Headed to the kenai this year any suggestions on rod & reel size I have an 8-17 GL3 str1025 but think it is a little light..

[This message has been edited by LoomisMan (edited 02-25-2000).]

Loomis, it depends on when you'll be there. For 1st run kings on all but the Kenai R., it's very rare to catch a fish over 40 lbs., but you would probably be bank fishing. 2nd-run kings on the Kenai R. give you a realistic shot a 70-pounder, while I believe a 70 is rare on the Kasilof (I,ve never fished Kasilof 2nd-run), but you would probably be fishing from a boat (recommended) for 2nd-run fish.

Keep in mind that you might be fishing around a lot of other people on the banks, or going through them while fighting kings.

The rod you mentioned is fine for first- or second-run reds.

I use 20#+ for first-run kings, and 30#+ for second-run. I've never had a problem with leader-shyness.

When will you be there?

Loomis,
In case you didn't read it in one of my other posts, I used to live on the Kenai Pen. for a number of years. If you aren't doing a guided trip I would be happy to give you info on things like campgrounds, motels, access, etc.. If you are hiring a guide, then I will respectfully defer to Bob.

Lamiglas makes a rod called the Kenai special, that's a staple for a lot of the people who fish the Kenai. If you're fishing from the bank at a public access area, then you can expect to get your line crossed with at least a couple people should you catch a fish, so i'd recomend at least 25lb test from the shore. If you go with a guide, it's a lot easier for the both of you, and you don't have to worry about the equipment. The rod you mentioned and a matching reel should work great from the bank or boat for Silver and Reds.

Lamiglas makes a rod called the Kenai special, that's a staple for a lot of the people who fish the Kenai. If you're fishing from the bank at a public access area, then you can expect to get your line crossed with at least a couple people should you catch a fish, so i'd recomend at least 25lb test from the shore. If you go with a guide, it's a lot easier for the both of you, and you don't have to worry about the equipment. The rod you mentioned and a matching reel should work great from the bank or boat for Silver and Reds.

We will be there in aug.

All my fishing for kings is with a SAR1084,rated for 10 to 30 # test,I know its a mooching rod but I sure hammer them with it.I never use anything over 20# test but would sugest 25 to 30# on the Kenai.Dont forget the second run of red's on the Russian river.As for reels go with something about the size of a Penn 965

[This message has been edited by fishing fool (edited 02-26-2000).]

The Kenai R. closes to kings on 7/31, but they sometimes extend it for a few days. I'm not sure what the Kasilof regs. are nowadays. In either case, I can't emphasize enough the importance a guide and a boat. Bob might book you contingent upon the kings being open. At any rate, the guide would have the king rods.

Reds can be HOT the first week of Aug., paticularly on the Russian R., but on the lower Kenai R. too, if the run is late. How hot the Russian is is directly proportional to how long you have to wait in line to get a parking spot. If you hit it right, you can walk upstream and find an okay spot without the crowds and still have non-stop action. These 2nd-run Kenai R. reds are BIG, and fight like hell. "Lining" is the accepted way of fishing for them.

Between the red run and the silvers, there's a kind of dead period until the silvers start heating up around the 3rd week of Aug., on averagemaybe a little earlier on the Kenai R.). There are quite a few streams that decent silver runs, and the crowds will have died down. There's one particular small river that is fished mostly by locals, and can provide some fantastic sight-fishing if you hit it right. If you'll be there the last week of Aug., I'll e-mail the info on it, if you want.

So, your rod will do just fine during Aug..

(on second thought, I can't refer you to any motels- I think Bob is into that along with his guiding referals)

[This message has been edited by AkBill (edited 02-26-2000).]

[This message has been edited by AkBill (edited 02-26-2000).]

Tell me what week you are going to be there and I'll tell you the skinny on what you'll need for gear. Also what you plan on fishing for.

As long as you're at Kenai, you should make the extra run another 80 miles or so and fish for halibut from Homer. It's well worth it if you can get a couple days of nice weather.