White Sea Bass Fishing Essentials: Rods, Reels, and Terminal Tackle [Part 1 of 3]

As always huge thanks to Anthony for opening up the shop and taking the time to share with us his experience and expertise.
Huge thank you to my friend Alan for taking time out of his busy schedule to help make this video happen. I am beyond grateful for your behind the scenes help and support. Thank you.
Video has time stamps below for your convenience.
Sav-On Tackle
9917 Orr and Day Rd
Santa Fe Springs, 90670
[phone]
Please note that this video is NOT sponsored by Sav On Tackle, this is simply a shop I support and have a positive relationship with.
Reels covered in video:
Tranx 400 HG - $319.95
Lexa 400 HD - $329.00
Penn Fathom 25 NLD2 - $309.95
Penn Fathom 15 XNLD2 - $309.95
Penn Torque 15 XNLD2 - $599.95
Shimano Trinidad 16 - $519.95
Shimano Talica 10 LD1 - $559
Shimano Talica 10 LD2 - $589
Rods covered in video:
Phenix Black Diamond Hybrid 837/838 (12 to 30 lb) - $389/$409
Phenix Black Diamond Hybrid 838/888 (15 to 40 lb) - $419/$429
Phenix Axis 780 MH (20 to 40 lb) - $245
Phenix Axis 780 H (25 to 60 lb) - $255
More Inshore/Offshore Videos:
How to Catch Bluefin Tuna (4 part series) - • How to Catch Bluefin T...
Yellowtail Rods & Reels - • SoCal Yellowtail Fishi...
Yellowtail What's in the Box? - • SoCal Yellowtail Fishi...
Follow my fishing adventures on Instagram at benjiekimfishing
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00:11 - Introduction
00:40 - Introduction to White Sea Bass
01:39 - Terminal Tackle and Rigs
07:20 - Reels
12:23 - Rods
#phenixrods #whiteseabass #benjiekimfishing

[@uhuugyvenk9441]

Final update: this little reel is the little engine that could kzbin.infoUgkxSlytCJqozTF7EbdP4LWP-HUXf9WRDJ0e . It performed flawlessly and was easy to adjust drag in the moment while I was battling a 35lb bat ray behemoth. Mind you, this reel is spooled with only 25 lb braid and 25 mono topshot. It's paired with the kastking telescopic heavy power rod and the two work well together. This has now earned my respect and confidence when traveling and fishing. If you have ever hooked into large rays and sharks, you know they pull extremely hard and can run forever! This thing clamped down on the fish and was easy to adjust during the fight. It has a nice decently fast retrieve as well. Twice the fish went on mad runs and I was able to gain back line quickly to avoid spooling.

[@Kesterhu]

Hello Benji, this is Kester. Me and my girlfriend were so hyped see you in person at Bart Hall show yesterday. It was nice to exchange some conversation with you and heard from your experience about 903 Trifecta Light. Hope to see you sometime at the surf. Tight line!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Kester!! It was so nice to meet you and your girlfriend at the show!! Thank you so much for stopping by to say hello and thanks also for this comment. Wishing you an amazing season of surf fishing and who knows, maybe I'll see you out there! Tight lines!

[@walter992]

Great series of videos. WSB fishing is my absolute favorite. Looking forward to the 3rd video,

[@mannyperez7680]

Glow in the dark sliding egg sinker with an aki hook is another great rigging technique. Works just like the lead head jig.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

That's a good one, thank you!

[@snipergene]

Great video Benjie. WSB is one of my goals this year!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thanks Eugene, I'm excited to see all your triumphs and catches! I hope WSB is one of them!!

[@ralphsaldana529]

Thank for the footage guys 🤙😎

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thanks so much Ralph, appreciate you brotha!

[@BigDaddyTunaCan]

Fantastic video Benjie. Thank you for the great content. 🔥🔥🔥

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Appreciate it Ryan! Can't wait to fish with ya!

