S U P E R S T I C K S
Rod Reviews by Paul Lebowitz How does a kayak rod earn its stripes? It takes more than a shiny label. A kayak-worthy stick stands up to abuse. Its tip bends deep into a U for landing fish, far past the typical breaking point. Saltwater models shrug off corrosion. Most of all, they fish well sit-down style, with handy shortened butts and the stretch for a bow reach-around. Let’s see how the four big-name models stack up.
1: American Rodsmiths Kayak Special
$160 //
www.americanrodsmiths.com
The sticks from Texas-based American rodsmiths have a down-south flavor that smells like redfish and other Gulf Coast shallow-water delights. They range from 6.5 to 7’ in length, with shortened butt sections for ease of use in tight spaces and strong, lightweight high-modulus graphite blanks. Cork handles enhance sensitivity; blank-thru handle reel seats come with a nifty hook keeper that doubles as a leash tie-down. Six casting, five spinning models cover light 4 lb string all the way up to 17 lb rope. Precision personified.
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2: Lamiglas Kayak Series $230–240 //
www.lamiglas.com
Legendary Lamiglas performance and still kayak-fishing tough? Believe it. The Tri-Flex construction process, a graphite-fiberglass-graphite composite exclusive to the company, achieves the nigh-impossible. That’s right, a supple and sensitive fast- action tip matched with a powerful butt section to tame hard-charging fish. The eight 7’2”and up models (four each casting and spinning) are high-stick survivors, with lash- down tabs, classic cork handles, swift-swinging butts and actions for practically every fishing niche. Premium performance at a like price.
3: Okuma Baidarka Kayak Rods
$120 //
www.okumafishing.com
Screaming kayak fishing from butt to tip, okuma’s 7’ Baidarka rods are revolutionary fish sticks. Forget that sinking feeling—they float! The tradeoff is a ton of foam on the grips. The kayak connection continues with leash points, stretched-out foregrips for improved leverage, and just-right butt lengths. overbuilt by non-kayak standards, Baidarkas feature durable graphite composite blanks and hardened double-foot Pac Bay guides. Five casting, two spinning models span line strengths from 8 to 30 lbs, kayak fishing’s sweet spot. Float on.
4: Quantum Kayak Rods $99 //
www.quantumfishing.com
Going against the grain, Quantum’s 7’6” kayak rods are built on elongated butts, a full 17” long on triggerstick models. They sit higher and drier in rod holders and cast a mile, but fishing these stretched- out sticks is an acquired taste. The components are solid, offering tremendous bang for the buck: Fuji reel seats and Alconite guides and responsive graphite blanks with flexible tips for the inevitable high- sticking. Three each casting and spinning models handle everything from 8 lb line to 30.
KUNZ’S REEL GEAR KZ’S FLOATING GAFFS $35 //
www.kzreelrods.com
when a trophy gamefish is at ‘yak-side, the battle is just beginning. Give yourself every advantage during the critical end-game. KZ Gaffs are designed expressly for kayak fishing. These beauties boast ergonomic handles, high- grade scary-sharp stainless hooks, and durable 27” e-glass shafts. They float, a huge bonus, ‘cause they are far too sweet to lose overboard. They ooze personality—every one comes with a free inscription.—Paul Lebowitz
Pro: Turned-out point really sticks it to fish. Con: A Boga is a better release tool.
PROMAR TROPHY SERIES COLLAPSIBLE LANDING NETS $25–55 //
www.promarnets.com
Landing nets are mission-critical equipment but often take up a lot of precious space. Not Promar’s Trophy Series. These cleverly designed nets with telescoping handles not only fold in half at the yoke, the flexible frames collapse into a tidy stowable package. improved in recent years, the easy-to-deploy nets feature catch- and-release-friendly knotless nylon mesh. Sizes range from the trout-sized 16” x 16” to a halibut-worthy 24” x 24”.—Paul Lebowitz
Pro: Stows out of the way until needed. Con: Larger models require two hands to deploy.
HOLDZIT TOOL SAVER $12 //
www.holdzit.com
BERKLEY TEC PISTOL TRIGGER GRIP $50 //
www.berkley-fishing.com
Berkley’s TeC series are the only lip grippers on the market that have single-trigger operation. The 8” pistol grip comes with a belt clip holster and lanyard and is suited to smaller fish, while the 13” and 28” strait-handled grips handle bigger game.
Pro: Solid stainless steel construction. Pocket-sized.
Con: Pistol grip is a bit small for big hands and is awkward to lift fish above waist level from a seated position.
36… KAYAK ANGLER summer/fall 2008
HoldZit Tool Savers can be attached in several places on your kayak to hold your fishing tools, pliers, dykes and file firmly in place so you don’t lose them in a rollover. HoldZits also contain oil so that your tools get a fresh coat of oil constantly and never rust in the saltwater. i’ve gone from replacing fishing tools every couple of months to having my tools last for a couple of years.—Jim Sammons
Pro: Cleans, lubricates and protects your tools.
Con: Attaching to your boat requires some ingenuity.
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PHOTO: JIM SAMMONS
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