[FAQ]Fluke tackle recommendations anyone?

[BAHILA / PCramer6]

I'm looking to upgrade my tackle for fluke fishing this summer.  I'll be fishing the bays and river along with some local offshore wrecks.  Does anyone have a decent rod/reel combo that I should look at?  I'm a beginner so I'm not looking to spend a fortune ( i might consider buying 2 setups to have on the boat for company). Thanks as always.
Pat

[Uncle Luna]

I like a pole with a stiff tip,not too flexible.
I have a fenwick stick with a penn 930 baitcaster reel. Not too expensive. Had the pole
over 10 years and it still looks like new. Never
had to repair it yet. Just my preference.
Good Luck

[CAPT. JOHN K.]

I'm using a Daiwa 7' Heartland Muskie rod. I matched an Abu-Garcia 6500TCST reel spooled with 30# Power Pro. Nice light set up with plenty of back bone to reel in the Moby Fluke. I actually prefer this set up over my custom built fluke rod.
  Could also use a Tica Pisces 200 reel. I've been using this reel for over 5 years now and haven't had an trouble at all.
  Hope this helps.
                      Capt. John K.
                      TAT-TAT TOO III   

[Ruger314]

Inshore quantum 7ft rods @ dicks S40(baitcast model)
reels anything reliable you like with good line capacity and gear ratio..I like penn 975's costly though use the rods and reels for stripers also

[BAHILA / PCramer6]

use the rods and reels for stripers also

Everywhere I shop around at the clerk always tells me I can't really have a dual setup-  (a rod and reel for fluke and striper)  They say the striper setup is to heavy to feel for fluke and the fluke to light for striper.  I'm not sure if these guys are just trying to take me for the sale so I decided to come here and get an opinion i can trust.

[ped579]

Cha Ching...Dual rods, triple rods whatever.  Getting a rod for each individual species is ridiculous.  I fish the surf and I have caught everything from fluke, crokers stripers, blues, you name it. I have everything from a 6' to a 10' (spinning reel over baitcasting, multi-use thinking here) usually I bring 4 and only us 2.  I prefer either an 8' or 7' medium action, either will work well for almost any type bait fishing you get into. You can even use it for throwing most plugs.

Bottom line go with whatever feels good to you when you hold it in your hands.  Remember you might be playing around for hours so might as well feel comfortable while your having fun.

Besides I haven't figured out how to hold two rods for different types of fish.  This time of year there is so much running it is better go think multi-use.  More bang for the buck.

My two cents, thank you

Paul

[BAHILA / PCramer6]

This is why I come here..thanks Paul.  So you suggest a 6'-7' medium rod with a light baitcasting reel?  And this will be good to hold fluke and striper?   At least I have some ammo now to go into a shop and tell them what i want so not to get ripped off.  What do you think i should be spending around total?  Im thinking +/- $100 ??

[IrishAyes]

I like the Fenwick HMX Trigger Stik with Carboloy Tip Top 7".  To that I add a Shimano Corvalus 300.  I put on 30# Power Pro.  I use this outfit for fluke, inshore seabass, inshore tog and striper.  I have no problems using this outfit for the different fish.

For deeper water fluking and bottomfishing I go only slightly heavier because of the heavier weight being used to hold bottom and I use a high ratio retrieve reel (6:1 Shimano Torium) so I'm not cranking the line in forever.

Joe

[ped579]

Good ballpark figure...I have seen some decent combos that range from $79 - 100.00.   Good first combo rig...  Just make sure it feels right in your hands.  Like I mentioned this is suppose to be fun and it is no fun when your arms go numb  

Think 7' though 6' might be too short for casting, you be the judge.

Enjoy!!!

Paul

[Ruger314]

I agree with all.. you need to play around the outfits I use handle both fluke and stripers fine.. Those fish I've been catch and posting pics off all are caught on on the same gear for flukin.. Inshore lite taclke is a blast.. Bowguide will back mee on the setups. Paul and Joe have the right suggestions also!!

Good luck

[BAHILA / PCramer6]

Thanks everyone..

Pat

[Flukedood]

I like the Fenwick HMX Trigger Stik with Carboloy Tip Top 7".  To that I add a Shimano Corvalus 300.  I put on 30# Power Pro.  I use this outfit for fluke, inshore seabass, inshore tog and striper.  I have no problems using this outfit for the different fish.

For deeper water fluking and bottomfishing I go only slightly heavier because of the heavier weight being used to hold bottom and I use a high ratio retrieve reel (6:1 Shimano Torium) so I'm not cranking the line in forever.

Joe

I have the same Fenwick and it is great..And wont bust your wallet..

[IrishAyes]

Flukedude,
I use that Fenwick more than any other rod I own and I stopped counting my rods when i got to 50!   

Joe

[BAHILA / PCramer6]

Thanks everyone for the imput and ammunition.  I think I'm ready to go Sat and get my new tackle!

[Capt. Ed]

Hi All,

I'm much like Capt. John K above.

Get a rod that can handle weight. Many people do not fish with enough weight, even in 50 ft. of water. You need something that can easily handle 6-8 ozs. I am a fan of the Daiwa 7' Heartland Muskie rods as well. I like Abu but I pair my rods with Shimano Tekota 500s.

This combo has stopped all fish including 40 lb. stripers; medium size bluefin; and I even fought it out with a thresher for a while.

I use 50 lb. Power Pro.

These rods and reels are affordable and are work horses. It is smart to buy 2 if you can, This way you can have 2 rods ready to go at all times.

They have the rods and reels at Pell's. Pete can help you out and they are a sponsor.

If you want to try before you buy, I will loan you one of mine.

Thanks,

Capt. Ed

[Luna Sea 5]

I like a pole with a stiff tip,not too flexible.
I have a fenwick stick with a penn 930 baitcaster reel. Not too expensive. Had the pole
over 10 years and it still looks like new. Never
had to repair it yet. Just my preference.
Good Luck

you opened yourself up for this one.  The reason why your pole looks so new after 10 years is because you didn't catch any 8 lbs fluke with it... lol.. 

[Skolmann]

I like a 7' baitcasting rod with either M or MH action.

St. Croix, Fenwick, Lamiglas and Daiwa all make good fluking sticks. On of my favorites is a 7' Penn Sabre (I have 3 of them) but I don't think they make them anymore.

Musky rods have made a big impact in fluke fisherman.

For reels, my fluking favorites are the Penn 955 or 965, the Shimano Tekota 300 or 500 or the Shimano TR-100 or TR-200.

[BAHILA / PCramer6]

  I bought my tackle today..got a 7' Graphite quantum rod with cork grips and a Shimano 400 corvalus reel  spooled with 30# red powerpro.  Awsome setup, super light and i only spent about $120 
Pat

Thanks for all your help guys!

[Capt. Ed]

Hi PC,

I hope you have great success with it!

Break it in soon,

Capt. Ed

[IrishAyes]

Sounds like a very fine outfit.  You will have to get out Saturday to give it a try.  That will tame any fluke you hook into.  I'm sure you will find it to be a pretty good all around outfit for many other species as well as fluke, such as sea bass, black fishing inshore, small blues, etc. 
Good luck with it.