Squidder rod help

[Swampfox]

Hello I'm looking for what to look for in a rod to cast lures with a Penn Squidder 146?

[Surfrat]

For casting lures with a Penn Squidder 146, you can look for a 7 to 9-foot graphite or composite rod rated for 15–30 lb line and 1–4 oz lures. A moderate-fast action allows for easy loading of lighter jigs, while a stiff butt section provides the leverage needed to cast heavier lures and fight saltwater fish.

[Swami805]

I don't know where you are but I'm thinking 15-20lb line. For calstar 270-8,196-8,gx8,gf800L, 220. Probably a fee I'm missing. I'm not really knowledgeable about united composit but I have a 900xf that I really like for that. Seeker 806,906,LM9,Hercules 80l, tac80
There's a lot of great choices depending on where you are and what you're doing

[Tunanorth]

FWIW, a Squidder 146 is "tactically" the same as a Fathom/Squall "12 star drag".
A lot will depend on what pound test line you plan to use, what size lures you will favor, and how far you really need to cast [surf vs. boat].

[Swampfox]

FWIW, a Squidder 146 is "tactically" the same as a Fathom/Squall "12 star drag".
A lot will depend on what pound test line you plan to use, what size lures you will favor, and how far you really need to cast [surf vs. boat].


Casting from a boat for speckled trout. a boat. What is your recommendation of mono line lb?

[Decker]

Rod size, I don't know... What are you fishing for in what water? For surf fishing the rod tends to match the water - beach, bay, jetty, inlet?  For boat fishing the rod thickness matches the sinker/lure weight.  7-9 feet is about right, but there's a lot of variation in that range.  Last time I used a 146 was for jigging fluke in about 75 feet with a 4oz jig. Rod was 7feet heavy action with 30lb power pro.

[Decker]

quote author=Tunanorth link=msg=485596 date=17
Casting from a boat for speckled trout. a boat. What is your recommendation of mono line lb?

Sorry, missed this detail earlier.  Squidder is very good for that.  I'd use anywhere from 12 to 20 pound mono, depending on the jig or sinker weight.  Rod Needs to be matched somewhat to the jig weight to get the right feel and bounce.  Bait doesn't matter as much.  Lighter jig with lighter line for casting distance and lighter rod for sensitivity.  A seven foot medium to medium heavy graphite rod would probably do it.

[oc1]

I think that any Squidder is much larger than it needs to be for any speckled trout.

[Swampfox]

I think that any Squidder is much larger than it needs to be for any speckled trout.

I don't think it's is really that over sized for speckled trout.

[Decker]

Don't mind Steve (OC1); he fishes with bamboo and linen.

[oc1]

A hundred yards of 12# mono or 20# Spectra is the most you could ever need.  They don't call them weakfish for nothing.

[Decker]

A hundred yards of 12# mono or 20# Spectra is the most you could ever need.  They don't call them weakfish for nothing.

I think speckled trout (sea trout) are beefier than weakies (which have become rarer in the Northeast.) I think of speckled trout as Southeastern US fish, and they grow bigger down there.

Casting light lures on light line with a squidder is a challenge: backlash and getting the line in the space between the sideplate and spool.  The nail polish on the spool edge trick helps. Honestly, sometimes plastic spools are better for light line & lure in my opinion.

Hope this helps, but I've gotten off the intended topic of rod selection.

[Swami805]

The Pro-gear handle is a nice touch

[JasonGotaProblem]

We all define "light" differently. I bet my surfmaster with its bushings  will throw a 3/8oz lure just fine. A squiddy with good bearings might do even better. Especially with a well chosen rod, which is what brought OP here. And in that regard I find rods are better chosen by intended lure weight than by a reel to pair with it.

Re: the nail polish trick wouldn't it do better to put it on the frame instead of potentially unbalancing the spool?