Looking for a good brand fishing rod

[serrano465701]

Hello. I live in southern CA and I have not been fishing in about 15 years. My dad wants a good fishing rod maybe in the $100 range. He mentioned Calypso but I have read that are not very good. We are looking for a saltwater fishing rod with 40 lbs test. This is what My dad. He is good at fishing but we just need help picking a good brand. There is tuna, and I have head some sharks, but I think tuna is the biggest we will fish for.
Thanks.

 

[triumphrick]

Re: Looking for a good brand fishing rod

For a big game rod, 80# - 130#, $100 is not a lot of money! Certainly won't buy a custom rod. I have used Shimano rods in this size over the years and have always had good luck with them. I have a Penn 6/0 with a 6.6 Shimano and that rig is almost 25 years old. No tip work or guides replaced. I also have a Penn 7' rod with a 4/0 I use for tarpon. That has proved to be dependable for me a well. Good luck!

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Looking for a good brand fishing rod

I started off with el'cheapo "Big5" saltwater rods and caught plenty of tuna out of San Diego on $40 Penn Saber rods. But,,, there is a difference between a $40 rod and a $150+ rod. If you want a quality rod step up to a Seeker or Calstar, $150-200.

If you don't want to spend $150-200 for a "new" high quality rod, look for a lightly used rod. With the economy in the dumper I've seen lots of used equipment for sale. Check out the classifieds on bloodydecks.com, 976-tuna.com, allcoast.com,,, heck even Ebay.

If you are going So-Cal tuna fishing you want 2 rigs minimum, 25# and 40#. I've caught most of my albies on a 20-25# rig, but if bigger grade fish show you want to have a 40# rig.

One thing, fresh fishing line is more important than a $400 rod and reel. I always re-spool before going on an offshore trip.