Hello everyone. I have been lurking here for a long time and want to say thanks to all the helpful info I have garnered.

I live in Portland Oregon and fish for salmon, trout and steelhead as often as possible. Have taken a few charters for halibut as well. Got a new job almost a year ago and HQ is in San Diego. Well, suffice it to say I spent almost all of my down time hanging out in Point Loma!

I am planning my first 5 day trip (went on a couple 3/4 day and an overniter) and I need some serious help. Part of what is confusing me is there are so many options its hard to keep them all clear in my brain. Combined with new terms and techniques - crimping etc, makes it tuff.

Anyway, I want only the best (fish all G Loomis for salmon/steelhead). When I was last down there I grabbed a Calstar 870 as I was told this is a great 25/30lb stick. I am trying to add to my arsenal and would like some advice. I have checked out most of the major boats sites and have the pamphlets as well.

What setup should be next for me? I am told you will use your 40lb setup the most on a 5 day. What is your ultimate 40lb setup? After all my research I am thinking graphiter 700H and Avet JX 2sp. Then add another longer(8 foot) something for throwing jigs? This way I will have a 25lb and 2 40lbs setups, one for fly lining and one for jigs? Please help and thanks again.

john

John,

I don't see a need for a two speed reel in the 40lb range, I go to a two speed at about 60lb and up. I know alot of people are doing so but IMO it's over kill. I'd look at a Penn Baja Special for 40lb and save some bucks for the stick. When it comes down to rods I like graphiters also but if you can go to a tackle shop and pull on different models and brands and see what feels right for you.

IMHO the Calstar 765xl is the best 40lb rod. I like the Seeker 6470, but I love the Calstar. As for a reel to match it with, SoCal has a great suggestion. The price of the Baja Special is down from 250.00 to 150.00. Great reel, plenty of capacity, 20+ pounds of drag and excellent cranking power.
I have caught the majority of my fish at Guadalupe on a Cofe'd single speed International 12W. So, you can easily fish a single speed.

If you are set on buying a two speed reel, the Avet JX or LX are good choices. Solid drags and easy to cast. Solid choice.

IMHO I do not think you need a 700H. 765xl will take all the drag of the Baja Special or the Avets.

Good luck.

LT

One of my 40lb set-ups is an Avet LX single speed on a Calstar Grafighter 700M. I really like this set up. Like FLLR said, good drag, easy to cast (almost too easy) and the rod is great.

IM ASSUMING YOUR GOING TO THE SOUTH , FISHN CEDROS, BENITOS,GUADALUPE, OR MAYBE A DAY OR 2 OFFSHORE. 5 DAY COULD BE A VARIETY TRIP. THIS IS MY COLLECTION FOR 5-6 DAY TRIPS.

FIRST THE 20-25 OUTFIT BT870 CALSTAR W 545 PENN. USE THAT FOR SMALL BAIT OR SMALL FISH.

SECOND THE 30 OUTFIT A MUST FOR FINICKY BLUEFINS.

THIRD THE JIG STIX 800H WITH YOUR CHOICE OF ACTRIGHT (ACCURATE) 870 OR PENN 200 HIGH SPEED.

FORTH THE 50-60 STIX 765L W/ A LOW GEAR REEL FOR DROPPER LOOPING. IF YOUR CHASIN BIG YELLOW.

FIFTH IS THE TROLL ROD , HEAVY ROD W/ A 30 PENN . FOR ALBIES AND SUCH.STICK WITH THE CORNERS OF THE BOAT ,THEY GET BITES BETTRR.

THE PLUS ROD , THIS ROD IS YOUR PREFERENCE,ITS THE JUST IN CASE ROD.

Thanks for all the help so far, this is exactly what I am after. But like all this, it brings up more questions.

Looks like the 800H will be a good jig stick. I think I will grab one of those. I like the idea of the extra length. I am used to fishing with log rods up here for salmon. Will pair up the Avet JX with this rod I think for the high speed 6:1. Sound OK?

Next is to nail down the 40lb bait stick. Checking out the 765XL it is a 6 1/2 footer. No worries losing that half a foot? Also it lists 2 versions of the 765XL, one of which has ALG added to the model number (and it ~20bucks more). What does that mean and get that one or the non ALG model?

Hadnt thought of bringing a 30lb stick. If it is essential, whats your recommendation there? Several places speak of 700M as a good 30lb stick.

Trolling rod will have to wait for another time. Plan on using the baot gear for that. Thanks again to everyone.

john

The ALG stands for Aftco Light roller Guides. I like them, you can cast with them. Otherwise the 765 xl comes with Fuji rings.

I have heard the Seeker G670 will out cast the Calstar 700M when using bait.

the 700m , whatta choice. seeker alua rods,not that i own one , but friends say there good if you like your rods long.seen a guy on an 8 day fished with it on all species, he states he love the rod.

John,

Never used or pulled on a 800h so no help here. A highspeed reel at 6:1 is what you want for the iron, if you need a slower retrive for some lures action just reel slower. A 6 1/2 foot rod is fine for bait another 6" will give a little more casting distance but not alot. The keys to casting distance is a reel with a light spool and good freespool and the proper casting method.

An Avet JX2 or an Accurate 870-2 and a 765XL is close enough to the ultimate since that's what you said you wanted. Yeah, you don't really need a 2-speed but it sure won't hurt! Use the high gear for iron and the low gear for bait.

Wow no one brought up the Tibbron reels the "ultimate" 40lb two speed reel for me would a sst-6.

Thanks for everyones help. I want you to know I really appreciate it.

What are your recommendations for my next 2 rods? Get the 765XL with rollers or without? Better off grabbing a 800H or the 700M for my next one. I am getting 2 rods. Just got a bonus and I am pretty convinced this will not be my last LR trip. I am trying to build my aresenal smartlty and with only good stuff. First trip is this 5 dayer.

I have now a Calstar 780.
For reels I have a Penn113 with yellowtail conversion (spool and frame).


In essence I am asking what my next 2 setups should be - I can get another reel for the 870 and pair my 113 with the 765, or what do you guys recommend given what I have now and what my needs are?

thanks again

john

LOST MY BOOK ON CALSTAR, WHAT ARE YOU USEING THE 780 FOR, ALSO WHAT LENGHT IS THAT.IS THAT A WEST COAST SERIES.TALK TO ME.

Hi Louie. Yes, the 780 is a West Coast Series glass rod. It is 7foot, rated at 15-40lb. I have been told it is mostly a 25-30lb rod. It was recommended to me as a good light rod that could also be used for albies up here in Oregon.

On my five day I was thinking I would sppol it with 25lb and use it for stealth and making bait.

Keep um coming please. I am like a sponge.

john