$15 Kmart Fishing Challenge!! - Catch More Fish with Less Money

FishingMad viewers have set me a Fishing Challenge. To fish using the cheapest fishing combo I can find. Well, I purchase a fishing rod, reel and line combo from local retail store Kmart for a total of $15 dollars. To show that you can catch fish using entry level Gear. That's fishing on a tight budget and the results will surprise you. Highlighting that you can catch plenty of fish with entry level gear that wont break the bank.
We also discuss what makes the difference between an expensive high end rod and a cheap entry level rod and why you might use what.
Gear used
Jarvis Walker Focus Estuary Spin Combo - $20 25% off total $15
Silstar Crystal Tip and Rovex Reel $25
7 inch turtlebacks, 4 inch turtleback, Sothern edge lures flatedge 80
Area Fished
Werribee drifting around 5 meters deep

[@brodi8026]

Would be good to do a land based video with these combos, as most people using these set ups probably can’t afford a kayak with a sounder, etc. 😄

[@jenniharris7285]

My point exactly mate. Give us poorer ones a bit of land base!

[@reconnaissance7372]

you did read my mind but as always love Alans content.

[@life_in_gen]

And non swimmers 😅

[@PattoAU]

$20 rod, thousands worths of kayak equipment xD Jk love your work

[@stewartturner78]

Alan used $40 worth of gear to catch $60 worth of flathead tails, and he chucked them back! Great fishing, questionable economics. Great video, thanks. I would love to see a handline video.

[@fishingmad]

Thanks Stewart. In that session I caught just over 20 flathead in about 90 minutes. I kept a few flatties between 35-40cm for a feed and let the rest go. There has been so much hype on social media past few weeks about flathead numbers so im just trying to do my bit. The handline vid might be a good idea, so will prob venture out soon and give that a go.

[@user-qb3el7mg2t]

I just picked up 2 rod combos from Kmart today before looking this video up! I got a Javis Walker 5.8ft bait caster combo for 39$ and a 6.6ft spinner rod with a 4000 reel for $29, not the cheapest they had for sale but these are waaaay better quality than I was ever expecting for the price. They are smooth enough and I feel like your paying for the reel more than anything so with a rod upgrade these combos would be are fire! Maybe longevity won't be as good but I mean cheap to replace :)

[@davidrauschenbach6871]

Thanks for another exciting episode. Always enjoyed less expensive outfits while hiking to the river.

[@fishingmad]

Thanks David !!

[@karenmurray3098]

great video allan , you make it look so easy

[@kayakfishingins.a4327]

Good video Alan, I started off on the exact same rod and did well on it. One day my wife lost it over the side of the kayak but at only $20 at the time it was no big deal. Great to see the kayak vids again. Terry

[@IainHMcLean]

Love it! This is the entry point for most of us. Great to see a pro use cheaper gear! Have to say though, when Hunter stepped up in quality gear he started hooking up more.

[@fishingmad]

Thanks !! Yeah great to hear you guys have noticed the difference that higher end gear can make. I know for me moving up from this extreme entry level example there is so much gear that can really help with comfort, casting, accuracy, handling and catch rates.

[@gareths100]

Great clip Alan, I’d love to see a video that talks about the differences between a day on the kayak vs a day on the boat. I’m tossing up the pros and cons especially since for the price of a quality fishing kayak you can find your self an entry level small boat Cheers mate

[@fishingmad]

Thanks !! Its a great question about pros and cons of a boat vs a yak. Really that comes down to cost vs accessibility. kayaks are significantly cheaper and require such little ongoing expense and maintenance however a boat allows you to access a much larger area. I did a big chat on this at the Fishing Expo and club nights on occasions.

[@-AGM83-]

Try the $15 rod with no kyak, no fish finder, and none of the other fancy stuff ya have mate haha. Just off a pier.

[@bestpix100]

Thanks for your time and effort, a very enjoyable video

[@fishingmad]

Thanks so much Johhny !!

[@jordythebassist]

Great video mate! You and I have gone down the high end gear path the last year or 2, however there's plenty of entry level gear for a very fair price that will still get the job done for those new to the sport.

[@fishingmad]

Thanks !! Yeah agreed. There is so much variety across different budgets these days. Lots of well priced gear too. We love our high end gear but the reality is you can catch on just about anything.

