As we all know in kayak fishing one can only carry so much equipment out on the water so we have to pack judiciously. Rods are always an issue. While fishing inshore some anglers carry as many as 6 but this isn’t always practical and I never carry so many. I try to carry rods that are versatile.  In the heavy category I’ve been using an Ugly Stik 1100, 8’ rated 1-4 oz. It has done s good job for me but there are times when I need a rod that can handle more weight. There are situations where several ounces are required to hold bottom and the soft flex of the Ugly Stik isn’t up to the job.

The Shu-Fly SFBS 702H is an extremely versatile rod and handles my heavy needs. It’s a heavy action 7’ spin rod rated 1-6 oz. It’s designed to be a boat rod and has a capped gimbal butt and comes in 2-piece. The grips are awesome too and reminded me of the one used on the Shimano Trevala.

I got a chance to use it for a few days fishing for big black drum in Delaware Bay. While the drum didn’t cooperate the sand sharks were plentiful and gave the rod a decent workout. The rod has tons of muscle. I know when I was fishing in the Everglades for bull sharks it would have easily handled them. I don’t’ think there’s anything a kayak angler can tangle with that this rod won’t subdue. The rod would also be great for Tube ‘n Worming, snagging and live lining bunker, fishing heavy jigs in deep water for halibut and other bottom species and a variety of additional scenarios.

Besides the 702H there’s a few others in the group, both spin and conventional. What’s also nice is they won’t break the bank either. The retail is only $79.99 and includes a sock. If you’re in the NY metro area then you can drive to the shop. It’s on Main St. in Nanuet, NY, which is just a few minutes from the Tapanzee Bridge on the west side of the Hudson. For more info give the shop a call at (845) 215-5470. Tell them the folks at KFM sent you.