What reel to get for a Kayak...

Breamingwithjoy · #1 08-09-2010, 12:27 AM

Alrighty then, I just bought a kayak (no it's not a Hobie) and I am a little concerned about taking my nicer gear (read: reels) out on it owing to the amount of splash and the high likelyhood of them taking a swim. So herein lies the question...

I want to get a reel for doing some bay snapper work, targetting fish from 2-7kg on plastics hopefully. I would really like to stay with Daiwa for the reels given that I am comfortable with how they do what they do. Buuuuut, should I be lookng at a more "simple" reel that I can take apart easily and re-grease/oil? Maybe from a different stable.

My first thoughts was to get a reel like the Daiwa CY. It is cheap and not too heavy (305g for the 2500 or 330g for the 3000) it has only got 5 bearings (less to go wrong), 2 of which are CRBB's and will take a putt load of Braid.

My only concern with this reel is, how the hell do you pull it right apart and do a major clean out on it the a full re-lubrication? I have heard that the real four reels need to be done in a special way

I have the exploded diagrams for all daiwa reels for sale currently so can see what goes where but have a problem trying to get the whole thing to come apart. Any tips on this topic in general will be appreciated.

I DID ask the editor of Yak fisher magazine his thoughts, but he just mumbled "Van Staal" at me

Cheers,
Ross

MattyBoy · #2 08-09-2010, 12:37 AM

I'd still be looking at the usual suspects ... any reel that takes a dunking is going to need stripping and the difference between a Sol & CY as far a assembly goes is not going to be that different. Reel covers should help while not in use and as long as the wash down is thorough I'd be going with a proven performer and not sub standard reels that will show greater signs of wear and corrosion. Personally I'd go a SOL for yakking work.

Ta
Matt

Isokaze · #3 08-09-2010, 12:40 AM

Just use the one you have

When the reels are getting too old, newer model will come out so time to buy

I am using 2 exists on the yak, sometimes the Zillion hyper longcast & Ryoga for a bit of heavier work. So far have no problem just need to rinse it after each trip, and they will be fine. Once a while a drip of oil to the roller and bearing. Remeber to tie the gear down though. If you secure them a splash of water is no problem.

Van Staal is @#G#etzxt. I was quite intersested in the new one with the bail arm, but after I have seen some pictures and the line is not lay properly, I don't want one anymore. I guess it is not made for superline.

Jazman · #4 08-09-2010, 12:56 AM

Gday Ross, TBH I don't think there is a high likelihood of your reels taking a swim at all. Splash can be an issue yes, but there are some easy precautions you can take. If you spray your reels with some sort of protectant prior to heading out (Inox/Lanox or similar), and wash well and reapply protectant after coming back in (the same day, ASAP) you'll be laughing. Something else that will help keep splash/spray off your reels is making rod holder extensions out of a suitable diameter PVC, to keep the reel up higher. I take out an exist, new luvi, and sol on most saltwater trips and they are still smooth and non-corroded after several years of regular kayak use.

I used to chase snapper a lot when I lived in Melbourne, and got a good fish on plastics when I was back last christmas - IMO a 2000 or 2500 sized reel is ample for PPB and will land any fish you hook if you take your time.

HTH,
Jason

Shortytheyakker · #5 08-09-2010, 12:59 AM

I use a Sol for Snapper work,,

Make sure you have a short lenght of pvc pipe (usually 40 mm) to raise the height when the rods in the holder to eliminate splash and always have a rod leash,,$1000's of dollars worth of rods and reels fall of kayaks every year.

warren63 · #6 08-09-2010, 01:05 AM

Ive seen all sorts of reels on yaks, i only fish with cheapies myself and wash them down after each session. As above they get more splash and spray then dunkings. When not in my hand they are on a leash so minimises loss potential. Touch wood i have not lost an outfit overboard yet but lost Oakley sunglasses and other gear due to being dumb and clumsy.

warren63 · #7 08-09-2010, 01:07 AM

Also congrats on getting a yak which isnt a hobie, we already have enough hobiesexuals on the water

__MATT__ · #8 08-09-2010, 01:35 AM

Sol or kix 2500.

Decent waterproof drag etc and that series of body is super easy to strip down.

vlad da''lad · #9 08-09-2010, 02:43 AM

d/advantage could probably find one for around 180.00 or cheaper 2nd hand

jakel · #10 08-09-2010, 02:43 AM

um if i were you i would go a exceller good reels for the money and if it does take a swim you will still be able to sleep at night

Chamelion · #11 08-09-2010, 03:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jakel

um if i were you i would go a exceller good reels for the money and if it does take a swim you will still be able to sleep at night

I have to be brutally honest.. For the money a Symetre is a far far far better option. I've owned both and the Symetre is just miles better.

quintrex101 · #12 08-09-2010, 03:15 AM

You said simple and easy to service. Anything from the Shimano range.

Perky · #13 08-09-2010, 03:32 AM

BWJ, i think i know what your looking for as per your post. Something from daiwa thats not to expensive but is still going to be a solid reel, for snapper and the like. If i was in your situation i would get the Daiwa Crest. Fairly new and a good price. And it's pretty close to the CY at the same price. Only link i could find for one. It is a 2500 size though but i think that will make things more sporting.

http://www.DohDohDoh.com.au/online-store/p...46#Description

fushlups · #14 08-09-2010, 04:27 AM

I've got a tierra for my yak reel mate, pretty decent reel and doesn't stress me out incase it gets a dip in the salt

CHUNQX · #15 08-09-2010, 05:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by warren63

Also congrats on getting a yak which isnt a hobie, we already have enough hobiesexuals on the water

Hey! Careful who you aim that at! I love my Hobie!

Back to the question at hand. Was in the same position you're in 8 months ago. My yak, which is a Hobie, (did I mention I love my Hobie?) has Scotty rod holders in front without the extenders and because I was unsure if I would capsize, I ran my cheapie reels on them, a Daiwa Laguna and a Shimano Sahara. Good thing too because I found on rougher days, I'd get quite a lot of splash on it and didn't take more than few trips for the reels to seize up. Also ran my Caldia Kix and it seized too after a few trips when it got splashed.
That problem went away (to some extent) after I got the extender arms which sat the reels out of the splash area. I thought about reels to use in he bay and was looking at the Cy too at one stage but the thing that put me off was its weight. I'd go the exceler.