Saltwater telescopic rod and reel recommendations

I actually think I might change my plans a bit, I plan on leaving my rod and reel in Mexico with family for my surf/beach fishing, as I go almost every year. If I decide to go to California I will buy a different setup.


If I decide to Ocean fish for larger fish in Mexico, I will hire or borrow someone's fishing setup.

thanks,

Dean

I like to hire a guide that provides equipment.

When my wife and I moved to the Bahamas I bought 2 of THESE 3 piece medium weight travel rods from Bass Pro Shops. They come with a nice case and travel well. I paired them with Shimano Spheros 5000FB spinning reels. They are now in the basement here as part of the standard gear that goes in the camper come spring.

They are a bit pricier than you wanted, but they have been good rods, spending some quality time out on the water around our island, as well as fishing from the rocks on shore. I've caught mutton snapper, grunts, jacks, barracudas, and lost more than a few fish to sharks while working them toward the boat.

when saltwater fishing I would use the cheapest tackle that is suitable. made the mistake of taking my good tackle box on a charter on the bay and every piece of metal on it corroded. check out the bass pro shop catalog of salt water gear. I see a $79 combo. take a reel down and buy a cheap rod there???
bumpy

Depending on what fishing you are doing in California, will determine baits. I use 4 to 6 ounce leadheads with 8 to 12 inch plastic swim bait for bottom fishing lings, cabs, etc. Live baits and frozen baits trolled are deadly to just about anything that lives in the ocean.

I bought a cheap plastic gun case that my 2-piece rod fit in. Cost was $25 and the airline checked it at the gate for free. I got some looks going through security with what looked like a gun in a case, but other than that, no problems.

I've also just purchased a rod/reel at the destination and then gave it away to a kid when I left. Well under $100 and I'm sure the kid was able to use the thing or sell it and get more value for it than I could for the hassle.

When I go to Hawaii, I stop at Walmart and pick up a saltwater rod / reel for around $50 and leave it with the hotel maid when I leave. It's a nice tip I think. Probably California would be the same way.