Rock Fishing (Iso) Starter Kit

Rod

Get: 5.3 m iso rod, No. 1.5 (light-medium) — long, soft-tipped, made for float rigs

Why it's in the kit: Length keeps line off the rocks and the float out past the wash; the soft tip protects the fine leaders iso fishing depends on and telegraphs shy seabream bites.

Budget: Entry carbon iso rod — ≈ $55–80

Step-up: Higher-grade 1.5 rod with better guides — ≈ $130–190

Reel

Get: 2500–3000 size spinning reel, spooled with about 150 m of line

Why it's in the kit: Mostly it stores line and handles the fish that run. Smooth drag matters more than size — seabream are played, not winched.

Budget: Basic 3000 spinning reel — ≈ $22–35

Step-up: Lever-brake (LB) iso reel for finger control — ≈ $70–110

Line system

Get: Semi-floating main line No. 3 (about 12 lb) + fluorocarbon leaders No. 1.5–2.5 kept on spools

Why it's in the kit: Semi-float line rides the surface so the float drifts naturally; carrying two leader strengths lets you drop to invisible line when the fish get shy, or step up around sharp rock.

Budget: Main line + two leader spools — ≈ $12–18

Step-up: Premium semi-float + three leader strengths — ≈ $24–36

Float rig set

Get: Awa (cone) floats B–3B, underwater floats (suichu), line stoppers and beads, karamanbo keepers, split-shot assortment

Why it's in the kit: This is the iso rig itself: the awa shows the bite, the underwater float sets the drift depth and slows the rig in current, and the small parts tune how the bait sinks through the strike zone.

Budget: Starter awa rig assortment — ≈ $12–18

Step-up: Full G-range assortment in a rig case — ≈ $22–34

Hooks

Get: Rock-fishing (chinu-style) hooks No. 2–5, two packs, plus spare snap swivels

Why it's in the kit: Chinu-pattern hooks match a seabream's small, hard mouth and hold when it lunges for the rock. Carry the size range — the right hook changes with bait and fish size on the day.

Budget: Two packs of hooks — ≈ $5–8

Step-up: Three sizes, chemically sharpened — ≈ $9–14

Chum kit

Get: Groundbait mix (krill + iso powder), mixing bucket and a long-handled chum ladle

Why it's in the kit: Iso fishing is feeding first, fishing second: a steady trickle of chum holds seabream in front of you, and the ladle places it exactly on your float's drift line.

Budget: One groundbait bag + bucket + ladle — ≈ $14–20

Step-up: Two mixes + krill block + long ladle — ≈ $24–38

Landing net

Get: Long collapsible landing net (iso tamo, about 5–6 m reach) with fine mesh

Why it's in the kit: From rock height you cannot lift a seabream on 2号 leader. The long net reaches the water and ends the fight safely — for the fish and your rig.

Budget: Basic telescopic iso net — ≈ $18–28

Step-up: Carbon-shaft net + net holster — ≈ $40–65

Safety gear

Get: Non-slip rock fishing shoes (felt or spike soles) + an inflatable or foam life vest

Why it's in the kit: Non-negotiable on wet rock. Spiked or felt soles grip algae-covered stone, and the vest is the difference between a scare and a tragedy if a wave takes you.

Budget: Spike shoes + basic vest — ≈ $30–45

Step-up: Felt-spike boots + auto-inflate belt vest — ≈ $70–110