[@postmaloneolin4412]

​@@fishingmad would be mad if you get a rod and reel of wish or Temu and do a video on the cheapest you could find

[@MathewsFishingAdventures]

What a awesome video mate keep up the work

[@fishingmad]

Thanks so much !!

[@justme.9711]

I'm 60, but back before bcf etc sent all the local tackle shops out of business, I used to get great pleasure in making my own rods. Back then I wouldn't spit on a telescopic rod and didn't even like two piece rods, BUT now I carry two of kmarts 6' telescopics with a soft plastic on each and also use one of their 10'ers. I know to SET the hook and how to adjust and use a drag etc and you would be amazed what basic knowledge can do with these bits of crap - there's nothing wrong with them .... breaks my heart lol:(

[@Coltsniper1106]

Started getting back into fishing again in my adult years by getting a cheap $30 jarvis walker combo because I didnt know if Id even like fishing like I did as a young kid but wanted to try it again. 6 years later its now my main hobby 😎 And of course upgraded to some more quality rods over the years 🎣 But those cheap kmart rods are great if you want to try fishing and see if you like it without paying $200 + for more quality gear you may not use again 👌

[@WesternAustraliaNowAndThen]

We don't buy expensive gear because we can't afford it BUT one thing we have learned is that cheap reels are good for a few uses but then they usually die. The ultra cheap stuff is full of plastic and they break very quickly. We usually spend $50-80 on reels. Cheap rods aren't too bad, they do last longer but spend a little bit more on a reel because they do last a lot longer.

[@fishingmad]

Yep I would agree with that completely. Many of the reels between $50 and $120 are actually very good and very capable

[@VektrumSimulacrum]

For those that are on a tight budget, one way to approach it is to do it by the weight of the baits you're going to be throwing the most often. Any rod that can throw the lures in that weight range will do for most of what you'll probably be doing. After a bit of experience is under your belt, #6, #8 or #10 line doesn't matter as much. You're probably not going to be targeting big snapper on purpose but you'd be surprised what lighter (and entry level) gear can handle when you got the basics down.

[@damianlarsen3672]

Great video Alan. I have a number of budget combos and some running up to 150. I feel much more comfortable on the kayak with the cheapies just in case we all go for a swim

[@fishingmad]

Thanks Damien, Yeah I agree it goes to show those entry level rods are very capable and play a role especially on a yak where they are prone to going over

[@peterRobinson10101]

I csnt afford expensive reels and rods considering i generally snap my tip regularlt in the car anyway. I find as long as the rod and reel are functional the money is best spent on high quality braid and quality tackle.

[@kabluwi]

Been using a $100 Shimano Sienna combos for a few years now and its been super reliable , definitely worth the little bit more for me

[@stewartturner78]

Most of my gear seems to end up getting a bath (or at least a decent shower) in salt water at some stage. I can cope with a Sienna siezing up every once in a while. I wouldn't be able to deal with a high-price combo getting ruined because I'm an unco. So I stick with the mid-range stuff.

[@fishingmad]

Agreed a lot of the fishing products between $80 and $150 are really good value for money these days. This vid was taking it to the extreme and was using very plastic gear with cheap components but products like the Siennas, Aird, Nasci, Exceller and so on are great value.

[@fishingmad]

Yeah I take some very high end stuff out on the kayak sometimes and its really hard to watch when you get saltwater on them. Have to be so careful and often makes me think id be much better using some cheaper stuff and worrying less.

[@ptrollip1]

Great vid mate. I’ve just done one with a $3 rod!

[@fishingmad]

Wow that's amazing, ill have to check it out.

[@darrenpeacock4393]

Listen to the power got me 🤣🤣🤣

[@snapperhead51]

thanks for your vid again, yes i agree , when i was in the fishing trade i use all the very expensive rods and reels , gave it all away when i stoped fishing now i got back into it again with kayaks , i use the cheaper china reels that are realy quiet good and the lower cost rods, still catch the same fish and as many as i want ,the gear didnt really matter ,more about the person's experience what to do some times ,:)

[@fishingmad]

Yep that 100% right. All comes down to what makes you happy. The entry level stuff has come a long way and the mid priced stuff is generally very good these days. I love my high end stuff but its certainly not a necessity to catch fish.

