Five O’clock Charlie Fishing Rods and Reels

Five O’clock Charlie Boat tours and Charters is a small owner operator fishing charter company that strives to provide the best equipment for clients to use while on charters. Many of my clients ask what are the best rod and reel combinations for the fish that we target in the Tampa Bay area. I have purchased and tested many different rod and reel combinations and as a guide I pick equipment that will stand up to the many different types of anglers using them on charters. I also want to make sure that this equipment can hold up in our harsh saltwater environment.

I have come to the conclusion that the following rods and reel combos are my favorite and I use them myself when I am out scouting new fishing spots. This equipment has been guide tested by myself and the thousands of clients I have taken out on fishing charters.

• Ohero Platinum 8’ fast action with a Florida Fishing Products Osprey CE Pro 4000 reel.
• Star Rod Stellar lite 7’6 Med Fast with a Florida Fishing Products Osprey CE Pro 4000 reel.
• Dark Matter SPS inshore 7’ Med Light with Daiwa Legalis LT 4000c.
• Bull Bay Stealth Sniper 7’6” with a Florida Fishing products Osprey CE Pro 4000 reel.
• Fenwick HMG inshore 7’ Heavy Fast with a Florida Fishing products Osprey CE Pro 4000 Reel.
• Bull Bay Karbine 7’6” Medium Heavy fast with a Quantum: Smoke, Cabo, Merit, Benchmark or the Reliance 4000. Some of the above have been discontinued.

The heavier trolling gear I use are Okuma SC Albacore Special 7” rod with a Florida Fishing Product Resolute Rugged series 8000.

A lot of the equipment above have very good warranty service. For instance, a Bull Bay rod may be replaced for a minimum fee if it is broken for the lifetime of the rod. The Quantum reliance reels that I have are relatively inexpensive but out of all the reels I have used on charters over the past 11 years they have held up the best. The problem with them is that I have not located parts or service for them.

The Florida Fishing Products reels have a service department and for a minimal fee you send it to them, they fix it and then ship it back to you. Without a doubt they have the best service for their reels.

The above equipment has lasted the longest out of any of the other equipment that I have used over the past eleven years.

I support local business. Much of the equipment I buy comes from Palmetto Bait and tackle which is conveniently located in the town of Palmetto, Florida. I also purchase equipment at Fisherman’s Headquarters in Bradenton. Both of these stores are staffed by long term fisherman.

Rest assured if you book a charter with Five O’clock Charlie tours and Charters inc, you will have the opportunity to test out some of this proven equipment.