rockfish/ling set up

[blackpowderhunter]

as always, looking to expand upon the vast amounts of rods and reels in my garage 
aside from the salmon trolling rods, medium action trout spinning rods, halibut rods etc...
the only one i see that I have that would work would be my salmon jigging rod, which is a berkley im8 7'9'' heavy power rod that i have spooled with braid on a level wind reel.

what would be your go to for heading out and targeting 'shallow' water rockfish and lings? i feel like my current jigging rod would work well for lingcod, but don't know if its too much rod for things like black rockfish as i've never gone out to target them specifically.

anyways, always love the discussion from other guys with more experience 

[Bullkllr]

Off hand, that set up sounds about right for somewhat shallow lings.

Bass in shallowish water are a lot more fun on lighter tackle. Think like a freshwater bass rod/heavier trout rod like a medium weight spinning outfit.

[blackpowderhunter]

sounds like i could get by with what i got if i go re spool a few of my spinning rigs 

[Wetwoodshunter]

  Your setup should be fine.

I use 1 piece gloomis bluewater rods with shimano trinidads on them. This setup is used for rockfish, lingcod and tuna.

[blackpowderhunter]

Your setup should be fine.

I use 1 piece gloomis bluewater rods with shimano trinidads on them. This setup is used for rockfish, lingcod and tuna.

my salmon jigging set up?

[Wetwoodshunter]

Yes, you will have no issues with your salmon jigging setup.

[Kc_Kracker]

there is a nice NICE set of hali rods n reels on offerup for $80 for TWO right now!

[Fidelk]

Rod and reel sound fine. For shallow water lings/rockfish, I'd use a 14-16 oz. chrome diamond jig (large treble hook) with a shrimp fly (or similar) tied 18-24 in. above it, with a dab of Smelly Jelly. Your rod should be stiff enough to allow you to jig and keep the lure into and out of the rocks cleanly and also to pull the lings out of the rocks when you feel the bite or the weight. I've always been told that lings "nest" and that heavy jigs and bars irritate them and they attack the lure. I've been using a 28 oz. bar in 500-600 feet of water and it has caught halibut, lingcod, large rockfish and a black cod...….so it is versatile. I haven't fished shallow water lings/rockfish yet in WA waters but I'll be using the 14-16 oz diamond jig setup soon out of La Push.

[lokidog]

I like spinning reels for "shallow", less than `150' bottom fishing. I fish small spots and can get my 4 oz lure to the bottom much faster. My favorite rod for this is a $17 Master Big 5 special. 8ft, `10-20lb line 1/2-3 oz.  This rod fishes an 8oz jig OK but is great for the 1-4 oz.

I wish they had not discontinued this model....   

[jeffitz]

Yes Salmon rod with 4-8oz jig - Root beer color usually works well

[WAcoueshunter]

How shallow are you talking?  Most of my ling/rockfish fishing is in less than 50’ and I use a steelhead/coho setup with a light tip so I know what is happening on the bottom. If fishing deeper with more weight, you need a heavier rod, but you also don’t have to worry about kelp and such.

[Widgeondeke]

for shallow seabass I love to use a 7' light-medium trout rod with a sensitive tip and spinning reel with 6# line. I typically find kelp and cast a jig at them. Its great action with 2-3lb bass     

[Skillet]

My absolute favorite ling/rockfish rod for depths up to 300 feet was my all around salmon jigging rod, Berkely IM7, a 7-9" heavy casting rod. Had a Abu Garcia line counter reel on it spooled with 40# power pro and a 15 foot-ish top shot of quality mono.

The line counter was awesome for most vertical fishing.  Great combo.

Should have bought 10 of those rods.

[Angry Perch]

My absolute favorite ling/rockfish rod for depths up to 300 feet was my all around salmon jigging rod, Berkely IM7, a 7-9" heavy casting rod. Had a Abu Garcia line counter reel on it spooled with 40# power pro and a 15 foot-ish top shot of quality mono.

The line counter was awesome for most vertical fishing.  Great combo.

Should have bought 10 of those rods.

Is that the (or similar to the) Buzz Ramsey walleye rod? Got one or two of those laying around.

[The scout]

Where I usually fish it’s probably 30% lings mixed in so I definitely would be fishing with a trout pole like some have mentioned. I just use one of my salmon poles with a Shimano tekata with line counter

[Skillet]

My absolute favorite ling/rockfish rod for depths up to 300 feet was my all around salmon jigging rod, Berkely IM7, a 7-9" heavy casting rod. Had a Abu Garcia line counter reel on it spooled with 40# power pro and a 15 foot-ish top shot of quality mono.

The line counter was awesome for most vertical fishing.  Great combo.

Should have bought 10 of those rods.

Is that the (or similar to the) Buzz Ramsey walleye rod? Got one or two of those laying around.

I don't think so. It's a stouter rod,  rated for up to 4oz jigs (I've fished 8oz no problem) and 15-50# line.

[blackpowderhunter]

My absolute favorite ling/rockfish rod for depths up to 300 feet was my all around salmon jigging rod, Berkely IM7, a 7-9" heavy casting rod. Had a Abu Garcia line counter reel on it spooled with 40# power pro and a 15 foot-ish top shot of quality mono.

The line counter was awesome for most vertical fishing.  Great combo.

Should have bought 10 of those rods.

sounds like the rod i have.
you can get that in an im8 for like 70 bucks

[Bullkllr]

for shallow seabass I love to use a 7' light-medium trout rod with a sensitive tip and spinning reel with 6# line. I typically find kelp and cast a jig at them. Its great action with 2-3lb bass 

Some of the funnest fishing I've had is in the spring when the bass are feeding "on top". It can really be a hoot on light gear. If you only have one light rod on the boat, everyone will want to use it. That said, I'd still consider 8-12# line on a medium rod to be light. If a ling grabs it, you still want to have a chance.