[@jimgreenwood5360]

The long tail on the soft plastic is producing the missed bites. Use a shorter soft plastic to increase hook up rate.

[@davidlowe1975]

Absolutely love your content mate! What finder do you run on your kayak and do you use sidescan?

[@fishingmad]

Thanks David. I'm running a Lowrance Elite FS. When fishing inshore I still use traditional mode them most. I use sidescan and downscan when trying to identify reefs and sandholes. Its a pretty good unit.

[@24fishing39]

Can't wait 2 watch

[@fishingmad]

Awesome, Enjoy the Vid !!

[@nikhilmathew2101]

My pb flathead 84cm was on this kmart combo. 7 feet one. On chicken

[@fishingmad]

Thats awesome !! Well done

[@nikhilmathew2101]

@fishingmad Alan, is it possible to spot flathead on sounder? I have caught flathead right under the boat but never been able to spot them on my sounder screen.

[@danielwutfisho]

For a landbased angler 3-5 setups should cover most areas. Light/Medium and Heavy tackle. Estuary to rock fishing. Thats just how I see it.

[@fishingmad]

Yeah, agree. Only variation is if you wanna have rods for lures and bait. Might sneak an extra one or two in.

[@TRUMP20Z4]

I got the $20 rod today, looks fine

[@gotsomesparetime4029]

Love ur vids

[@fishingmad]

Thanks so much !! Enjoy the vid

[@lukemcdermott3512]

Caught a 1m jewy on a 20 year old kids Kmart Rod with a mini Alvey I bought from the markets for $2.50 at my mates place on the passage in Caloundra. He'd lived there for 4 years and his cheapest combo owed him atleast $300.. never invited me back..lmao

[@fishingmad]

Wow, thats epic. Gee a 1m mulloway would have been crazy on a rod like that

[@generaldisarray3830]

I've caught Jews, massive flatties, sharks and just about everything with the absolute budget gear, only issue it doesn't last long, but for 20 bucks who cares

[@johnwalker6420]

I am fishing with JW 8000 reels for bottom bouncing . Each reel costing $42 > $48 loaded with line. One had braid and I am totally happy with them. They are used quite regularly and get a very good workout.. I do spend a lot of time cleaning them after use and are carefully stored. I am also using JW reels from 1000> 3000 for esturary fishing and are comfortably handling our catch.. Don`t get me wrong and think I am saying they are equal to middle to high end reels. But the cost I paid for them I consider them very good value for what I am using them for. As was mentioned your skills were more important.

[@fishingmad]

Thanks John !! I think thats awesome. Really highlights that you can get great bang for buck and catch plenty without having to spend to much. Great to hear those combos are working great for you. I agree a lot of it comes down to technique

[@jaydeep75]

that javis walker was a my first rod and ive pulled in a few massive 1.5-2m pike eels

[@fishingmad]

Thats awesome !!

[@earthsongdivine7384]

I caught a magnificent calamari on this Kmart combo 👍

[@fishingmad]

Brilliant, Thats so good.

[@martinthompson2584]

You could catch a fish with a stick tied to a piece of string and a paperclip 😆

[@RayZ_4_life]

hi Alan need a line setup video

[@scoodz5788]

i love the old Jarvis walker Scorpion GT combo's. Man they were quality built and budget friendly. The cheap stuff these days is pretty rubbish imo.

[@fishingmad]

Yeah the older entry level stuff was built better. Some of it would cost bugger all and last ages. I think i remember those scorpion GT combos too

[@scoodz5788]

@@fishingmad Sure would mate, still got a few of the old combo's going strong. Can drop them in salt water and not clean them and theyl still sound sweet*

[@fishingmad]

That's exactly how it should be. I got some saltwater on a very expensive reel a few weeks back and its stuffed.

[@scoodz5788]

@@fishingmad yiikes, time for a full clean haha. Good luck with that, can't wait for more videos to come, keep it up!

