The Hunt For Big Fish with Larry Dahlberg

Larry,
I'm going to be picking up a Talica 12 in the next month, which I plan on using for 60-80- lb YFT and bull Yellows; what rod would you pair with this reel? I was thinking of one of the Shimano Jigging rods (TFC63MH or TVC66MH), but not sure if I should pair it with a non-jig rod. Help please!

Hi B
That's a tough one. Either oughta work, just depends on your own preference and style of fishing.
YOu'll love the reel regardless of which rod you put it on!
best
L

Thanks!

Are you going to be fishing bait or jigs? If you can wait I suggest holding out until Summer to see what new stuff we have up our sleeves...

I'll be fishing bait (sardines); another reason why I'm a little hesitant on getting a jigging rod. However, the jig rod will be nice and light for those long days at the rail. I'm heading out to the Fred Hall show in Long Beach in March, so maybe they're be some new things to consider...

We will have a ton of pro staff and Shimano reps in the booth at Fred Hall. I'm sure that someone there will be able to walk you through the line and show you the several options that are available.

The pro staff @ Shimano recommended the Blue Water Series Rods for the live bait/rail fishing, saying that they have a better backbone than the Trevala Jigging Rods. I think this confused me even more than I was before, but I'm sure either rod will do the job. Maybe I'll just wait until the Summer to see if anything new comes out...

A jigging rod is different than a bait rod. If you told the pro staffer that you plan to fish bait, I am pretty sure he steered you to the different rod. The Trevala is designed for vertical jigging with our Butterfly Jigs. They are very parabolic rods. The rods have a lot of strength and power. The power is deceiving because of the way the rods load. The other rod that was recommended to you is more traditional.