Howdy! I'm a Kayak Fisherman

[EastTexas]

I like to fish different.
I fish from a Kayak

Shorter rods just work better for me, there is something magical about short rods. More accurate casts; lighter weight - a real wrist saver!

I use 5' 6" Conolon medium action IM7 graphite rod & a 4600C3 baitcasting reel both by ABU Garcia. I also have an 6' 6" Harold Ensley medium-heavy action rod by ABU Garcia. It's a good rod, but the shorter one just out performs it.

I also use spinning lot too with a 6' rod.
I'm also a flyfisherman w/ 5 & 6 wt. outfits.

My favorite lure is none; it's whatever the fish want that day.
I like spoons, jigs, worms & a limited range of plugs.

Lighter lines (8-12#) tend to catch more fish me. I don't have much of a problem pulling fish out of heavy cover with Berkley Trilene Big Game (Steel Blue color). For the 8# line I'm using Academy Tournament Choice Mono (clear color).

From using some over priced gear, you don't have to spend over $100 on the Reel & Over a $100 on the Rod to get good serviceable gear for freshwater fishing.