Surf Casting Reels

[Century2000]

My in-laws have a place on the Jersey Shore (Stone Harbor) and my father-in-law and I love to fish. We've recently tried our luck surf fishing but have only caught a small shark and a skate- no stripers yet.
I was using a cheap Okuma reel last fall on a nice 10 ft. Outer Banks rod but the reel broke so I'm looking to replace it. However, I'm not sure want to look for...baitcaster vs. spinning? Any advice would be great.

Thanks,
Mike

[bozwell]

Baitcasters seems to be easier to cast heavier baits than spinners.

I have 2 baitcaster rigs I use:

- Shimano Calcutta 700S on a 12ft. Tsunami Rod (20-40#, 4-10oz wt.)

- Daiwa Sealine-X Reel on an 11ft. Penn Guide Series Surf Rod (20-40#, 3-8oz wt.)

I also have a couple of spinners (Daiwa Black Gold Spinning Reels) I use for live baits and plugs.

Hope this helps.

[Custer]

I like the Shimano Stradics for spinning reels, but I use braid on my spinners..

for casting rigs, the diawa sl-30 (or 20)-shv are the ticket...

[bozwell]

FYI -

http://www.tidalfish.com/boards2/viewthread.asp?page=1&pagesize=10&forum=AMB_AP332285722&id=352315

[hardhead]

Well,opinions will vary but I think you will end up using conventional gear surf fishing sooner or later.excepting the very lightest lures in the wash, conventional reels do a better job.(watch the posts on this).usually levelwind for lures\non levelwind for baits, is a rule of thumb.If you use a non levelwind for awhile you will learn to automatically level the line with your rod hand pretty quick.Abu's are my favorite,but Penn ,Diawa, newell, shimano,etc. all have a following. If nowhere else at least in 6& bait you will realize gains with conventional gear.
Wes

[DS422]

I'm looking to match up my Daiwa Emblem XT 5500 spinning reel with a decent surf rod that will not break the bank, but one that will also get the job done. Any advise? I'd like to sling both lures and bait for stripers.

[Pauky]

DS422 originally wrote:
I'm looking to match up my Daiwa Emblem XT 6500 spinning reel with a decent surf rod that will not break the bank, but one that will also get the job done. Any advise? I'd like to sling both lures and bait for stripers.


Ocean Master, Tica, and Tsunami. All for around $100 give/take.

[DS422]

Pauky,

What would be a good length for the rod to go with the reel?

[Pauky]

If you're casting from the surf, between 10-12 footers. The longer the rod, the further the cast. I have a 10, 10.5 and an 11. I keep mine no longer than 11 so they'll fit in my trunk.

[Seahunter]

decent surf rod that will not break the bank, but one that will also get the job done. Any advise? I'd like to sling both lures and bait for stripers.

How much weight are you trying to throw? Most rods are only good for plus or minus 2 oz. at best.

[tenchi_the_fish]

[excited] OK, I have been surf fishing since I was 15 and I think it's the best way to get big fish without the boat. My personal arenal consist of 9' lamiglas spinning rod with a quantum cabo 40 spinning reel spooled with 30 braid for the light fishing and blitz, tica 10' spinning with a penn slammer 460 spooled with 17lb ande for close to shore fishing, 11' lamiglas spinning with penn 706 spooled with 20lb trilene big game for heavy applications, 8' st croix conventional with daiwa millionare cvz spooled with 20lb braid for small jigs and bait, 12' tica conventional with daiwa slosh 20 spooled with 17lb ande mono and shock line for 8 & bait, 12' lamiglas conventional with penn 525 mag spooled with 15lb big game mono and shock line for 4-6 & bait or for getting the heavier jigs over the breaks. Hope this helps.[wink]

[Custer]

If you don't want to break the bank....Bass Pro has the Oceanmaster series, Tica rods are good, Diawa sealine X are good also.

That'll get ya started...

but one day, someone is gonna show up with a custom, you'll see their bait land 3 waves further out then yers....

and you'll be hooked harder then yer catch....

I started the same way, now I save fer 6 months to buy my rods...

the difference between weight, and action of a custom vs anything else is unreal, I didn't believe it until I tried one.

Good Luck !!

[Dixie]

Custer,

You said it right when it comes to custom rods!

Been using factory rods for years with nice results (Tica, Tsuanmi, etc.) but finally broke down and got 1 Conventional and 1 spinning custom this winter and I can't wait for the spring!

[Seahunter]

I can't wait for the spring!
Why wait? The Fat lady hasn't sung down that way yet[grin]

[hardhead]

shhhhhh, Seahunter those NC boy's are trying to keep a secret.Wes

[Custer]

That's a Secret ?????

That's like sayin politicians lie....

heheeeeee[angel]

[Seahunter]

those NC boy's are trying to keep a secret

Heck, they're the ones callin me. [smile]

Headin down on the 18th for 5 days

[hardhead]

Roger that,my phone is ringing off the hook...........can't go just started a new job..........that's life ain't it.
Wes

[Seahunter]

can't go just started a new job

You obviously have your priorities misaligned [grin]

My boss is hounding me for my “spring fishing schedule” so he can schedule a few customer meetings when he comes over the end of April.[smile]

[hardhead]

Roger that also,best of luck to you Seahunter.Please post after tou slay em.
Wes