My neighbor wants to try surf fishing. I’m fairly new to the game so I didn’t provide much advice when he asked about what I recommended for a good combo. Can any of you with insight and experience recommend a decent outfit without costing him too much? Thanks in advance.
A 5000 to 7000 size reel (Penn, Shimano are good brands) and an 8-10’ surf rod. He could go to a tackle shop and they could set him up or if he wants to go cheap try the WalMart.
Skimping on the rod you can get away with. My favorite rods now are only like $22.00. The reel, you won’t get away with cheap. I realy like Quantums pt 50&60 series spinners. Very smooth drags and clean up like new. Of course my gear is in the surf 3-5 days a week during the long days. It gets very salty. Cheap reels will lock up after one season. Have thrown many away.
“If it were catching, Everyone would be good at it.”
What surf rod for $22, might have to get me one.
if youre gonna be casting i recommend a 10 foot medium heavy ugly stick ($60) and spinning reel of your choice. the end is light enough to see bites from whiting no problem, but the rod itself is durable enough to take a beating from bigger sharks, big rays, and bull reds should you hook one.
Quantum BLRS902MH 9’ mh 2 piece. WallysWorld $21.97. Also BLR802MH 8’. Have had a couple for several years no issues. I did break an 8 footer last season trying to cast 6oz. plus bait :-). Tow was awful that trip.
Great stuff! Thanks you. What kind of line is recommended? Some have said to put 100 yds of strong mono, 50#, and then tie into it some 30 lb. braid. Any thoughts?/
type of line will depend on what youre after…you after just whiting and small stuff or thinking bull reds and sharks?
retiredbc72, What kind of line…this can be a very touchy subject. But my opinion, Surf Fishing ( from the beach ), From the start of surf season till mid Oct. I will spool 15lb. mono with a 50lb mono double drop rig. No braid at all, the sand and shells will shred it quickly. In Oct. in anticipation of Bull Reds, I’ll spool 20lb. mono with same rig. Most surf fish species are really small. Even BIG Black drum (28"+) don’t pull that hard. And the small dia. line has less drag. Plus if you want, you could cast a mile or so. Now from the pier use all the braid you can buy.
“If it were catching, Everyone would be good at it.”