What is the best kind of rods n reels for river fishing? ?

Question

I would like to go for sturgeon and blue catfish in the main channel and flatheads and channel cats everywhere else. Ill probably get a couple rods n reels. I need something that can cast out far and hold plenty of line to go where I need and can handle some heavy duty fish. Any suggestion and tips would be appreciated, Thanks

Answer 1

I don't think it matters what rodreally. Just get something that is thick and powerful enough to hold that much power. I would be more concerned about the reel Shimano and Daiwa have been the best for me.

Answer 2

As you probably know rivers don't stop flowing and an abundance of food sources flow along with it. River fish can get pretty BIG eating on that constant food. If you're looking for something with backbone make sure to get a heavy action rod. You can get away with a med/heavy action rod in a lot of cases, but I don't know the average size of the fish where you are. Someone mentioned the Ugly Stik and that's not a very popular rod around here. I don't know why, it's one of the only rods I trust when I'm fishing for big blues. There are a lot of rods that I could recommend, but it's kind of a personal choice thing. Don't let anyone tell you that this brand or that brand is "the best". What should matter to you is what is the best "type" of rod for that kind of fishing. A lot of rod manufacturers offer technique and species specific rods these days. Someone who normally does that type of fishing is better suited to suggest a specific brand and model for you. Casting distance increases with rod length. When big cat fishing, a 7 foot rod is the shortest rod I use. Fishing in the main channel for the fish you're fishing for, I would say a 7 to 8 1/2 foot medium heavy to heavy action rod should suffice. As far as reels go I would suggest a baitcaster. If you're partial to spinning gear, I would go no less than a 50 size reel. A big powerful reel is what you need, and one that I use is the Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C4 Classic. It's a round baitcasting reel. I trust those a little more when I'm after big fish. Just seems as though they're more powerful. Abu's are definitely reels that I trust. To simplify things a bit, if you're looking for a good combo the Bass Pro Shops CatMaxx rod and reel is a good one. The rods are med to med/heavy 7 to 11 feet. The spinning reels are 70 and 80 size (big and powerful) and the casting reel is a big round reel. You may like this combo. Here's two links, one for the spinning combo and the second for the round baitcaster. Good luck fishing!

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores...

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores...

Answer 3

shimano clarus salmon/steelhaed casting rod and a shimano calcuuta round casting reel.

shimano and g-loomis are the best rods. ask anyone....that fishes.

Answer 4

Big Ugly Stik rod and a shimano reel that will hold plenty of line; more than a little baitcast reel.  

Answer 5

Fly Rod and Reels of course!