recommendations for first baitcasting surf rod/reel

[tabasco_joe]

I'm a long time freashwater bass and trout fisherman who is going to give surf fishing a try this year.  I have a two week vacation planned for Maine in July.  I'll be right along the coast near Damariscotta.  So I figured this was a good time to give it a try.  I prefer a bait caster and have a lot of experience with them in fresh water.  Suggestions for a starter combo?

[wingshooter]

Hey T_Joe welcome to the site,,,I do surf fish but not with baitcasters, but dont worry someone here will steer you in the right direction

[ped579]

Are you sure you want to stick with a conventional reel?  The reason I mention this is that you don't have much of a choice today.  There are some manufactures that make 1 or 2 surf reels but not many.  I will research this for you but you probably will have to get it via internet / catalogue. 

Then comes the rod  art long and the guides are smaller all along the rod.  I have not used a conventional reel for the surf in a long time and I have been fishing  ever since I could hold a cane pole for snapper blues in Keansburg.  I used to use a Penn Surfmaster which I don't think they make anymore.

Spinning is so much easier to come by and to use.  The last thing I want to do is dig out a birds nest.  Unlike freshwater baitcasters with their magnets to slow down the reel saltwater reels are void of these, your on your own so to speak.

[ped579]

I looked in a number of catalogues and found a few rigs that might be able to be paired up for baitcasting.

Reels:
Shimano Calcutta TE
CTE30  240 / 12  $339.99

Diawa Saltiga
SA15   270 / 15  $349.99

Quantum
BC30PT  270 / 14
169.99

AVER
SX5.0:1  375 / 16
175.99

Cabelas
GWC30   220 / 12
$99.99

Rods all casting no spinning

St. Croix  10' 6" Med/Heav  mod - fast action line Wt  10 - 25#  Lure wt of 2 - 6oz
$240.00

Penn Guide Surf
10'  line wt 15 - 40  lure wt 2 - 8oz
109.99

Shimanmo TRC100ML
10' Med / Heav action line wt 15 - 30 lure wt 1 - 5oz
269.99

Ugly Stick BWC110010
10' heavy action line wt 12 - 40  lure wt 1 - 6oz
$69.99

As you can see they are still available but you got to look for them.  Some old bait & Tackle shops might have these in stock. Your best bet is to get out your phone book and start calling the shops in your area.  If you get stuck  I can give you a couple of old shops that might be able to out fit you around Toms River area...Good Luck