Hello everyone im new to this forum but all the information here is extremely valuable and I'm greatful for all you great people on this website. But to let me cut to the chase, I'm trying to find out what rod and reel setup i should have and im hoping you guys can help me out. This rod will be for the California aqueduct and im targeting striped bass (but if a catfish bites im not going to complain). I've already deducted down to either the shimano calcutta 400b or the abu garcia 6601. I just keep getting conflicting answers on what rod i should use. I will mostly be jigging with a fluke and throwing some heavy lures out. If you guys have any suggestions for the baitcaster, rod, or even line or lures I'd love to hear them because i know many of you are more experienced than me. Anyways tight lines and thank you all.

The 6601 is a fine reel with a bunch of upgrades available and can be completely rebuilt for about $40 bucks and they are so easy to work on you can do it yourself. The redundant anti-reverse is a big plus on hard fighting fish like stripers. The one word that best describes the Calcutta B is "overrated". Another is "overpriced". Aside from a poer handle and drag upgrade there isnt a lot you can do with these for upgrades.

For the rod an 8' or longer would be ideal, rated for at least a little more than the biggest lure you plan to use. Go look at the rods within your budget and compare according to weight, balance, and overall comfortable feel. Dont go crazy on price, but dont go too cheap. After youve used it for a season or so youll know what you like and what you dont like about it and this knowledge will help you pick out the next one. This is how it usually works, our first rod becomes our back up rod a year or so later. Nobody can tell you what you like best, but put some time on the water and youll figure it out.

20 minutes ago, bogfrog said:

The 6601 is a fine reel with a bunch of upgrades available and can be completely rebuilt for about $40 bucks and they are so easy to work on you can do it yourself. The redundant anti-reverse is a big plus on hard fighting fish like stripers. The one word that best describes the Calcutta B is "overrated". Another is "overpriced". Aside from a poer handle and drag upgrade there isnt a lot you can do with these for upgrades.

For the rod an 8' or longer would be ideal, rated for at least a little more than the biggest lure you plan to use. Go look at the rods within your budget and compare according to weight, balance, and overall comfortable feel. Dont go crazy on price, but dont go too cheap. After youve used it for a season or so youll know what you like and what you dont like about it and this knowledge will help you pick out the next one. This is how it usually works, our first rod becomes our back up rod a year or so later. Nobody can tell you what you like best, but put some time on the water and youll figure it out.

Thank you very much for the helpful information, you just saved me some money not going for the calcutta. Not to do some research on rods.

I'll probably take some fire for my opinion on the calcutta B, but I'll take the tried and true ABU over them any day. The Calcutta TE is a different animal, but hard to find and they generally bring more than they sold for new. Be careful fishing for big stripers....it can be addictive and there is no known cure.

If we're talking money saving, ABU.  The 400b has a much stronger frame obviously.  The drags are pretty much equal size.  

 

 

5 hours ago, bogfrog said:

I'll probably take some fire for my opinion on the calcutta B, but I'll take the tried and true ABU over them any day. The Calcutta TE is a different animal, but hard to find and they generally bring more than they sold for new. Be careful fishing for big stripers....it can be addictive and there is no known cure.

I think im gonna go with the uglystik gx2 as my rod. Thank you for the help, and i dont think I'd want to be cured if you know what i mean

While not for everyone, the Ugly Stik is a solid rod that will give years of service. They actually make a great back up rod....You know, the one thats always at the bottom of a pile of camping gear in the back of your truck. The soft glass tip is perfect for throwing live bait.

On 3/30/2020 at 2:11 AM, Flower72 said:

Hello everyone im new to this forum but all the information here is extremely valuable and I'm greatful for all you great people on this website. But to let me cut to the chase, I'm trying to find out what rod and reel setup i should have and im hoping you guys can help me out. This rod will be for the California aqueduct and im targeting striped bass (but if a catfish bites im not going to complain). I've already deducted down to either the shimano calcutta 400b or the abu garcia 6601. I just keep getting conflicting answers on what rod i should use. I will mostly be jigging with a fluke and throwing some heavy lures out. If you guys have any suggestions for the baitcaster, rod, or even line or lures I'd love to hear them because i know many of you are more experienced than me. Anyways tight lines and thank you all.

I am getting into the Ca Aqueduct fishing game. I am going with a 7 MH or 6'10 rod with a aluminum frame baitcaster, like my Mettle from Academy and/or my Curado. Here is my reason; I will fish jerk baits, swimbaits and a-rigs. I don't plan on live bait or soaking. I will use moving baits. I might do crankbaits or soft plastics for bass. I will do 30lb braid to leader mono or just straight braid. I might do 50lb braid. I hope this helps. I will fish from Fresno to bakersfield.