Recommend a good surf rod and reel?

[seafugi]

We have been fishing from our boat for years but never tried surf fishing. This year I'd like to try surf fishing when the spring trophy striper season comes around in April. I just need a little advice on a good surf rod and reel setup. It doesnt have to be the most expensive - just looking for something of average price that will hold up. What is a good length and make of reel, pound test, etc? Thanks!

[Scooper]

depends on the surf/shore conditions, how you plan on fishing (bait vs lure) and how far you need cast to get to the target range... For bait (Bunker, Clam, etc) I would suggest a 10' - 11' pole. I use 30# Braid and that gets me some extra distance (vs. mono). If the conditions are appropriate, I will use a pole that is a little shorter, lighter and easier to handle for lures & plugs, ~8.5'-9'. Again, I use 30# braid.

Good luck and have fun!

[LuckyLady]

We have been fishing from our boat for years but never tried surf fishing. This year I'd like to try surf fishing when the spring trophy striper season comes around in April. I just need a little advice on a good surf rod and reel setup. It doesnt have to be the most expensive - just looking for something of average price that will hold up. What is a good length and make of reel, pound test, etc? Thanks!

I just posted a similar question in a different thread. I have a tica rod now http://www.sportfishermen.com/board/...d-1178297.html

12' Fast action . I bought the rod so long ago I don't remember the cost. I think its around 100 bucks.

The reel I use is a shimano spheros (spelling) that I also use for inshore fishing , I just swap it off the surf rod. I don't like bulky heavy reels as I have tiny hands and it just does't work out for me well

[SportFishStaff]

The Tica's offer a good range of rods at a good price. I fish Cape may NJ a lot and i think our conditions are pretty similar.

I use the 8 ft md/hvy has a good tip for slinging metals and plugs.

They make an 11 and a 12 fter its a good option for slinging bait.

Daiwa BG series is a great reel. Not the fanciest but are great workhorses. Are built to withstand the salt and sand associated with surf fishing

Good luck Tim

[seafugi]

Thanks for the great advice, thats going to be my Christmas gift from my wife..The only thing I have to do is pick it out,I will be using that info when I look....

[afishhunter]

Another good outfit for the buck is a Shakespear Ugly Stick surf rod with either a Mitchell 302/402 (not braid friendly unless it has the manual pickup conversion) or an Okuma Avenger 80 reel. Your looking at under $125 with mono line for everything, and you can land anything you'll catch with these.