nop reel, using a schmako lure with a shot of joe-blo's special sauce. People catch fish, the tools just help the user do the job.

St Croix Tidemaster. 7.5 ft for topwater, 8 foot for jigs and spoons out on open flats. Quantum Cabo 2000 spinning reel. 10 # Power Pro.

7' star stellar lite, medium with stradic ci4. 10# power pro. Nice and light, makes me not want to pick up my older combo's.

Details here

I use three, first is a 7ft Ugly Stick medium, Penn 450ssg reel with 20lb Power Pro braid.
Second is a Penn Allegiance 7ft fast, Penn 440ssg reel with 20lb Power Pro Braid
Third is my Tarpon rod ? Sea Stryker Billfisher live bait series, Penn 760L reel with 50lb Power Pro Braid with 60lb mono leader.

I'm somewhat different where I go small. I primarily use two 6 1/2' and one 6' light action St Croix Triumphs. They are at the bottom of their price line ($80) but a good rod for the money. I like short rods, short handles, small reels. Sitting in a solo canoe they are lined up in front of me and easy to manage. I find them easier to throw around cover and less tiring. The 6' is a buggy whip and is a blast when the trout bite is on. I have an Okuma 1500 with 8 lb braid and 20lb leader on that rod. The other two rods, 10lb braid and 20lb leader. I use a 2500 series Quantum Smoke and a Wright McGill Victory on those. Every now and then if I decide to chuck live bait, especially with a bobber, or the wind is up, I bring out a 7'er.

For flats its a SpinfisherV 3500 on a 7ft ML TFO. Heavy but its factory supported in ways shitmanos never are.