Surf Casting Rod

[SkiEvil]

I am heading down to the Outer Banks for a week or so in a month. Being the gear whore I am I want to buy a surf casting rod to take along with me. I have done a lot of salt water fishing, just not a lot of surf casting. Wondering what size rod I should buy? What lb weight line I should use? I have seen recommendations for anywhere from 7 - 10 ft rods and 10 - 30lb line.

Anyone here have any first hand experience that they can share?

[Free Range Lobster]

Red Drum or stripers?
bait?
plugs?
jigs?

need more details.

[mushmouth]

I prefer to use smaller rods and 14-20lb braid lines.

The specs for the rods I use in the surf are:
7' inshore spinning rod - Medium weight (lure weight 1/4-3/8oz, line wieght 8-12lb), fast action, w/14lb braid

7'6" inshore sr - medium heavy (lure weight 3/8-1.50oz, line wieght 10-20lb), fast action, w/20lb braid

I have no issues (besides a little rod wear on the smaller one) casting 3oz plugs, tins, or bucktails a long way with either rod.

I also have the standard surf rod with the long butt (9' mh, fast action), but to me those are best for when using bait.

When i fish the surf I like to walk a lot and cast a lot so I prefer the smaller "inshore" rods.

Do you have any sense of how you'll be fishing (bait, lures, etc.?)

[SkiEvil]

Probably a bit of both lures and bait. Not sure what will be running in July. I know that Drum are always there, I am not sure when Mackerel start their run. When I fish freshwater I am typically use lures, but I am sure there will be times when I just want to throw it out there and let it sit while I enjoy a beer. Sounds like a 7.5 might be the fit for me.

[Free Range Lobster]

You'll be dealing with some moving water/surf.

If you wanna be able to throw with the rest, invest in a Nautil 6500 or 7500 if you wanna go spin or find a penn 704z or bigger.... Abu 7000 HSN or Shimano Calcutta 400TE if you want to go convench.

Rod? 10 foot... Tsunami or the like are cheap enough.... 2-6 is probably a reasonable range to throw big wood/tins/4oz and bait.

My current surf/jetty arsenal is:
Factory Lamiglass 8'6" 1pc 3/4-2 Shimano Calcutta Conquest 400 (lighter plugs)
Custom Allstar 10' 2pc 2-4 Shimano Calcutta Conquest 400 (plugs/eels)
Custom Allstar 10'6" 1pc 4-8 Avet SX magged (bait/big big wood)
Custom Allstar 10' 1pc 6-10 Avet SX magged (jigging for the Cape Cod Canal/8+bait)

[KIRinPNW]

My current surf/jetty arsenal is:
Factory Lamiglass 8'6" 1pc 3/4-2 Shimano Calcutta Conquest 400 (lighter plugs)
Custom Allstar 10' 2pc 2-4 Shimano Calcutta Conquest 400 (plugs/eels)
Custom Allstar 10'6" 1pc 4-8 Avet SX magged (bait/big big wood)
Custom Allstar 10' 1pc 6-10 Avet SX magged (jigging for the Cape Cod Canal/8+bait)


That is quite the money set up. Especially the 8'6" with the Conquest.

[SkiEvil]

FRL - HOLY SHIT! There is some money there. I do not think I can justify that kind of ching for once or twice a year. I think I am going to go with a 9 footer with a Penn reel. I am heading out to Gander Mountain and Dicks this weekend to look around. BTW - when are you heading to KW?

[Free Range Lobster]

take a look at 9 foot/10 foot Ticas or Tsunamis.
They're cheap rods but they work well.

And yes, I have ALOT of money in saltwater fishing gear. :D
I'm just glad I don't have to spend any money on plugs.

[SkiEvil]

So a little research has shown that I am more of a JONG at this than I first thought. I went to Wall Mart, Gander Mountain, Dick's and K-Mart. I tried to go to International Angler but they were closed yesterday.

Few things I learned. Do not go Wall Mart, Gander Mountain, Dick's and K-Mart in Western PA to look for a Surf Casting set up. Do not go to Cabela's in Wheeling looking for one either (at least I just called them instead of making the drive.)

The closest thing I found was a Catfish rod at Gander so it looks like I am going to have to buy online if I want one before I get there. Anyone know any good online resources? Cabela's pricing looks solid and they have a good reputation but that is about the extent of my knowledge.

[Odin]

I'm just glad I don't have to spend any money on plugs.

Because you have a spancership with the hair club for men?

[Free Range Lobster]

Because you have a spancership with the hair club for men?

FKNA!
:D

[Free Range Lobster]

Anyone know any good online resources?

Cape Cod Tackle
Tackle Direct
stripersonline
NJTackle

[Lonnie]

Repost the question here....

http://fishmojo.com/forums/

Edit: Check this tread...

http://fishmojo.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12657

Edit2: I think that the 11' 4-7 oz rod they talk about in that thread would be perfect. $85.

or call Frank and Frans (http://www.hatteras-island.com/) or Red Drum Tackle (http://www.reddrumtackle.com/)

I've fished at the OBX quite a bit (many years ago). For bait fishing, be prepared to throw 17lb-20lb test line line on a rod that can easily handle 3-6 oz of lead and up to 8oz in a pinch. If not, you'll be drift fishing. (there is a reason they fish with "frog tongues" and "sputniks" down there...)

[SkiEvil]

Thanks to everyone who responded, I ended up going a little on the cheap side, just because we are getting ready to move into a new house and cash is a little tight. Went to Cabela's and got a Daiwa Eliminator 10 footer with a Cabela Salt Water Striker Spinning reel. I got the whole package including some 15 lb test and a spool of shock leader for $100 bucks. I will post a trip report when I return.

[Lonnie]

Went to Cabela's and got a Daiwa Eliminator 10 footer

I've got that same rod. It will serve you well.