[@lennycat7964]

About 17 years ago i picked up a 6'6 2-4kg jarvis walker rod for $5 at kmart in the bargin pile because i was missing the reel, i also picked up a jarvis walker scorpian 450 reel with i belive 8lb mono in the same bargin pile for $5 because the packing was slightly damaged.. then spent $10 on a gillies "spieces fishing kit" (just a cheapo little plastic box with an assortment of hooks, sinkers and swivels(i think about 30 pieces all up ... this was my main kit for nearly 10 years, never skipped a beat... then i invested about $600 into a rod and reel combo and retired my beloved jarvis setup (i still have it in the shed for the odd friend to use if they dont have a rod) ...i swesr that $20 setups caught way more fish then my 600 setup Edit: from memory the best fish caught on the jarvis rig was a 65cm dusky flathead somthing like 2kg

[@lennycat7964]

I've also had plenty of good luck using a 600ml coke bottle with 6-8lb mono as a handline off the local jetty

[@lennycat7964]

So your certainly right, it's all about fishing smarter not harder

[@aekbotfv]

What’s that exact lure your using to catch those nice flatheads

[@linden72]

Do it land based like an entry level fisho off a rock or a jetty

[@knjohd]

Can I ask what boots you are wearing, I normally wear croc's all year round but I am getting a bit soft in my old age and would like warm and dry feet, sadly I am allergic to neoprene so I can't wear wetsuit booties etc...

[@fishingmad]

Bogs boots. Love em. They are so comfortable. I do all my fishing with them. Just need to be super careful when fishing on the kayak with them.

[@ronmb81]

Thanks Alan, I had to show this part 18:01 to the mrs 😆

[@fishingmad]

LOL yeah, I have so many rods these days gotta find a reasonable way to justify having so many. It is very true though there are so many options based on what your targeting, where your fishing and what your fishing with.

[@todddreher1220]

That don't look like any flathead catfish to me. That's the strangest hooking flathead catfish I've ever seen. And you're right your ride is very flimsy so you can't get a good hooks that into it. And also you need to tighten your Drago little bit more because it shouldn't be Fielding out as you're reeling.

[@thebirbgod9827]

I'm actually using one of those rods😅, but the reel broke 😢

[@fishingmad]

They catch fish thats for sure !!

[@fishingmad]

Thats not good about the reel though !! I wonder how much it costs them to make those reels.

[@thebirbgod9827]

@@fishingmad I got a new better one

[@fishingmad]

Awesome, what did ya get ?

[@tombombadil4033]

Who else has that friend you take fishing and he catch more fish on his $20 Kmart fishing rod then you who have over $1000 setup ?

[@peterm6199]

Nothing wrong with a Silstar power tip

[@brettwheatley8102]

Hello please can you show me a good knot to join braid to braid thank you

[@fishingmad]

Hi Brett, id use a double uni or a FG knot. There are some vids on our channel on how to do this and some detailed close up vids on this in our members areas. Cheers

[@hunterfan6194]

Tell you what Alan, my wife using my kid pink rod, got a 40 pinkie, the reel broke with the rod, still land the fish,

[@fishingmad]

Well done, At least you still got the good size pinkie.

[@Gator1699]

cool.

[@TRUMP20Z4]

Fancy equipment is a wank and a waste of money, Kmart stuff does it well.

[@Nikopotamus]

So your packet of lures & scent cost more 🤣, double the budget

[@user-qf6dx4to2i]

🙋‍♂️

[@mikhailkoslovskiy7860]

Yes yes....lake clean....way not keept for callenge...No US$15...can drink plenty....hahah...she said....good boys...vodka from 15 hahaha..plenty

[@fishingmad]

haha yes plenty of drinks to go with the fish and all the savings $$ Thanks Mikhail

[@Daniel-bs1zx]

Entry level 15$ rod combo while using a 5k kayak….. kind of makes the point mute

[@Maddfisher]

Lol can you do a video in a blow up Kmart boat 😂 for next one

[@fishingmad]

Yeah ive seen a few really good blow up boats lately. That would be really cool. I've had some other good ideas too.

[@Hayden.C.Fishing]

I bet I can’t get over 10 likes😂

[@RickMeasham]

Pretty disappointed. It's not entry level if you're sitting in some kitted out canoe. If you're going to do a useful entry level video then please do an entry level video.

[@bjreynolds24]

Lol you lost ya front piece , no fan here ..too much rambling bs