Tackle Tactics » Rigging-Guides » Soft-Plastics-101 » 16. Rod & Reel Selection
16. Rod & Reel Selection
Selecting the correct rod, reel, line and leader can impact on your success when fishing soft plastics.
A graphite / graphite composite rod is generally lighter, casts lightly weighted plastics more effectively and transfers information, such as lure action and bites more effectively to the anglers hand.
Popular starting options include -
1-3kg or 2-4kg Rod / 20 size reel / 6lb braid / 2-10lb leader for bream, trout, etc.
2-4kg or 3-6kg Rod / 30 size reel / 6-10lb braid / 6-12lb leader for flathead, bass, etc.
5-8kg or 6-10kg Rod / 40 size reel / 15-20lb braid / 20-80lb leader for snapper, barra, pelagics, etc.
Braided line is preferred as it is low stretch to better transfer info and set hooks, thinner so you can fit more on your reel, it casts further and has less drag in the water so is more effective for working soft plastics effectively.
Fluorocarbon Leader is preferred as it has the same light refraction qualities as water, making it virtually 'invisible', is extremely abrasion resitant and it also sinks, allowing you to stay in touch with your soft plastic lure more effectively. Monofilament leader is often preferred when fishing surface lures and surface plastics as it is more buoyant.?
Check out the full range of Okuma rods and reels at www.okuma.com.au?