Buying my first surf fishing rod & reel

[jerseydog]

I'm hitting the surf Saturday and want to buy my first surf rod & reel.  Since I'm new to the scene I don't want to spend a lot of money.  Any suggestions on a combo rod & reel for around $50?  Should I be getting something 10' or longer?  thanks!

[SurfJockey]

If you are fishing bait, it's best to use an 11' or longer rod, capable of throwing at least 6 ozs of lead.  If you're plugging or chucking metals, a 9' will get the job done.

[jerseydog]

We're gonna be using clam and/or bunker so I'll have to go for 11'. 

[SurfJockey]

Are you dead set on spending only $50 for a combo?  I know Rich over at -------- in Brick had some lower model Tica rods at a really good price.  Give him a shout and see if he has any left.  732-903-6904

[Reckless]

 Try Dick's they have some inexpensive combos.

[Hotrod]

 

[Scott G.]

Spend a little more money... you will appreciate it in the long run......

[Bucktail]

If you're looking for a combo for under $50 to get you started, Dick's has a Shakespeare Alpha combo that will suit your needs.

[ped579]

I am not sure where you are but if you want a decent first combo try Dick's and if you are close to Manahawkin stop in and see Bob.

Here is the combo that is available at Dick's it is a 9' medium action so it should work out nicely for a first time surf caster.  It is a bit heavy 9weight wise) but you can't beat the price.

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3997970&cp=2367438.2367824.2291514.2291517

Happy Catching

Paul

[jerseydog]

I'm in Camden County, South Jersey.  I was looking at the Shakespear Alpha in Sports Authority.  They have it for 39.99.  I will work my way up to the nice stuff. 

[Bucktail]

I'm in Camden County, South Jersey.  I was looking at the Shakespear Alpha in Sports Authority.

 Never heard of them.   

 

[SurfJockey]

Whatever you get, be sure to hose it down with clean water to get the salt and sand off an hopefully some fish slime, before you put your rods away for the day.  Remove the spool and peep inside for any crud too.  Fishing the surf puts a hurtin on your equipment.  A little care will ensure your ready to go for your next trip. 

[ped579]

Great advice Jason...I have done that to all my equipment since an early age and I can say that I still have my first fishing pole and I do the same to my beach vehicle as well.

Salt and sand will tear up equipment in no time.

Happy Catching

Paul

[Tacklebox Joe]

Spend a little more money... you will appreciate it in the long run......

 

[wimpy]

Try to honor your local B&T first-Cabelas has some nice outfit's that won't kill you till you get the fever.

[ped579]

That is what we did.  Bucktail Bob is a manager for Dick's in Manahawkin and they have done a lot for our parties in the past.  So in turn we like to mention them as well as other B&T's that are members of this site.

But for the first combo you can't beat the box stores for a first time outfit especially in the range that he is looking for.  Why shop at Cabelas where you have to wait for delivery or treck to the store and spend an extra 20+ bucks on gas depending where you live.

I like instant gratification best so that is why I shop locally for all my fishing gear.  Weather it be a big box store or a mom pop Bait & Tackle inmy local ares.

Happy Catching

Paul