newbie pondering a few things

[markh]

i started off with a sonik vader 13ft beach caster(will return to this in the winter as rigs seem more of a winter thing) but seen alot people with short lighter stuff so after googling (before discovering here) i bought a shamino fx4000 reel and a abu garcia devil spin 9ft 15-40gm rod

the reel came with 0.33 mono im guessing this is around 12-15lb? will i need a shockleader with this for above casting weights?

am i good to go with this or do i need to respool with somthing else ?

what are good starter lures for mackeral and bass ?

cheers in advance for info

 

[Trampster]

Hi Mark. No experience of Sonik rods, but I've got a 9ft 20 - 60gm Abu spinning rod too.
Your reel sounds OK, and the Mono line. If you were using Braid, I would say a rubbing leader (not a shock leader) would be a good idea, but as you are using mono, you shouldn't need it. Braid is not good at withstanding rubbing on rocks and similar.

That Abu rod is designed to cast lures between 15 to 40gms, so a shock leader shouldn't be required. There is probably a 'sweet spot' between the 15 & 40gms where the rod is at its best. I wouldn't recommend using lures much over 40gms.

Since you are just starting out, I would recommend a Savage Gear Seeker, (or a Surf Seeker which is slightly heavier), maybe a Dexter wedge, and a surface lure like a Savage Gear Panic Prey. All 3 of those won't break the bank.
I would recommend a small swivel between the mainline and the Seekers, as they rotate on the drop and can cause line twist. Some folk prefer to use a single hook as opposed to a Treble, as they cause less damage to any fish you have to return.

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A lot of things in Angling are very much a case of personal preference, so no doubt other good Anglers on here will have other suggestions.
Buying lures can get addictive, and expensive! It also depends what you are hoping to catch!

 

[markh]

mainly mackeral and bass be nice on the lure but happy to catch anything its all for the destress lol ive a dexter wedge set 28 and 38g ill look at thous others

 

[Wolf]

Rod & reel set up is fine,I would suggest getting a couple of dexter wedges, two different weights.I always put a rattle bead or 2 infront of the lure,it works for me.

 

[DaveH]

I have a Sonik 7', and a Sonik 13'. The 13' is a bit of a poker (stiff). Perfectly good rods otherwise.

 

[Jibonkhan01]

Great setup. Your 0.33mm mono (12-15lb) should be fine, no shock leader needed unless power casting. A short 15-20lb fluorocarbon leader helps with stealth. For lures, try metal jigs like Dexter Wedges for mackerel and soft plastics like Savage Gear Sandeels for bass. Tight lines

 

[itchyknackersack]

You're setup isn't bad you're mono line be ok with the metals any type of spinner will take mackerel but the likes of seeker's and westin salty you can get these to fish shallower if needed proven bass lures same for the Savage Gear sandeel with it's leadhead ok with mono if you try soft plastics like Savage Gear Gravity Stick or spindle worms think you'll struggle don't be afraid to switch over to braid 16 to 20lb you've got a good reel in the shimano with a better line lay than most you'll see a big improvement in casting with braid a 3 to 4ft leader mono or fluro see you ok

 

[ROCK ROVER]

Ditch the mono go braid with a flourocarbon leader
You will get far more distance virtually any lure will catch mackerel for bass I would fish Soft Plasticks

 

[Topwater]

I'd also recommend braided mainline and a short leader of clear mono or FC Braid gives you far more sensitivity to feel fish hitting your lures and the lack of stretch makes it easier to set the hooks.