Thread: Need help picking a rod.

Guys, my wife bought me a pen squall 20lwlc. I was wondering if any of y'all had any suggestions as to what rod I should match it with. This rig will be mostly used for flat lining and trolling in my kayak. Thanks for any help in advance.

What size line will you be running? I just bought a Penn Mariner II from West Marine for $40. It is rated for 15-30# line. Have been using it for sheepshead currently and love it. Will make a great trolling rod for the kayak as well.

Can't decide between 20 and 30 pound braid

I would highly suggest that Penn Mariner II then for sure. I run 20# mono on mine though(just because it would have costed me too much right now for about 800 yards of braid!). The rod is 6ft in length so it is great for the kayak. Lightweight yet has a good strong backbone.

The rod chef mentioned is a good all around rod. Cheaper rods mean cheaper guides and rings. Check to see what guides it has. I ran braid on one of my cheaper store bought rods and braid cut into those rings bad.

Snake, they are all stainless guides.

How's the action on the tip? I realize it's a medium heavy action rod. Thanks

It is a very fast action on it, which I like for most rods, but it is still fairly sensitive for the heavier action. If you are looking for something a little slower in action, Ugly Stick makes a good conventional rod for about $30 I think, but it is a bit noodley for my taste.

Penn battalion is nice also