Kokanee gear

[s20055]

So, I have two new kokanee rods...shimano talora UL, 7' one piece glass rods. I need to buy a couple of new reels to pair up with them. What would you buy and why? I will be fishing off downriggers primarily...might long-line a little if they are up shallow. Please, give me some ideas.

[jzell]

The smallest light weight levelwind with a light counter.

I like Diawa's Accudepth LC17.

jz

[jzell]

s20055,

You say talora 7'6" one piece.....is it 7-6 or 7'? My shimano catalog CD shows only a 7 foot. I'm intrigued about shimano's koke rod(s) and didn't think to ask shimano about a koke rods at the sportsman show.

What can you tell us about this rod and where did you buy it?

What other koke rods do you have and how does this compare?

jz

[s20055]

Sorry, it is a 7' rod. I bought one at Joe's last summer because it had a nice soft action. Not as loose as the Lami, which I feel is a little too soft (too much noodle). I had been shopping around for one and at $69.99 it seemed to be a good buy (inexpensive enough to give it a try anyway). I liked it so much that I bought a second for the boat. These are the only koke rods I have right now.

I had been using an UL trout rod and would lose a higher percentage of fish, unless I used a snubber. With the talora, I get a nice bend from the downrigger while still maintaining good sensitivity at the tip to see the light hits. I no longer use a snubber and have virtually eliminated lost fish. The talora has been a real winner for me.

Right now, I'm looking for a nice reel to go with each. I've looked at the shimano calcutta CT50B (RH only:(), CT101B (left hand), curado 201DPV; team daiwa luna 103L ($:whistle:$); abu garcia record RCN51 (left hand).

I'll take a look at the accudepth from daiwa. Do you find that you need the line counter with a downrigger?

[FallRiverGuy]

For me, it is all about the drag. I look for levelwind reels that have smooth drags.

[jzell]

I like the line counter for long lining early in the season. I use my thumb as a drag when dropping down with a rigger. I know many people set and use the drag when dropping down......and so a smooth drag would be necessary.

[fish-on-bend]

I've got a couple cheaper Okuma level winds for kokes, smooth drags though. I would look at the Shimano TR100. I have one for bigger trout and 2 TR200 for macks and bulls. I've never had 1 break on me. Only $59 at Cabelas.

[P-ride]

I have a cardiff 100 that I really like. The drag is super smooth. I would prefer a line counter so I know how far back my gear is when I clip it in and when I'm long lining, but haven't found one small enough for my liking. I'll take a look at the daiwa.

[s20055]

Sold me on the line counter reels...bought a pair of shimano tekota 300LC reels to match up to the kokanee rods. Last year my steelhead reels did double duty for kokanee and they were spooled with 30LB tuff line. What is everyone spooling on their kokanee reels? I would like something that releases easily from the downrigger clip; the tuff line wanted to hang on. Looking for some suggestions...

[joemomma]

Sold me on the line counter reels...bought a pair of shimano tekota 300LC reels to match up to the kokanee rods. Last year my steelhead reels did double duty for kokanee and they were spooled with 30LB tuff line. What is everyone spooling on their kokanee reels? I would like something that releases easily from the downrigger clip; the tuff line wanted to hang on. Looking for some suggestions...

I would stay away from braided line for kokanee, you need the stretch, light reels with excellent drags! Line, I use 10lb mono and 6lb flouracarbon leader, maybe 8lb if the fish are running large! As far as the perfect release, I havent found one in 30yrs of kokanee fishing, I am currently using the smallest scottys, and they are far from perfect. It is commom to have to release the clip on 50% of your fish.

[LastCall]

Stay light! I use 6lb mono with 8lb red mono leader. I want the leader to take a beating, red for low visibility. Make sure your clips and downrigger cable are clean. A little oil/grease? could make them slip/stick.

[Dullhook]

I like to go as light as possible too. Have one ultra light rod, one light action, and a 5 weight fly rod that go on every trip. Three small spinning reels loaded with good quality 6lb test line round it out. Even the little guys put up a tussle on these outfits...... :excited:

[Kokonuts]

I would stay away from braided line for kokanee, you need the stretch, light reels with excellent drags! Line, I use 10lb mono and 6lb flouracarbon leader, maybe 8lb if the fish are running large! As far as the perfect release, I havent found one in 30yrs of kokanee fishing, I am currently using the smallest scottys, and they are far from perfect. It is commom to have to release the clip on 50% of your fish.

Do you have any problems with the Mono Line twisting?
I switched to P line Braided last year & havnt had any problems. I use an 8 or 10 lb mono Leader 5'or 6' long. :cool: