First things first! Right combination of rod and reel is important right before you head out for a new angling adventure – coming back to the topic, there are millions of rods available, but the combination of Berkley Lightning Rod 7ft with the Okuma Hakai Reel seems to get a lot of attention as it is sturdy, affordable and multi-functional. Whether you are a bass, pike or even a walleye angler, and looking forward to freshwater and light saltwater fishing - the right picks of lures can transform your game! Let’s get started exploring the best lures we could pair together with the Berkley Lightning Rod 7ft and Okuma Hakai reel combination, so that the next time you head out you have the best chances of catching a trophy fish.
Why the Berkley Lightning Rod 7ft and Okuma Hakai Reel Combo Is Perfect for a Variety of Lures
But first things first, let us take a look at why the Berkley Lightning Rod 7ft and the Okuma Hakai Reel combination is strong and trustworthy when it comes to using a variety of fishing styles allowing you to focus on the lure selection aspect of the fishing trip.
Berkley Lightning Rod 7ft: The Ideal Length for Versatility
With a relatively elevated tip depending on the casting style employed, this rod is optimal for bass fishing as it offers great sensitivity and strong power allowing for versatile fishing methods. The rod can be used for pike fishing without any hindrances as it allows easy trolling. Such an advantage is due to the rod’s length of about 7ft. A medium power rating allows the rod to be used with different varieties of lures from light crankbaits to jigs and heavier soft plastics.
Length: 7 feet
Power: Medium
Material: A combination of 24-ton Graphite composite, high on strength and sensitivity
Action: Fast action tip, enabling users to set hooks quickly
Due to the high adaptability the rod provides in terms of strength, sensitivity and portability one can easily employ it on a variety of lures from finesse to more powerful techniques.
Okuma Hakai Reel: Smooth and Reliable Performance
The Okuma Hakai Reel puts the final touch on the Berkley Lightning Rod 7ft in what has to be the ultimate combination. Having been a favorite among anglers for years now, this robust Retrovibe reel makes casting and retrieval extremely simple, especially when using fast lures such as spinnerbaits or trolling. The gear ratio (around 7.3:1) allows for fast line retrieval which is perfect for when a fish is darting towards the boat and you are in a rush to reel it in.
Gear Ratio: 7.3:1 to quick retrieve the line
Drag System: Multi-disk for smooth and even drag pressures
Line Capacity: 200 yards of 6-10 pound monofilament or braid
Material: Corrosion-resistant materials to hold up in Saltwater and Freshwater
The Okuma Hakai Reel and the Berkley Lightning Rod 7ft work well in harmony allowing the angler to use a variety of lures. As such, let’s take a look at some of the best lures suited for this rod and reel combo.
Top Lures for the Berkley Lightning Rod 7ft and Okuma Hakai Reel Combo
1. Crankbaits: Ideal for Shallow and Medium-Depth Fishing
Crankbaits are such a plug and play option for almost every situation. In particular, when combined with the Berkley Lightning Rod 7ft, the results are fantastic. The fast action tip of the rod helps you maintain control of the bait and execute strong casts while the Okuma Hakai Reel lets you save time when a fast retrieval is needed.
Suitable For: Bass, walleye, and pike
Water Depth: 3-10’ (Shallow and Med Depths)
Best Models to Use: Rapala Original Floater or Strike King KVD Square Bill
Crankbaits can imitate wounded prey or struggling baitfish which can entice plenty of predatory fish, and with the Berkley Lightning Rod 7ft you will be able to use such lures with much sharper movements, allowing you to work them much more efficiently.
2. Jigs: Versatile and Effective in Various Conditions
You might want to try both jigging and the berkley lightning rod 7ft when looking to target walleye or bass of other species. With a medium power rating, the jigging rod has the perfect amount of flex to allow you to feel those tugs without sacrificing strength needed for larger fish. There’s also the Okuma Hakai Reel which has a very effective drag system that is easy to use especially when trying to bait fish out of their cover.
Best for: Walleye, bass and crappie
Water Depth: Any depth of water is suitable ranging from deep to shallow
Recommended Models: Use either Z-man Finess Jigs or Berkley PowerBait Jigs
Whether you’re fishing off the boat, or, from the shore jigging presentations have the potential to reel in fish even in the most undesirable conditions. Add on prevailing weather conditions and jigs become useful lures to add to your arsenal.
3. Spinnerbaits: Great for Reaction Strikes
For those looking to fish spinnerbaits, it’s ideal for those trying to fish in fast-moving waters or covering more extensive waters. If you use a Berkley Lightning Rod 7ft rod, it may be possible to feel the vibration of blades on the reels, and if Fishing in One spots try to use the Okuma Hakai Reel, as it is used for encapsulating what is left unused in the fast join ideas. Spinnerbaits are perfect for making even those angers that have teeth such as bass go wild and bite.
Best for: Bass, pike, and muskie
Water Depth: Shallow to medium depths
Recommended Models: Strike King Spinnerbait or Booyah Pond Magic Spinnerbait
The spinning blades usually result in spinner baits becoming targets for the predatory fish species during their active feeding condition. Spinner baits make a suitable choice when trying to fish in places that have submerged rocks or weeds.
4. Soft Plastics: For a More Subtle Approach
For those who want to go a bit more angler-friendly, with soft plastics, it may be entirely possible to catch walleye and bass. With a water temperature that is usually low or walleye and bass becoming less aggressive. The Berkley Lightning Rod 7ft sensitivity may allow for even the slightest nip from the rods to be detected followed by a quick hug if you caught the fish's good bone.
Best for: Catching bass, walleye, and panfish species
Water Depth: Structure across both shallow water and deeper waters
Recommended Models: Berkley PowerBait Soft Plastics or Zoom Trick Worms
Worms, grubs, and creature baits fall under the ‘soft plastics’ category and can be used with different sets like Texas and Carolina rig, making them versatile for a range of fishing conditions. These lures come in handy in that situation where fish aren't inclined to bite as anglers are finding it a bit tougher to catch them.
5. Topwater Lures: For a Thrilling Surface Strike
For fishing activity during hot summers, using topwater lures such as poppers and walking baits especially when aiming at fish closer to the surface. It is worth noting also that the geometry and action of the 7ft Berkley Lightning Rod aid in enabling you to work these lures effectively on fish. The fast retrieval of the Okuma Hakai Reel enables you to replicate the frantic, erratic, and desperate movements of struggling prey.
Best for: Bass, pike, and muskie
Water Depth: Very shallow (One to five feet as a rule of thumb)
Recommended Models: Heddon Super Spook or Rebel Pop-R
Topwater lures are without a doubt one of the most thrilling ways of fishing thanks to the explosive surface strikes that they create. You only need to couple the setup with the Berkley Lightning Rod 7ft and the reels from Okuma Hakai, and you will find yourself with the right arsenal to enjoy those plenty of explosive catches.
Conclusion
The wide variety of lures and the high rate of reliability of the Berkley Lightning Rod 7ft and Okuma Hakai Reel combo creates a formidable duo. Whether it be crankbaits for bass fishing, jigs for walleye or top water lures for some good action, that combination does wonders. Altering your lures according to the conditions of places you are fishing at will boost your odds of resulting in more successful and enjoyable fishing outings. Good luck with fishing!
