selecting a halibut rod and reel

[jeepster]

for the last few years, ive been using an out-dated collection of rods and reels to "just get the job done" but after getting my ass handed to me many times on the river this past year (including killing 3 reels and 2 rods), i re-realized how important good quality gear is. now, not to knock my old Penns but, most of the old penn reels (except the senator) would be outclassed by a large halibut anyhow.

with that in mind, i want to get myself a nice halibut/tuna/pacific northwest big-game rod and reel, but keeping it around 200$ for the package, and the reel has to be made in a left hand version. what do you guys use?

i am thinking of a lamiglas and a penn senator special, but i know there must be better configurations out there...

[sirmissalot]

lamiglas BFC 66 XH Is a great halibut rod. I have a Shimano TLD 20 on it. The rod should run you around 100.00 and you can get the real used off e-bay under 100. these two together will handle anything you run into off our coast. If you want to spend a little more I would get a 2 speed reel. Penn Internationals can't be beat, but they are going to be pretty spendy.

Thats pretty much the setup I would suggest as well. That is my favorite rod, even compared to much more expensive rods, I just don't think you can beat them. Not sure where you plan on fishing, but that setup will do any kind of halibut fishing from the straights to offshore. One thing you could do is just add the big crank handle to your Penn international, they look goofy but they work great and aren't as awkward to use as they look. Do a good service on the reel and maybe upgrade your drag and you'll have one a killer halibut setup.

[Bone_Collector]

Shakespeare Ugly StikŪ Tiger Rods I have used them for sturgeon and halibut! They are great rods and and if I cant break them then they are pretty much bullet proof! plus they are only about $60 so that leaves a good chunk of change for the reel!

B_C

[cohoho]

Ditto for the Tiger Sticks used them at least four times a month for Sturgeon trips for the past three years with 80lbs braid and do not have one that is nicked or gouged by the line on the eyes...  I have five all the same setup for Keeper Sturgeon and three heavy ones for OS....  The new Jigging Tiger Rods are going into use this Spring for Halibut and other bottom fish..  Paired up with blue Avet 6.4 reels....  Hard to tell the difference between the high end Shimano Jigging rods, other than the 1/4 cost...  Besides when someone rides the alum rail with it bringing up a hog, it won't explode as you get the big one to the top...

[Ripper]

Another vote for the Ugly Stik Tiger. I would spend a few more dollers and buy a Penn Fathom level wind reel. They retail for 199.00 but I got 2 of them off E-Bay last month for under 140.00 brand new. Absolutely awesome reels. Very smooth. Should be able to get the set for 200-240 depending on shipping. I got free shipping, but it's not always the case. Good luck.

[jeepster]

I used an ugly stick for quite a while and liked it, but the braided line finally ate through the guides.

 
 maybe i am just hard on equipment? i dont know... ive never really had any luck with ugly sticks, there is some bad ju-ju about them i think, ive never had one for more than 3 months before something bad happens to it non-fishing related.

i think im set on the rod, as id rather buy local

[fishngamereaper]

Another vote for Lami's. I have two and they can haul up anything I hook onto.

Also look at the Okuma Cedros and Andros rods. They have alot of back bone to them.

Im a fan of Avet reels. a MXL 6/4 will get the job done nicely.

[sirmissalot]

Another vote for Lami's. I have two and they can haul up anything I hook onto.

Also look at the Okuma Cedros and Andros rods. They have alot of back bone to them.

Im a fan of Avet reels. a MXL 6/4 will get the job done nicely.

The Avet HX 2 sweet would definitely be my choice

The Cedros are awesome rods, I just held one of their heavy rods at wholesale sports the other day it looked and felt great, just not experience with one other than the lighter jigging rods (which I love)