Surfcasting Reels

[catchemup]

As mentioned the Abu 6500's, Penn 525 mag and also the Diawa SL30SH.

[flappyj]

i have a shimano stradic 5000 and love it for pluggin. its smooth and solid feeling. it is high maintenince though as you cant let any sand get in it or you have to take it down. for me i dont mind cause i like to tinker w/ my gear anyway.

[TriAngler]

Yeah - the Van Staal's are tough, and price wise they're damned proud of them - surely could not leave them in the rod rack, even when walking up the beach. But in the end, it's still a spinning reel. Great for plugs at night, or when you are just casting plugs/lures/spoons over and over. But if distance is a factor in your surf fishing, conventionals are in order, without debate. Here I'd second the Penn 525Mag or the Ambassadeurs others have mentioned. Also great in this category - Shimano Calcutta 400s and 700s - although the 400 is too small for distance/8nbait type fishing and the 700 is a little on the large/heavy side - especially if you are gonna hold in your hand all day. All are smooth casting. Proper setting on Mag or Centifugal Brakes AND spool tension knob will allow even a novice to quickly build confidence in a fuzz free cast. For the money (there are MANY other options) - a good affordable starting rig would match a 525 mag with a production built TICA or Breakaway 12 ft rod rated to 12oz - for a total investment of about $250-300. If casting conventionals gets in your blood, you'll eventually want to upgrade the rod - but you'll still have the 525. Either way, with this entry level outfit and a practiced, smooth Hatteras Cast, you'll soon achieve more distance than any spinner at any price.

Like everthing else - to the best of your budget/ability - try to match each tool to its purpose. No single rod/reel/boat/etc. will do it all.

For safety sake - and managing hoss stripers/drum in the wash - learn to tie an reliable Albright or double uni - and always use a shock leader when casting.

[Capt_John]

Man, i miss long distance surf casting for big bull reds,sea mullet,spots,pompano,trout,and flounder in the surf...... . Oh well anyway, my favorite was always an Abu-Garcia 9000 or 10000 Ambassador w/ an old 10' Hatteras Heaver for my heavy rig. An Abu-Garcia 7000 w/ a 10' Daiwa Sealine surfcaster for med. fishing,and a 6500C3 Ambassador for med.-light casting. For trout,flounder,etc. I used a Shimano Stradic 4000 w/ an 8'6" light action rod with 8lb. fireline.

[TriAngler]

Sounds like you were rigged for business Capt John. Come on back - we'd be happy to share. Now, you can't be toooo miserable in Hilton Head - just tell me you didn't trade you fishing sticks for golf sticks!

[Capt_John]

Nah, no golf for me. They're seeing worse. They're in my mom's shed in Jacksonville,NC. I'd like to come back soon. I will say this. We got huge drum here.