Moving to Cooktown advice on new setup please

[boomstix]

Hi guys,

Im Moving up to Cooktown at the end of this year so am on the lookout for a new fishing rig. Was up there recently and had my Daiwa Luvias 2000 sized with 12lb braid on it which handled the mackerel and gts ok but the largest I caught was around 75cm. Saw much larger fish caught which would of cause me quite a bit of strife.

Anyways am looking at getting a new rod and reel for casting slugs and livebaiting. Looking at spending up to 300-400 on the reel and under 200 for the rod. Was looking at the Shimano Stradic Ci4 in 4000 size and putting 20lb braid on it but have seen mixed reviews . Any info/tips would be greatly appreciated.

[Camhawk88]

You will probably get your tail handed to you on that outfit if you head out past the creeks. Something like a Stradic 8000 with 30lb would be minimum around reef areas i would think. What you have suggested would be a sporting outfit and in clear water a lot of fun but you will run into fish that will relieve you of that braid on a fairly regular basis.

[boomstix]

Forgot to mention this will be a rod for fishing pretty much just from the shore at the Wharf they have there.

[boomstix]

Thanks for the input guys :P Ended up getting a stella sw 6000 second hand. It comes with two spools so was thinking of putting 20lb on one and 30lb on the other. Any recomendations on the brand?

[Daintreeboy]

I would go either 20 or 30 pound for one spool and 50 for the other. That reel can take it plus the wharf can produce some big fish like Spaniards, GTs etc.
Fins PRT is a braid that ties knots well and is strong. It's not the best for casting but is well priced. I've yet to hear a bad report about Daiwa Saltiga Boat braid.
For under 200 bucks maybe a simple Ugly stick blue water for what you want to do with it.

[boomstix]

Thanks Daintree, I was thinking along those lines but not sure how much 50 pound I would get on the reel. Ill have a look at that rod too, the one I had in mind was a Shimano TCurve Bluewater 10-15kg, have you had any experience with them? I know I kinda blew my budget but the missus gave me $400 to go towards it all for christmas, so can spend a little bigger now :)

[Daintreeboy]

That would be a great rod. I've only used the Deep Jigs and the OH version of the Bluewater. The deep jig 200 is one of the best rods going around and can toss a lure quite well for such a short rod. For your purposes though if you can stretch the budget that Bluewater 10-15 kilos would be an excellent choice. You can get 300 yards of 50 pound on a 6000 spool but not the thick Fins. It will take about 230 I reckon.

[boomstix]

Well I think thats made my mind up. Thanks a lot for the valuable information mate, really appreciate it.