Thread: CANAL BAIT FISHING SETUP

For a perfect set-up I'd be running different rods for soft-bait and bait.

Soft-bait ideally a 7'6" to 8 foot rod with a 2-10g cast weight and a reasonably stiff tip so you can impart some action/movement to the soft-bait. Run 6 or 8 braid and leader.

Bait set-up I'd go heavier, still an 8 foot rod and if you want to fish off the dam/outlet walls a 9ft plus won't hurt, as it allows Plenty of clearance when negotiating around the fences and getting down to the water to land fish. Commonly use 2oz weights if current is running so a rod capable of casting that but in a 3-6 or 4-8kg line weight is ideal. 15-20lb braid is fine here and means the rod can be used for other stuff as well. Just use appropriate weight leaders.

If only wanting one rod I'd go for an 8-9 foot 3-6kg set, casting weight as large as the budget allows but no more than 4g at the bottom end. Then put on good braid that has a 10-15lb breaking strain but is still .15mm or less in diameter. Then use light leaders soft-baiting and a heavier one when bait fishing.