Boat Rod and Reel. What to Buy?

[WolfyDave]

Hi gents, ii'm after a bit of information on getting a boat rod and reel. Any advice or recommendations would be appreciated. I don't want to spend a fortune so suggestions of reasonably priced tackle only please gents.

Thanks in advance

Dave

[The Jester]

Are you planning on doing wreck fishing or rough ground Dave..

[WolfyDave]

Thanks for the quick reply jester. The honest answer to your question is, I'm not sure, it will depend on who i go out with. I have been adviced that my Abu7000 will be ok for use on boat. Also i have been offered a Ron Thompson Hard Core 7ft 20-30lb rod. Could i have your views on whether this rod will be ok.

[The Jester]

Yeah the Abu 7000 should be fine, but i wouldn't give it too much abuse, the Ron Thomson rod will do fine if you are just finding out if you will like boat fishing or not. I would use the gear you have then if you like it, keep a look out for a second hand Ugly Stik or similar 20/30 lb that will cover your wreck and rough ground fishing and a Diawa or Penn reel to suit......Sure you will get plenty advice off the lads, we all have our favourite rods and reels..

[WolfyDave]

This is going to be a taster on the boat fishing front, that's why i'm asking all of the questions, some of which may sould stupid to some.

[The Jester]

We've all been there mate, don't be shy,

[lingking]

where you planning to fish wolfy(ports i mean!!!!

[WolfyDave]

I havent planned that far ahead yet Lingking, lol. Hope to get out on the west coast of scotland when we take caravan back over there and was also hoping to get out on the north sea but i will have to look into that to see who and what is available.

[The Great Wallsendo]

one thing I'll warn against is buying an uber cheapy floppy woppy rod (you've already got the reel so sorted on that scale) if push comes to shove and you don't take to boat fishing then you can always sell the rod on - but a cheapo/nasty rod might taint your first experience...like I said elsewhere you'll sharp want to upgrade if you get into it so buying a better rod at the beginning will soften the blow to the pocket...

A 20lb rod is more than adequate for fishing all situations...if you're going off a charter then I guess you'll do a mixture of rough ground and wrecking, especially early season (like now)

don't be tempted to buy a 50lb broom shank either...where's the fun in fishing with a winch and crane?

[WolfyDave]

Ive been offered a Ron Thompson Hard Core 7ft, ive offered the lad a £10 for it. If its a crap rod then ive only lost 8 cans of stella lol

[The Great Wallsendo]

saying that you can't quibble at a tenner...I can waste that and more on a boring afternoon at work (eBay)

[WolfyDave]

. I know exactly what you mean.

[Codfather]

I've used a Ron Thompson 20-30 lb rod and it was fine, especially to start off with. I also regularly use an Abu 7000 and it's my favourite reel, just make sure the drags set right.

Any money you might have saved would be well spent getting some braid for your reel if you don't have any on already.