A lighter casting rod

[Bob G]

I've fished Hatteras for years with spinning, and over the years built up enough envy for the long throws to go for a casting rod. But, not looking for the standard big drum heaver. Would like a lighter rig matched to the smaller fish I usually catch (blues, puppy drum, etc), but one that can still throw 5-6 oz of lead. Cabela's has a Quantum Great White surf casting rod on sale that's 9 feet, and rated for 2-8 oz. Seems like what I'm looking for. Any advice on rods along these lines and matching reels would be appreciated.

[EShoreFF]

I thinking about buying a rod for a friend, for the money check out the Tica Surf rods. Reasonably priced and graphite. If anyone has one please let me know what you think.

[Surfisherman]

In my opinion, the best medium and lighter action surf rods are made by GLoomis. They are light, well balanced and have a variety of actions to chhose from. Ticas are also light, I like Penn surf rods and believe it or not shakespere ugly sticks are awsome rods when you stay at or below the 15 lb line class, (above that they tend to be lacking in backbone). I might be wrong but my experience with okuma rods are not good.

[gus]

i have 3 ticas and they are great, the guides arent however. if anything u can just replace the tip guide eventually when it craps out. another option is to check out the tica dolphin series which employs fuji guides.

[basstardo]

I just bought a Diawa Emblem surf casting rod. I used it at the Point this weekend and I think I'll be picking up a couple more. I have a SL20SH on it now, but I'm going to put an Abu 7000 on it soon I think. Great rod for the money in my opinion. 130 bucks at Bass Pro.

[Fishman]

Diawa Sealine X rods are good sticks to use, strong backbone and in many sizes. St Croix also have some good rods that will fi your needs.

[Seahunter]

If you decide to go with the Diawa Sealine X rods make sure to purchase a few extra tips to carry along with you. Every one I've seen has lost the insert out of the tip of the rod which I attribute to Diawa using too small of a tip on those rods.

[Fishman]

Ive had no problems with mine you might wanna check yor knots mabe to big or not taperd properlt.

[Seahunter]

Ive had no problems with mine you might wanna check yor knots mabe to big or not taperd properlt.

The tips on the Diawa are too small and just plain cheap. It's not a bad rod but a tip is no place to cut corners.

[cartmancop]

Good info. here. Thanks.

[Bob G]

Thanks, I appreciate everyone's suggestions and will check them out.

[uncle phill]

I just got a Penn 525 mag and was flat out AMAZED at how far I could throw 4 and 5 oz of lead with bait. Its mounted on a 11' MH Diawa SealineX (rated for 3-7 oz I think). Did not have ANY problems with blow ups or break offs. Used 15" BPS excel line and cast nearly half the line off the spool. Perfect beginners conventional reel, can't say enough about it [excited].

[Lipyourown]

I'd go tica for my first rod, some of the originals had eye problems but the new dolphin series have fuji guides. Loomis and St Croix are great but twice as much. Look hard at the penn 525 mag or any ABU reels- 6500 to 7000 if you aren't after say cobia. No levelwinds.

distance is 85% technique but that technique will be hard to refine with something cheaper than a tica, no noodle rods.

Just my opinion.

[Myrtle]

Hi Bob g,

I would really look at something longer than 9 feet for bait fishing in the surf. Also, be very careful with rods that have really wide casting weight ranges such as the one you mentioned. They are usually so compromised that they do not function well at any weight being used. Right now, it is my personal opinion that the very best light bait casting production surf rod is the Breakaway LDX. They are 13 feet long, extremely light, built with good components and will cast a country mile. Matched up with a smaller reel such as the ABU 6500C3CT you will have an outfit that you can hold all day without any problem and catch all the blues, pups and rockfish that come along. I have been fishing with the extremely high end English made custom long distance rods for many years and found the LDX compared nicely with them as to performance and function at less than half the price.

[bigg09]

i just bought a tsunami 11' conventional rod($99). i think they have better components that the low end ticas. i put a sl20sh($99) on it whole rig with line was less than $230 including tax. 4-10oz weight range. i have 17# suffix line and throw 8oz optimal with no problem. pretty light for a reasonable price.
casey

[Capt Rick]

Have you seen the new Shakespeare Ugly-Stick Custom rods? They have a new surf rod that looks like a St-Croix. Check it out.
http://www.shakespeare-fishing.com/images/rods/ugly-custom-graphite.jpg

Here is a link to there site.
http://www.shakespeare-fishing.com/products/rods/ugly-custom-graphite.shtml