Surf Fishing

[Bayclub Carl]

Alot of my brother surfcasters are switching to seven and nine foot rods on the beach instead of the big boys. Has anyone else found the shorter rods to be an advantage.

[esangler]

Shorter rods definitely have their place, paricularly when targeting smaller fish, using lighter tackle, and finding the fish near the beach. However, if you only can take one rod, and the fish are a long way out, you may find them beyond the casting capacity of a shorter rod.

[flatbottom]

you can work the plugs in the surf easier with 7' rods. Lighter, more action, fun !!!!!

[Bayclub Carl]

Thanks Flat I can always count on you for sound advice.

[Scooper]

depends on the conditions.... I love to use a 8' w/ medium action in calm conditions when I plan on doing a lot of casting (plugging). Lighter weight is easier on the arms and fun to catch fish on. It has enough back bone so if I want to toss some bait I can get by, again in calm conditions. But if I need to get out a ways, or you need some weight to hold bottom, then you have to pull out big guns and heavy tackle.

[Bayclub Carl]

Thanks es. That makes sense.

[Bayclub Carl]

Appreciate the info Scooper.

[Bayclub Carl]

I understand the plugging concept you guys are talking about, but these casters are throwing the same big rigs and heavy sinkers that they use with the big rods.

[esangler]

I understand the plugging concept you guys are talking about, but these casters are throwing the same big rigs and heavy sinkers that they use with the big rods.

BC:
Who haven't given us a whole lot of information regarding the rods, except for the length. If the shorter rods are the same weight class as the longer rods (i.e, both are rated 2-5 ounces), then there really is not that much of a tradeoff. If the shorter rods are rated lighter than the heavy rods and the weights that you are casting exceed the load capacity for the smaller rods, that does not mean that they cannot be used, it just means that extra care and finesse must be applied with casting. An agressive cast on a light over loaded rod could result in a broken rod.

[Scooper]

you could do it, make sure the rod can handle the tackle... but other than overall weight of your rod, I'm not sure there is an advantage.

Some people prefer the shorter rods because they are easier handle and cast... You'll definitely sacrifice distance... which may not be an issue depending on conditions.

Have you asked them why they switched?