Thread: Fishing Rod - Marlborough Sounds - Advice ?

Looking at getting a new Rod ( just the Rod already have the Reel ) for fishing from a boat in the Marlborough Sounds .
Blue Cod / Kahawia / Gurnard etc .
$150.00 budget
Suggestions ………….

What is the reel?

Won't go wrong with a two piece ugly stick. In whatever weight you want, and they come in either overhead or spinning format.
I have a few 5-25 kg models and they are great.
Not sure if they are over $150 but they are worth paying a bit more for if they are.

Being two piece they pack down for storage and travel

Love a fishing tackle thread! I don't know the area (locals can tell me to bugger off!), BUT assuming bait fishing for small species, next question is what type of reel do you have, spinning or overhead? I would agree with 7mmswm in looking at the Ugly Stik range for durability and price. Rating 6-10kg would be standard, but 4-8kg is a lot more fun. That said, it's got to match the reel. In 2024, I hope it's a small reel loaded with braid. Also would agree with a multi-section travel rod (not telescopic!). Two pieces is too long, three pieces is infuriating for transport, four piece is the sweet spot.

Take your reel into Hendersons in Blenheim, they'll find you a good match for your reel within your price range.
No affiliation, I've just shopped there for 20+ years.

For general Sounds fishing I like a 6-10kg rod, around 6ft long, that'll do for cod, gurnard, kahawai and smaller kingies.

I should have mentioned the Reel , it’s nothing flash Shimano 4000D Baitrunner .
I’ve used it with success for 18 months with an old and abused Rod of unknown origin.

Ugly Stick come in a rod rated from 5-25 kg. They are an awesome rod. Spool that shimano with 50 lb braid and you will handle most things. I run the exact set up.

Originally Posted by Ground Control

I should have mentioned the Reel , it’s nothing flash Shimano 4000D Baitrunner.

That's a solid, sensible size reel.

Two piece: https://www.marine-deals.co.nz/boat-...7ft-6-10kg-2pc

Four piece: https://www.marine-deals.co.nz/trave...7ft-5-10kg-4pc

A 3-4000 series reel is a good start - pair with a two piece soft bait rod 7’ 6-10 kg braid floro carbon leader 20-30lb - you can soft bait, hard lures, kaburas etc and stinky bait ledger rig or stray line. Catch cod carrots snaps kahawai and kings.


Took my neighbour out soft bait fishing with one of my set ups like i describe above - first time soft baiting first cast 14 pounds - outer pelourus January 25-30 m under a work up.

You want to be able to cast a decent way get the lure or soft bait to the bottom and work it back to the boat gurnard snaps will case a lure.
I drift fish 90+% of the time only anchor if to windy. Have a sea anchor as i don’t want to be moving more than 2kph for this type of fishing will be right out in the middle of a bay or channel- under or around works up best but still catch gurnard out on the mud if no birds about. Windy app is my friend as its is so accurate often will say the wind will be x kph from 8 to 2 pm or it will drop by y am and it jolly well does and for where u want to go fish.

7” soft baits bright colour been scoffed by snaps and carrots - smaller 5” or less for cod.
This style of fishing will work on the pick but just not as productive as drifting. I don’t drop a burley bomb any more when on the pick as it
just attracts the spiky dogs

Hope this helps and u are fishing Pelorus- i have no idea when it comes to queen charlotte sound��

A great reel to start with. 150 will buy you a lovely light rod , but please get a landing net , do not ever lift the fish in with the rod or high stick lift the rod tip skyward creating a pressure point on the top third of the rod this rod tip failures …ruining many a great rod .

Carbon fibre rods are bloody excellent for feeling sneaky bites and wonderful for playing fish but they aren’t idiot proof so please care for your purchase.

Yip, add my vote for a 2-piece ugly stick. Have same set up as both over-head and spin with 8000D Baitrunner. Very nice all round set up that will cover a lot of bases.

Edit. Should have added stay away from soft bait rods unless doing lots of lure fishing, they are easy to high stick and break. Don't get me wrong they are fun to use and lovely in the hand but need lots of care in use and transport.

Always at least a 2 piece so they can fit on the back seat in the vehicle .
If you like to lure fish this is a great match to the reel.

If more a bait on a Ledger rig kinda guy then this two peice as a bit more stiffness in the tip to better set the hook when having 3-5 Oz sinker on.


Both are easily a match for any snapper you will ever catch.

Cheers to everyone that has responded.
You’ve given me some good advice/knowledge and I won’t feel and sound like the complete fishing numbnut that I actually am when I go into the shop