03-22-2011, 05:16 PM
Well, Ugly Stik comes in a two peice surf rod, if you so choose. But do realize something, what you're trying to find does not exist, simply because of how different each type of fishing is, and what it takes equipment wise to do it. I'll explain.....
When you're surf fishing, you want a long, springy rod. Something you can really launch a bait with. Normally, the idea is to get past he breakers, so a standard length rod just isn't going to cut. Because of the distance you're going to be casting, and depending on what the target species is, you're also going to need a beefy reel, if for no other reason than line capacity.
On to pier fishing. So, you're still at the mercy of being land locked. So, you still need a reel with decent line compacity in the event you hook mr. nasty. Other wise, you'll be sittng back in discussed as you watch 15 dollars worth of line go bye bye, along with your trophy catch. Additionally, you may find a 10' plus surfrod a bit of a pill to negotiate on a pier, with 40 other anglers all trying to whore the same spot, because billy joe said he caught fish there last year. Oh yeah, tourist are a pain as well. A good 7' rod setup w/ 20 braid is perfect for a pier, IMHO.
OK, on to a boat. So, when I think fishing off of a boat, i'm thinking offshore. But, lets say you're inshore fishing. That happens to be Capt. Hoit's specialty, and that reel he suggested is bad ass, for any of the above applications granted the size of the reel matches the rod. I like that reel, but I use the Penn Sargus, which is very similar. The thing about inshore fishing, is you go a little lighter. Maybe a 6'6 rod with a lot of snap. Something you can zing an artificial lure out with, or is sensitive for live bait usage. If you go too heavy, you won't catch anything other than garbage fish. If you venture outside the shelter of the jetties or bay, all bets are off. You better have a stiff rod and good line, or you'll get your feelings hurt. Sharks, mackerel, cobia, and many others are tackle destroyers. I have a single rod and reel combo that I use for most of my medium to heavy saltwater applications. I bought a Shimano Trevala jigging spinning rod (100 bucks) and a Penn Sargus 5000 (80 bucks) spooled with Suffix Braid. I have a couple spools with different test line, so if I need the really heavy stuff, or vise versa, all I do is swap spools. So I can be dropping in 100' of water for grouper the first part of the morning, and switch up for lure casting to spanish mackerel later that afternoon. Very versitile. But, the rod is short and probably wouldn't be good for surf casting. You could probably get away with it on a pier though.
Just something to think about. If you're not doing anything but rednecking it on vacation three times a year. I wouldn't put a lot of thought into it. If you're serious about catching fish, you need to be serious about the gear you purchase, and make sure it fits the application.
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When you're surf fishing, you want a long, springy rod. Something you can really launch a bait with. Normally, the idea is to get past he breakers, so a standard length rod just isn't going to cut. Because of the distance you're going to be casting, and depending on what the target species is, you're also going to need a beefy reel, if for no other reason than line capacity.
On to pier fishing. So, you're still at the mercy of being land locked. So, you still need a reel with decent line compacity in the event you hook mr. nasty. Other wise, you'll be sittng back in discussed as you watch 15 dollars worth of line go bye bye, along with your trophy catch. Additionally, you may find a 10' plus surfrod a bit of a pill to negotiate on a pier, with 40 other anglers all trying to whore the same spot, because billy joe said he caught fish there last year. Oh yeah, tourist are a pain as well. A good 7' rod setup w/ 20 braid is perfect for a pier, IMHO.
OK, on to a boat. So, when I think fishing off of a boat, i'm thinking offshore. But, lets say you're inshore fishing. That happens to be Capt. Hoit's specialty, and that reel he suggested is bad ass, for any of the above applications granted the size of the reel matches the rod. I like that reel, but I use the Penn Sargus, which is very similar. The thing about inshore fishing, is you go a little lighter. Maybe a 6'6 rod with a lot of snap. Something you can zing an artificial lure out with, or is sensitive for live bait usage. If you go too heavy, you won't catch anything other than garbage fish. If you venture outside the shelter of the jetties or bay, all bets are off. You better have a stiff rod and good line, or you'll get your feelings hurt. Sharks, mackerel, cobia, and many others are tackle destroyers. I have a single rod and reel combo that I use for most of my medium to heavy saltwater applications. I bought a Shimano Trevala jigging spinning rod (100 bucks) and a Penn Sargus 5000 (80 bucks) spooled with Suffix Braid. I have a couple spools with different test line, so if I need the really heavy stuff, or vise versa, all I do is swap spools. So I can be dropping in 100' of water for grouper the first part of the morning, and switch up for lure casting to spanish mackerel later that afternoon. Very versitile. But, the rod is short and probably wouldn't be good for surf casting. You could probably get away with it on a pier though.
Just something to think about. If you're not doing anything but rednecking it on vacation three times a year. I wouldn't put a lot of thought into it. If you're serious about catching fish, you need to be serious about the gear you purchase, and make sure it fits the application.
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