Print Page | Close Window

Rod to match Stella 8000SW

Printed From: The Fishing Website
Category: Saltwater Fishing
Forum Name: Popper and Topwater Fishing
Forum Description: If you're into a bit of action on top, this is the forum for you
URL: https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=65530
Printed Date: 06 Jun 2026 at 1:06am


Topic: Rod to match Stella 8000SW
Posted By: FrangaFry
Subject: Rod to match Stella 8000SW
Date Posted: 27 Apr 2011 at 9:13pm
Hi folks (I have posted this question, sort of, in Walk About, so apologies to those that have replied already).Embarrassed

I have just experienced Skip baiting with piper for the first time (and destroyed an Okuma 6000 egg beater in the process.............Big smile) and would like to tool up properly to give me a chance of getting some bigger king off the rocks.

I already have a Stella 8000SW and want to know what you pro's think would be a good Rod match for Skip Baiting and using Poppers.  Now, I am new to this stuff so sorry if my questions are silly; But, reading all the posts and threads, I am getting the impression that there are distinct differences in gear for Stick Baiting and using Poppers (so I am assuming the same for Skip baiting). 

Given this, is it reasonable to get a 'good' popper rod that can be used for skip baiting (given that baits like piper are pretty light) And what about the action of a given rod?  Am I P1$$ing in the wind thinking I can get a single rod that would match my Stella and still handle Skip Baits, Stick Baits and Poppers AND would also be robust enough to use off the rocks (I am assuming that a longer Rod is the go for the rocks, say 8'6"..., oh, and it would have to be 2pce for traveling).

I have been looking at various Rods (Offhsore, Shimano MC etc), but it all seems a little confusing at this point and I would hate to lay out some hard earned for a rod that is not going to do what I want.

If you could please be so kind as to clear some of my confusion and recommend a rod (new or used) that would suite, I would be really grateful.  At the end of the day I want to re create the 'RUSH' I had recently skipping baits in the far north for big kings but would also like to explore popping....

Thanks in advance to all (and sorry again to duplicate a thread)


-------------
Live every day like it's your last and try to regret nothing......



Replies:
Posted By: ChrisW
Date Posted: 27 Apr 2011 at 10:28pm
Any rod is going to be a compromise.  A piper weighs what, say 20gms?  A stickbait can be from 60-150g, a popper from 100 - 1200g.  A rod that can cast all 3, work all 3 and be robust enough for rock fishing is a big call.
I'd suggest the Smiths GTK74PG as a compromise.  


-------------
give it death!


Posted By: Falco
Date Posted: 28 Apr 2011 at 4:44am
Yeah I would agree with above,work out what a piper weighs and go from there.
 
I have a 7'8 rod that casts 70g baits around 90m pretty easy so maybe you dont have to go 8'6? a rod that long specifically built for casting is possibly going to be more suited to stickbaits than poppers.
Having said that I only have one casting setup and I work a wide range of S/baits and poppers,while not as good as perhaps two dedicated set-up's well enough to catch my share.
 
Beware to that a soft tip stickbait rod may not have the action to punich fish that are out in front of you while your on the bricks.
 
Google Landbased GT rods,shore jigging,shore casting and see what comes up... 
 
Perhaps custom built will be money well spent.


-------------
as dead as dead is


Posted By: FrangaFry
Date Posted: 28 Apr 2011 at 2:47pm
Good advice fellas, thanks for the feedback.  I think it may be time to dig allot deeper and explore custom options that will do what I want............. as always your advise is greatly appreciated.

Cheers,


-------------
Live every day like it's your last and try to regret nothing......


Posted By: sid fishus
Date Posted: 28 Apr 2011 at 3:19pm
If you are looking at spending that kind of coin there are lots of options. whilst custom will allow a lot of personalization of the rod, it can only deliver what the blank its built on is. 

You have a top quality reel and a high quality rod would make sense to bolt it to, but there is a lot of variables between casting a light piper to, a popper with different requirements again if working a stickbait, and even more to consider if it is primarily a rock based set up. 

For poppers you want a stiffer tip to work the larger lures, for stick baits you want a more flexible tip and mid section to help work the lure better. But as Falco says if you are trying to haul a king out of some weeds whilst keeping the line off rocks in the way an out an out stick bait rod aint probably the way to go.

My first casting rod was a T - curve and that'll do would do what you want it to. Then again the next upgrade was to a Smith 80P/35 and that does it better except it was only a b student at stickbaits. It is also 8' long and I prefer the extra length.



-------------
I always tell the truth about things that never happened


Posted By: Legacy
Date Posted: 28 Apr 2011 at 3:20pm
Check out MC Works website they do some good shore casting stickbait rods .


Posted By: Elpescador
Date Posted: 29 Apr 2011 at 9:44am
Originally posted by ChrisW ChrisW wrote:

Any rod is going to be a compromise.  A piper weighs what, say 20gms?  A stickbait can be from 60-150g, a popper from 100 - 1200g.  A rod that can cast all 3, work all 3 and be robust enough for rock fishing is a big call.
I'd suggest the Smiths GTK74PG as a compromise.  
i have this rod and it is a great match with the 8000 you will love its crisp light feel and it casts very well for its length.



Print Page | Close Window