[@kaifishkiller]

I have caught about 18-20 in my life. Largest 32 lbs. Good general info here.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

That's awesome, you clearly have plenty of experience, I hope you're able to get another handful this season!

[@Jaortega805]

Nice video man !! Was in there last week while I stayed in Long Beach for work , great selection and great prices ! Definitely gonna make some time to hit that sale 🤙🏼

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thanks Julio, really appreciate it brotha. Yes, agreed, Sav-On is a terrific shop! Wishing you a great weekend, I hope you're able to slay something, anything with Abel!

[@laxgrufor]

Once again Thank you for good information and great video!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Appreciate it so much Kaz, thank you and tight lines!!

[@88Mike]

Subscribed. Very useful tips. Thanks for sharing.

[@tamalpias]

6 trips booked for white seabass, 3 was canceled by the boat on the day of the trip, 2 trips was after a recent hit bite, my 6th try is may 21 on pacific dawn. And I live 5 hours drive away! I am hoping 6th time is the charm. Lol Beni nice meeting you at the phenix booth at Bart hall show. 👍

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Dang man that stinks! Hopefully the 21st will be the magic ticket! What's your name brotha? Would love to connect the conversation to this comment. Tight lines!

[@tamalpias]

@@BenjieKimFishing my name is Tam. Your channel with Anthony has been extremely helpful. 👍

[@TomMendoladrums]

That about sums it up. Nice work!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thanks Tom, I certainly learned a lot in this one! Tight lines!

[@sab35263]

Nice video, what size braid and mono do they recommend?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

For braid, go with 50 to 65 lb 4 strand, for abrasion resistance. We're covering the mono question in the next video coming out any day now, but for night time seabass fishing, 40 to 50 pound is good as they're not line shy. For the daytime bite, sometimes guys will drop down as low as 30 just to gain an advantage.

[@myungkwak0311]

Amazing human and absolute beast of a fisherman. Anthony Connoli

[@dcfishingforlife]

Awesome video, brotha! Thanks for the info🤙

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thanks David, much appreciated! Wishing you a terrific weekend!

[@dcfishingforlife]

@Benjie Kim Fishing Same to you, brotha!! Tight lines🤙

[@CurrentJAM]

Great info guys! I picked up a Penn Fathom II 40N LH and i'm unfortunately sending it back, it is not smooth at all on high gear; there seems to be a lot of friction and it makes a rubbing/grinding sound as I turn the spool. It seems to be smooth and fine on low gear however.

[@TracyPaulTorres]

Hey Bengie, I was at the Bart Hart Surf Fishing seminar on March 31st. Great show! I want to make a request. Can you do a video with both you and Cory surf fishing together? I ran out of time to ask Cory at the show, about how fast is his retrieval and does he add a twitch to his swimbaits, etc. But, if you did a joint video, it could be a fun competition, your approach verse his. And I could then view his retrieval. Thanks in Advance, TP Torres

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Hey there, the seminar was a real honor to be a part of, I hope it was helpful for you! That's actually a great idea and I'll keep it in mind. That would be amazing if we could make it happen. That day was the first time I met Cory but we did exchange information so hopefully we'll keep in touch. Tight lines!

[@jwestfishing3229]

Great video! Man, I want to catch a legal WSB so bad! I have caught a few under size off the jetty with swimbaits.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Hey Jason!! Thanks so much brother! Dude, that's just a matter of time man, can't wait to see you make it happen. Hope ur well!!

[@Just_Fati89]

Great info thank you guys! 🎉

[@JD.California_monkey_mackerel]

Hello I'm new to your fishing KZbin channel I have a question ❓ what is a good inexpensive spinning and bait caster combos for pier 🎣 I have a medium Harvey 6 foot spinning rod wood it me good for pier fishing with what spinning reel should I pair it with

[@ericjohnson9193]

What about a Calstar BWC 970s paired with a Penn Slammer 3 6500?

