Last month I mentioned what I used as a jig stick. Well I received several e-mails from anglers about other rods and reels that they use. They wondered if their outfits were any good. Should they go out and buy new ones? I was a little shocked at these questions. So let me explain further.
   
    The rods and reels that I use for any type of fishing are what I have become comfortable using. I will only use Calstar blanks and for my smaller reels I use Penn reels modified with Accurate components. I have used these components for several years and have grown to love them. I mentioned that I have a Calstar 760L and an Accurate 4/0 YT as my favorite jig combo. Is this the best combo? Well for me it is. For you, you may like something else. There is always more than one way to catch fish.
   
    This brings me to another point that many new long-range anglers fall prey to. Do not get hooked by the tackle hype. On your first couple of trips you can use the rental gear to fill in the gear you are missing. If you are only going to go on 5 days or shorter, do not even worry about a trolling outfit. Most boats have trolling outfits for you to use. Not buying a trolling outfit can save 700 to 800 dollars.
   
    Build your fishing arsenal slowly. If you catch long-range fever and have to go once or twice a year then it is time to start. The first outfit would be a 40-lb. Bait/jig outfit. This combo you can use on any length trip. As you take more and more trips you will probably want to have two of these rigs.
   
    The next outfit would be a 50-lb. 2-speed bait rig. This combo can also be used on any length trip. But a must to have on trips 8 days or longer. This rig will really be helpful when the 40-100 lb. tuna. Landing them with a 2-speed is so easy even I can do it.
   
    Now that you have your medium line weight covered. You have to decide to either go heavier or lighter. If you are going to fish the Revilla-gigedos Islands you want to go heavier. Look at getting a custom built stand-up tuna rod with reel. If you have some more money to spend maybe also get a trolling rod and reel.
   
    If 5 days is the maximum length trip you will ever take you want to go lighter. A 30-lb. or 25-lb. rig will serve you well. Remember buy what you can get the most use out of. These lighter rods will be great for tossing live baits at kelp paddies. Besides if the bigger fish do show up you already have your 50-lb. 2-speed outfit.
   
    The hardest trip to be gear up for are the fall trips. You really need to bring tackle from 25-lb. up to 80-lb. That is why I recommend trying a couple of short trips first. That way you can slowly build your arsenal. When you do take your first 8-10 day trip you will already have the lighter tackle and only have to get a trolling rig. Once again with the trolling outfit only get it if you plan on using it. Having your own trolling rig is a must on 16 day trips and very handy on 10 day trips.   
   
    You have noticed that I have not listed any brand names or model numbers. I do not want you to start right number down and not knowing what you are going to buy. Every angler is different so take the time to pick out the rod you want for each use. Calstar makes many different factory rods will fit your needs as well as your pocketbook. When it comes to picking out rods or rod blanks here is really only one company and that is Calstar. Other anglers use other companies but for me it is only Calstar.
   
    As for reels, that is a more personal choice. There are several good companies to pick: Penn, Shimano, Newell, Accurate and Pro Gear. I do not use any single company. I use what works the best for each style of fishing. I will say that there is no such thing as a perfect reel. All reels have their good and bad features. Once again take some time to discuss our options with the tackle store. Be sure you are getting what is right for you.

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