We live in the sugar land area and the wife and I hit the local ponds and Brazos at times. I was wanting to surprise her with a new setup aside from my old penn hear I have. I was looking at Kastking’s Perigee II rod (M and MH setup) because we hunt smaller channels and want to get into larger and a Kastking Sharky III 3000 reel. I figured a fluro be best for sinking properties and I know people state cats are not line sky but being able to possibly catch other stuff is acceptable. LoL

But what is everyone’s take on the price and setup for n00bs? We are targeting under 20lbs due to local region and availability but ya know finessing an occasional 20+ lbs would be okay with us lol.

Thank is once again forums for all the knowledge!!!!

i would go with some 20 lb braid. you can fit a ton on the spool and catch a bunch of different fish, even fish bigger than 20 lbs....just need to set the drag right.

Id like to know how the KastKing Sharky performs. Ive been eye ballin them for a few weeks but decided to buy more Okuma reels. Dont be afraid to buy some heavier gear, those baby channel cats dont discriminate and you'll be covered if a hog latches on.

We are currently bank fishing only at this time. Also by setting the drag right what do you mean? Lower or higher than recommended? We fished off the brazo from th sugar land memorial with only worms and got a small channel cat. It’s okay though because I got the only fish for my wife and I lol

So do you think 20lbs braid even though it promotes buoyancy would be better than Fluor?

I have the kastking royal baitcast as my first and it has been amazing with great customer service. Can’t argue this far on reel/price but I’ll let ya guys know after my second purchase of a baitcast reel.

For what you guys are currently doing I’d suggest a standard white ugly stick ($30) and a time tested Abu Garcia 5500 bait cast. Line is strictly personal choice. I use both braid and mono depending on drifting or anchoring/bank fishing. I like the stretch of mono when drifting w circle hooks. It lets the hook set properly without yanking it out before it sets. I prefer braid when on anchor in timber or when you need to feel light bites. All in all it is truly a personal choice found through personal testing. We all have subtle differences in what we prefer and have confidence in. Good luck on the journey!