[@bryanpalmer9903]

I'm trying to slow pitch a lot more this year. Going out on an overnight soon and hoping for sea bass. Am I getting in over my head with that thought process?

[@synaptik111]

What 2 rod and reel setups would you and/or your subs recommend for someone like me who's looking to get into sport fishing offshore? Taking trips on the Pescador going after calico bass, yellowtail, barracuda, white seabass, rockfish, lingcod, sheepshead, etc for example? I'm a pretty experienced freshwater bass fisherman, but I don't have a ton of $$$ for saltwater gear atm. I'm thinkng of starting out with a Penn 25NLD2 matched with an Okuma PCH 761H; kind of a swiss army knife initially as it were. Thanks in advance for any feedback!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

You're pretty much thinking exactly like I would - the Fathom 25NLD2 is such an amazing bang for your buck reel. I have that paired with a Phenix Black Diamond 809H and I've caught BFT and YFT up to 50 pounds. Perfect for smaller grade tuna and can handle your angry home guard yellows. I'm not familiar with the Okuma PCH but I looked it up real quick and the specs match but take my words with a grain of salt! Given what you're targeting, I'd get a Tranx or Lexa 300 and match it up with a Phenix M1 Inshore 77ML or MH. Obviously I'm biased with Phenix rods so I'm sure you could match it up with other rods and be totally fine. You could throw smaller metal jigs like Zakana for barracuda, bonito, yellowtail, etc. And it would be your workhorse for inshore calicos using swimsuits. Hope that helps!

[@synaptik111]

I really appreciate the feedback and suggestions @@BenjieKimFishing! Lots to consider - Thank you

[@SantaBarbaraFishing]

Do you think a Avit MX reel would work

[@micci7888]

What about a hair razor bucktail jig? White with a white tail added? That oughta slay em huh

[@pdxigel]

How would you decide star drag vs lever? And why no spinning reels? Thanks

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Pretty much dealers choice here. Spinning reels are certainly an option and its personal preference. Generally speaking, west coast sport boat fisherman tend to go with conventional as we like to have the option of using the rail if needed. But plenty of guys prefer and like spinning so its certainly more than viable. Star drag vs lever - dealers choice again. For me personally, I like the lever drag as a 2 speed option and generally speaking, will use a lever drag reel when targeting bigger grade fish. I've also been using a Trinidad (star drag) on loan, and while it can certainly handle bigger grade fish, I've been using it for yellowtail and small to medium bluefin. Again, this is just my personal preference...lots of other stuff going on here like pre setting the drag on a lever system and being able to adjust the level of tension based on grade of fish without screwing up the drag setting.

[@ham5765]

hwaiting!

[@grizzlytroutfishing8472]

What line would you spool the penn 25 2spd or the penn 15 2spd

[@BenjieKimFishing]

This is pretty subjective but for the Penn 25, you can go with 50 to 65 pound braid. A 4 strand braid will be better for this context (White Sea bass & bottom fishing in general) as it's coarser and more abrasion resistant and will allow you to cut through seaweed. An 8 strand braid is smoother and will be better for a live bait stick as it'll move through the water will less resistance. Power Pro is an example of 4 strand and Daiwa J Braid is an example of 8 strand. So to make a long story short(er), for White Sea bass, I'd personally go with a 65 pound 4 strand braid. If I had the luxury of multiple reels, I'd have the other one spooled with 50 to 65 lb 8 strand for live bait and I'd use that one for yellowtail and small to medium grade bluefin. Hope that helps!

[@miguelguzman1103]

Can you use a spinning reel

[@thomaschung5623]

Didn't know you guys stream...

[@racerdude7149]

Every time you say low gear you also say “faster” which is contradicting… low gear will retrieve line slower but easier on the angler

[@777Dorado]

BKF...... shore or boat

[@timklippel5164]

Kind of shocked that local shops want support but are pushing reels made overseas when there are killer options made here locally. Just my observation.. Otherwise great video.

[@jamesh7469]

Japanese reels are superior and it isn’t particularly close