Surf set up for an 11 year old

[Parapapam]

Echo that! Rod & reel exactly~ there may be a few leftover Baitrunners in a few smaller shops out there~ mfg stopped and its been replaced by (what?) Saragossa and what's the other reel??? but if you can find a 4500 or 6500 BR and match it with 50 lb braid....he'll be good to go for many seasons.

Now that I think about it~ go to the lighter reel setup....my 12 yr old son has all he can do to manage the 6500....and he really can't cast it

Thanks Rich. I appreciate the advice.

Mike

[wrap-check]

I would go spheros over baitrunner. The baitrunner feature is great from a boat, but doesn't really have a use in the surf. Spheros is alot lighter, which will be easier for a kid.

Tsunami airwaves are nice price-point surf rods -- good quality too. I'd stay on the shorter side, like 8' to make it easier for him to cast. They are much lighter than an ugly stick, so he can cast all night. Going too long on the surf rods is a really common mistake.

[Animal 1]

The new incarnation of the Baitrunner 3500,is the 8000.I just got one,and it seems as tough as the b series reels.There is DEFINATELY a place for the br on the beaches.Whether for chunking a beach,or drifting eels/plugs from a breachway/rivermouth.
I also agree on the Tsunami rod.They're lighter,and made of graphite,they cast better.It will cost more than the ugly stick,but your kids worth it,right?You should be able to get both at around the $250 mark.Good luck,if he becomes addicted to surfcasting,you're done for.

[mzajac]

Mike Tsunmai rod or a Daiwa Sealine rod. Cheap, light, and durable. Again the baitrunner is a good choice. 8.5 foot rod is a size he should be able to handle.

[Parapapam]

Good luck,if he becomes addicted to surfcasting,you're done for.

He is already addicted to Tuna Fishing... how much worse can it get? Surfcasting is supposed to be the "cheap" activity.

Thanks guys. I bought a Baitrunner 3500 on ebay. We can swap it around with his Penn 4500 that he uses on the boat. He can decide when and where he wants to use either reel. These may be a little too small... but he won't throw a lure 100 yards anyway.

Now on to the rod. Great suggestions above. Thanks.

Mike

[rirockhound]

Put a piece of PVC on the angled cross bar of his bike (facing forward) and a small bungee to hold the rod in.

thats how I got around as a kid....

[Dads Dream]

Put a piece of PVC on the angled cross bar of his bike (facing forward) and a small bungee to hold the rod in.

thats how I got around as a kid....

That's Awesome! You musta had the first bike-mounted rocket launcher!....wtg! ~Rich