Thread: kiing/cobia rod and reel

I am looking for some advice . I want to buy a rig thats suited for kingfish and cobia. If you had to buy one what would you buy and what kinda line?

mosleyhaus, for me, 8-9 ft spinning rod, medium-heavy power with spec range: line rating 12-30lbs & lure rating 1oz-3oz, and has moderate-fast tip action., check factory rods built by CTS New Zealand, Century (UK), Lamiglas (USA), Gloomis and lastly, St.Croix. My top favorite is the CTS (the lightest/strongest/thinnest rod) and followed closely by Century Rods. Custom rod by Seeker is good too, but heavy.

My personal reel of choice, I wish, would be light and able to hold at least 240yds of 15-20lb mono. I want to try the new Shimano Stradic Ci4+ (with the +plus) spinning reel I saw from Tackle Direct.

But additionally, if you're budget consious, I personally suggest the rod/reel combo rig from West Marine. They have the Penn Battle II 5000 series mounted on a 7-8ft "split grip" rod. I believe it's a great combo for a much lesser price.

7-8' rod with a 6000/6500 series reel loaded with 15# mono is what I have used for over 30 years.
My current setup is a BPS Brawler 7" MH rod with a Okuma 6500 reel. Reel was on sale at Field & Stream for $39. Rod cost $49. Whole rig with line was less than $100.
I also have an old 9' Diawa 2 piece glass rod with a Shakespeare 6500 on it. Rod was bought back in 1982. Reel in 2001. Rod is showing its age but it still catches fish, nicely handled a 16# Jack earlier this year.

You don't have to spend a lot of money for an outfit that works, I didn't. But you can spend some $$$ if you want. A nice Penn reel and custom peir rod combo might set you back $200+ and will last a lifetime if you take care of it.

If you aren't too familiar with fishing the pier and what is needed, my advice is go to J&M next time you are down and tell them what you are looking for and what your price point is. Let them set you up. They can go ahead and spool the reel and you can get some wire, swivels & trebles with you are there. And a ribbon rig. And some loonies. Don't forget a box of cigs too.