What Kind of Setup?

[Gold_Coast_Chaser]

Hey Guys,

Ive been looking around a bit lately for a rod & reel setup that i would need when i go up to Mackay or somewhere up there to the reef once every year (so not overly expensive, maybe 200-250 all up). Ive been once on a 4 or 5 day trip before and used handlines which were ok but there was a bloke using Rod and Reel and braid (i think) who was catching a lot more then anyone else.

So im not really sure what kind of setup i should be looking for, im guessing

a decent size overhead reel
with or without braid????? what type of braid, weight?
Length, weight capacity of rod??

Any pointers will be helpful.

[krazyfisher]

I good set up with out spending too much would be a shimano charter special with 50lb braid and a 10-15kg rod it will do most things you want

[Gold_Coast_Chaser]

Thanks Mate,

I went down to my local tackle shop and asked them what they think, they agreed with the rod, in the 10-15 sortof range, but they were thinking more the 30lb braid?? do you think 30 is leaving it a bit short or is that alright?

Cheers Mate!

[Horse]

I probably would steer clear of the braid around coral and structure. Mono is also better for trolling up Macs etc. One option is to look at one of the heavy theadline combos such as a Penn Spinfisher or Shimano Spheros. They give the added ability to cast baits and lures around bombies and will handle most fish in the area.
If you are going braid I would be looking at 50lb for that sort of work over a 15kg rod

[reggy]

ONE thing that may affect your decision is the height of the gunwhales of the boat. i` have been on charters where guys started out with spin reels and changed over to overhead reels because the sides of the boat were relatively high.
personally i find an overhead much more convenient if you are just fishing with bait.

[Gold_Coast_Chaser]

Hey Guys,

Got my new setup from the boys at Sp##ty's War##ouse, Bundall, ended up with a Okuma Convector CN45L with a Penn Mariner Plus (10-15Kg) rod, Filled with 30lb suffix performance braid (they tended to think that 30lb would be right) and it all ended up being about $220

Tell us what you think, obviously its a bit late to do anything about it but it would be good to know.

Thanks Guys

[reggy]

you`ll have a lot of fun with that. just use about 6mts of 60-80lb mono leader to take the knocks from the coral etc.
good luck
Reggy

[krazyfisher]

the only reason that I said the charter special is because I have one that I use as a loner to those who dont have a rod and it has worked well for maybe 4 yrs on the reef and islands bottom bashing trolling. as it is graphite it doesnt rust level wind makes it easy. I would think if you are fishing up there 30lb would be too light around the reef and islands but it should be ok.