KastKing does a great job offering anglers the gear you need for any saltwater fishing excursion. Are you new to the saltwater fishing game? Are you a seasoned angler who fishes all styles and types of saltwater fishing? There are certain rod and reel set-ups that will bode well for a successful outing in the saltwater side of things, and like I said, KastKing has got you covered. Let’s take a look at some different styles of saltwater fishing, and what I feel would be a good rod and reel combo to get you started. Keep in mind, these are my suggestions, and some may like a different set-up, but these will definitely get you in the ballpark of what you need.

Surf Fishing

I grew up on the Long Island where surf fishing was a mainstay among thousands of anglers. We would fish all hours of the day along the entire stretch of beaches surrounding Long Island. Surf fishing the Northeast usually requires a 10-11 foot surf rod and high capacity reel. Making long casts to distant sand bars where baitfish are ambushed is paramount on most days to ensure success. Surf fishing is done with chunks of bait or artificial lures, and sometimes in heavy surf and wind conditions.

The best option offers for the surf zone:

Rod: Kong 10-foot spinning model. This rod is a beefy stick, which is best suited for heavier chunk baits and lead, or lures in the 3 plus ounce class.

Reel: The Kapstan Elite spinning reels. For the 10-foot rod, I would opt for the 6000 size reel. 

Reel Review: Kapstan Elite Spinning ReelsSurf fishing means heavy rods, lures, sinkers and sometimes wicked waves. The 10-foot Kong and size 6000 Kapstan Elite Saltwater spinning reels will have you besting the big ones.

Flats Fishing

Flats fishing is just flat out fun. Whether you are searching out schools of reds in Florida or bluefish mauling baitfish on the flats of the north, flats fishing will put you and your tackle to the test. There is nothing like a quiet morning and finning fish. You slowly ease the boat closer, then make the perfect cast. Within seconds your topwater plug is crashed and the fight is on. Typically flats fishing is in water less than 3 feet deep, so a stealthy approach is your best bet.

Recommended gear for flats fishing:

Rod: ReKon series, 7-foot fast medium spinning rod offering an ideal mix of power and length.

Reel: Size 3000 Rekon spooled with 10-pound test fluorocarbon.

In Review: KastKing ReKon Saltwater Spinning ReelFor back-water casting the Rekon 7-foot and Rekon 3000 can’t be beat.

Bay Fishing

Ah yes, the calm sanctuary of bay fishing. This to me is the best type of fishing for the family, or just a nice relaxing day on the water. Don’t get me wrong, catching weakfish or summer flounder for hours on end can make for a tiring day, but also a relaxing one as you sit on a slowly rocking boat. Bay fishing encompasses both bottom bouncing, jig/bucktail fishing, and casting small lures.

Recommended gear for bay fishing:

Casting and general action: Rekon Spinning Rods, 7'6" fast medium heavy rod, paired with Kapstan SE size 3000 Spinning Reel.

Bottom bouncing / heavier baits: 7-foot Kong rod, offers a nice backbone, plus the fluorescent tip makes for easy bite detection. Paired with Rover Round Baitcasting Reel with its thumb bar spool release and quality drag.There are a lot of times – dragging squid for fluke, bouncing crabs for sheepshead or blackfish – when I want a conventional rod and reel for bay fishing. That’s when the Kong 7 foot and size 60 Rover Round shines.

Pier Fishing

Pier fishing is something for all ages, and will also put your gear to the test. Depending on how long the pier extends, the height of the pier, and the water depth will determine what rod and reel you need. In Florida, the Sky Way Fishing Pier is 30 feet or more off the water and you could be battling big tarpon, grouper, or smaller grunts and the likes. In the north, the Captree Overlook Pier is a smaller pier, close to deep water, but fish will usually be in the smaller summer flounder, blowfish, and bluefish or kingfish class. Typically when pier fishing, live or chunked baits are the preferred methods.

Recommended gear for pier fishing:

Heavier offerings over 3 ounces: 8-foot Kong Casting Rod paired with Rover Round size 70.

Smaller bucktails or hi-lo baited rigs: Rekon Rod 8-foot paired with size 4000 Kapstan SE Saltwater Spinning Reel.Sometimes pier fishing will need heavier weights and big chunk baits, and then it’s time to breakout the 8-foot Kong and 7000 Rover Round and heavy braid!

Wrecks and Reefs

Last but not least is the nearshore reef and wreck fishing. I absolutely love plying the reefs and wrecks in search of blackfish, sea bass, grouper, snapper and more. These “reef” fish are battlers and will put your fish catching skills to the test, and your tackle as well. These fish live in amongst or around the “rubble” and will make a quick dive into their lair to escape a sharp hook. They are very subtle bait stealers that will pick your hook clean before you even sense a bite! This style of fishing needs a stout rod and strong reel.

Recommended gear for wrecks and reefs:

Rod: Cliff Crochet 7'8" Rod. Although touted as a bass rod for freshwater, it is the perfect balance of power and sensitivity. Rated for 20-40 pound test and 1 to 3 ounces, with extra fast taper to sense quick bites.

Reel: KastKing Kapstan Elite 300 Baitcasting Reel with Power Handle — a beast with ultimate cranking power.

Tips For Choose Saltwater Baitcaster ReelFor wrecks and reefs, the Kapstan Elite 300 with power handle and the  Cliff Crochet Spirale 7'8" rod is an awesome set up.

How to Select the Best Gear Ratio for Inshore Saltwater Spinning Reels

How to Pick the Best Saltwater Fishing Rods

There you have it, saltwater options for any angler, with a great set of rod and reels to get you started. Hit the water now, the timing can’t be any better.