All around inshore rod/reel advice

[JerseyCoast]

I wouldn't suggest a level wind for saltwater use either, because you will find the plastic/nylon worm gears are not strong enough for bigger fish, but if money is not that big of a deal, you can find a few that will hold up. Daiwa is a good choice when looking for a level wind.

As for the rod.... well..... that will depend on you and what YOU LIKE. There are different actions, lengths, and such that can be applied here and some may not fit you and your habits.

We have worked on a few rods that are "Utility Rods", ( 1 rod will do it all ). Our Jersey Jigger Rods are exactly that, built to replace a few rods, so you only need one. They are a slower action, nano composite rod blank, that will catch fluke and tuna up to 65-70#.

But, there are different actions and you may not like a slower action. I have found that going with a fast action may be good for one, but not the other. For example, a fast action for bucktailing is ideal most times, but if your dragging bait, you want a slower action, to avoid missed fish. Jope this makes sense????

What are you using now? What type of action? What length? What type of boats are you fishing on? How heavy is too heavy when it comes to fluke? (Do you fish 12oz? or stop at 6oz?)

If you can fill in a few blanks, I think we ALL can help you better.

[JDshots]

Get the Avet SX right off the bat. I started out with a Shimano Tekota myself and it was a nice reel, but there are some drawbacks to using a levelwind.

I picked up the SX a few years ago and haven't looked back. Ended up selling my Tekota because I just didn't use it anymore. You'll get used to leveling the line with your thumb. Once you do it enough it will become automatic.

[reefsquater]

I had fished the Calcutta 400 for ten years on a custom rod. It is a great little reel that held up very well. It is very good for fluke and casting light stuff at stripers.

The biggest problems I had we're if you had to put any kind of weight on them. With 8 oz plus, or a big heavy jig/croc the release button will get stuck. They do also require that the yearly service be completed. Had to totally rebuild mine one time.

I have never had a problem with the levelwind on it, it works flawlessly.

I wound up selling mine on eBay when I went to an avet type combo and missed the light little Calcutta bait aster style in my hand. I bought another used one on this site back in the early fall and plan on using it as my fluke only rod.

If you have to have one rod, go with the avet type reels, but if you can swing a second rod, those calcuttas are really nice to have.