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For all the kayak fishermen:
What makes a good kayak specific rod? What lengths? Full grip or split grip? One piece? Two? THREE? Shorter butt?
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My personal preferences:
I use baitcasting gear whenever I'm using a technique that requires the rod to be low to the water. You have to hold a spinning reel up a little higher or the rotor tends to smack into the side of the kayak or your lap.
I prefer longer rods, like at least 6'6, otherwise it's hard to get the rod tip over the bow to the other side of the kayak when fighting a fish underneath you. Or at least it is in my 13.5' yak.
Short butts are good IMO. Almost all my rods are one-piece but I will sometimes carry an extra two-piece rod inside the hull.
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Too short a butt causes issues in certain rod holders. Too long and it impedes casting.
I generally agree with a longer rod but for accuracy, a short one is better in certain instances. I too like a bait caster on a yak...for certain conditions.
So, I really don't think there is a right way but for sure, a longer butt is not good on a yak.
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Do you guys run into issues with split grips in rod holders?
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No issues with that.....
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Kayak rods are what the user wants. All rods work in a kayak.
I prefer split grips, TN handled spinning rod and never had a problem in a RAM rod holder.
Ideal length for me is 6' and I'll live with a 6'6". Longer than that I'll reserve for a jet boat.
When I started kayak fishing, I cut about 2-3" off the butt of the rod because the handles kept getting caught in my vest or gutt. Now I must build them with a shorter butt than off-the-shelf.
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Split grips are not the best for rod holders on a kayak but more sensitive. If you're looking for an all around go to kayak rod here would be my specs:
11" full cork or eva butt
SK2 Fuji
Small to no foregrip
Lightweight guides
Medium - Medium Heavy Power
Extra Fast Action (moderate action if you're not jigging)
Curious to know more about why you are asking.
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I've started to see samples of "kayak" rods at work and I'm seeing different characteristics. It made me wonder if there were any common preferences for rods to be used from kayaks.
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