Surf fishing rod

[gwchem]

Apologies if this has been covered.

We're heading to OBX this summer and I want to buy my dad a new surf rod and reel. My budget is between $1-200. We're very casual fishermen and usually just use cheap spinning packages. Can anyone recommend a rod and reel? If you're recommending a different type of reel, can you comment on the ease of use?

[gtodave]

Answer is: it depends. Are you going to cast bait? Lures?

If bait, you'll need a rod rated for 8 ounces. Most anywhere in OBX will require 4-6oz of weight, plus your bait chunk. Sometimes 8oz doesn't even hold.

If lures, you'll want a fast-action rod in the 2-6oz zone (there is a specific plugging Tica rod that is 1-3oz).

I would suggest you go to one of the local tackle shops down there, tell them how you're fishing and what your budget is, and take their recommendation. They aren't much more expensive than "online" ordering, and you get good advice from locals, so it should work better for how you fish.

There are a plethora of $50 "surf" combos out there, usually in the 1-3oz range. They generally aren't near enough rod for OBX surf, and they will hinder your fishing, big time. Use as a last resort. For $250, you could get a decent combo that will last, and serve your purposes well.

[gtodave]

I wanted to add:

You'll want at least a 9' rod, but if you aren't used to big rods, don't go more than 11'. 10'6" is probably the max you'll want.

I have several Tica rods and use them regularly at OBX. This would be a good one:

https://www.tackledirect.com/tica-ue...cf9d7c6ff59589

Combined with a 4000 or 5000 Battle II, and you've got a solid combo:

https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/penn...2&gclsrc=3p.ds

...but that's a good bit over your budget.


Here's a Penn combo near your price range: https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/penn...ombo?rrec=true

I've never used that rod, and it's only rated up to 5oz, but you'd be able to fish multiple ways on fair weather days.

[gwchem]

Originally Posted by gtodave

I wanted to add:

You'll want at least a 9' rod, but if you aren't used to big rods, don't go more than 11'. 10'6" is probably the max you'll want.

I have several Tica rods and use them regularly at OBX. This would be a good one:

https://www.tackledirect.com/tica-ue...cf9d7c6ff59589

Combined with a 4000 or 5000 Battle II, and you've got a solid combo:

https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/penn...2&gclsrc=3p.ds

...but that's a good bit over your budget.


Here's a Penn combo near your price range: https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/penn...ombo?rrec=true

I've never used that rod, and it's only rated up to 5oz, but you'd be able to fish multiple ways on fair weather days.

Thanks! Those are all great leads, I've got some reading to do.

I should have clarified, my 75 year old dad is unlikely to fish in bad weather, or be able to handle unwieldy rods, if that changes anything.

[gwchem]

Originally Posted by gtodave

Answer is: it depends. Are you going to cast bait? Lures?

If bait, you'll need a rod rated for 8 ounces. Most anywhere in OBX will require 4-6oz of weight, plus your bait chunk. Sometimes 8oz doesn't even hold.

If lures, you'll want a fast-action rod in the 2-6oz zone (there is a specific plugging Tica rod that is 1-3oz).

I would suggest you go to one of the local tackle shops down there, tell them how you're fishing and what your budget is, and take their recommendation. They aren't much more expensive than "online" ordering, and you get good advice from locals, so it should work better for how you fish.

There are a plethora of $50 "surf" combos out there, usually in the 1-3oz range. They generally aren't near enough rod for OBX surf, and they will hinder your fishing, big time. Use as a last resort. For $250, you could get a decent combo that will last, and serve your purposes well.

Thanks. I was hoping to get it ahead of the trip, so we can start right away.

[jt2100r]

I get my rod and reel at Walmart. Not expensive because I don't go that often.

[BlueFin]

These are light weight equipment but strong and durable that you can cast all day long(well some people do) if using lures, and way below your budget.

2 piece 12' Fiblink Surf spinning rod
#6000 Penn Pursuit III spinning reel
350 yds 8 strand 40 -50 lbs braid.

[John from MD]

Originally Posted by gwchem

Apologies if this has been covered.

We're heading to OBX this summer and I want to buy my dad a new surf rod and reel. My budget is between $1-200. We're very casual fishermen and usually just use cheap spinning packages. Can anyone recommend a rod and reel? If you're recommending a different type of reel, can you comment on the ease of use?

I will give you an 11 foot Penn surf rod if you want it. I surf fished for years until arthritis stopped me. If you are interested, I will look at it and check the details. It is in very good to excellent condition.

[gwchem]

Originally Posted by John from MD

I will give you an 11 foot Penn surf rod if you want it. I surf fished for years until arthritis stopped me. If you are interested, I will look at it and check the details. It is in very good to excellent condition.

Wow, that is a very nice offer. Where are you located if I can pick it up?

[John from MD]

Originally Posted by gwchem

Wow, that is a very nice offer. Where are you located if I can pick it up?

I live in Davidsonville.