As an early birthday gift to myself I recently picked up a Daiwa Kage spinning rod (the jerkbait model) and now I need a reel to pair it up with. Any suggestions on what might balance well? It's 6'8" medium/fast. I didn't want to break the bank so I was thinking a Daiwa Laguna LT 2000 size, or maybe a Shimano Catana FD though they have 1000 and 2500 but nothing in-between. Do y'all have any other suggestions?

 

Also what kind of line do you run on your jerkbait rods? I plan to also use it for flukes and some topwater (poppers, walking baits, etc). Braid and fluoro leader? Straight mono or perhaps straight copolymer? I'd appreciate some input!

For that rod, I’d look at the Daiwa Regal or Fuego, but a better option would be a used Tatula LT. Those Kage rods fish above their price. I had the 6’10 medium/fast and wouldn’t hesitate buying more of them. 

22 hours ago, NathanDLTH said:

For that rod, I’d look at the Daiwa Regal or Fuego, but a better option would be a used Tatula LT. Those Kage rods fish above their price. I had the 6’10 medium/fast and wouldn’t hesitate buying more of them. 

That's good to hear, there isn't much info or reviews about them online (though what I have found has been all positive things!). What kind of line would you put on it?

On 7/1/2021 at 4:27 PM, ThatFishingGuy said:

As an early birthday gift to myself I recently picked up a Daiwa Kage spinning rod (the jerkbait model) and now I need a reel to pair it up with. Any suggestions on what might balance well? It's 6'8" medium/fast. I didn't want to break the bank so I was thinking a Daiwa Laguna LT 2000 size, or maybe a Shimano Catana FD though they have 1000 and 2500 but nothing in-between. Do y'all have any other suggestions?

 

Also what kind of line do you run on your jerkbait rods? I plan to also use it for flukes and some topwater (poppers, walking baits, etc). Braid and fluoro leader? Straight mono or perhaps straight copolymer? I'd appreciate some input!

I would recommend an Exceler 2500, its essentially the Fuego without the Magseal.  I have 1 on my 7'1 ML Tatula and the balance is great.  If you dont want to spend the $ for the Exceler, the Regal 2500 would be the way to go.  The Regals are great for the money, but the threaded handle on the Excelers and above give you a better connection.  Shimano makes great reels, but IMO Daiwa has them beat for reels under $150.  

I use braid-leader with JBs on spinning gear and FC with casting gear.     

I picked up a Tatula LT, 2000 sized earlier. It's great, smooth and super light.

 

If you're on a budget, the Daiwa BG is a pretty solid reel for the price. A 2000 or 2500 size would do. I'm not sure if you can get them as cheap now but I got mine brand new for something like $40 but I had some amazon points on a credit card.