What is The right Rod for Surf Casting

[overbite]

Besides personal choices and limited inventory.
Not many would agree on what or which one. I say if it works for you That's all that matters,
I have seen outfits that are beyond belief, rigged the same. Not many may remember The Calcutta rods. Die hard beach fishermen would buy it and build them up with guides and seat. wrap the grip with 1/8 twine for the butt section. Crud as they might sound they out cast anything on the market at the time. because they would load up perfectly. There was a tackle shop on the right as you entered long beach Island just before you made a right to go south. There was a Barrel full of Calcutta Blanks each year first come first served. Choosing one was ordeal looking for the perfect one among a 100 or more   They would last a few years then dry out and you built another. ( Note ) there were no spinning reels yet. And guys would get almost the same distance with them as some do with a spinning Reel.

Locations also dictate the proper Rod.
from the Outer banks to Massachusetts, New Jersey is in its own world where anything goes, do the the Surf and wave conditions vary so much mostly Low and slow. where High waves and rough  conditions dictate other wise. Jetty fishing is in its own world. But on the Beach length Matters. Reasons, Casting, Holding the line above the waves. And beaching the catch.
The Outer Banks, Carolina's and Mass. do a lot more Surf fishing then NJ. and Longer rods are the choice.
Just do not buy a extra long rod most are very heavy, And you will pay a premium for a Long, Light, fast Loading Rod. Just as in Fly fishing but there one can cheat some with a lower end name rod. and what works for bait casting does not always work for PLUG OR Metal Surf casting with lower loads.
And like I said if it works for you Fine no problem is there a better way most likely. Bill

[wimpy]

I have and will continue to use my selection of Garcia Conolon rods from the 70's.

[captainbailey]

10' St Croix Mojo. Just happens to be one available in the Buy Sell or Swap section of our wonderful site 

[ChrisL]

  

[Bucktail]

Nice post Bill.  

Wonder what the name of that shop was, or if any pics exist of it. 

[kayak1]

Best surf rod I own has three guides taped on with electrical tape and the reel is taped on to.....will still catch just as many fish as a custom rod.....

The blank came from Jean & Arts in Seaside Park back in the day.....

[overbite]

 

   
I saw your Rod there. Bill

[overbite]

Nice post Bill.  

Wonder what the name of that shop was, or if any pics exist of it.  

The shop is probably still there last time I was there many years back   they sold the Rec. Clamming LIC.

I did a search for it and came up empty.  someone must pass the spot from here. Bill

[overbite]

Best surf rod I own has three guides taped on with electrical tape and the reel is taped on to.....will still catch just as many fish as a custom rod.....

The blank came from Jean & Arts in Seaside Park back in the day.....

I am sure it did some used a beer can with Line wrapped around it and Threw cast the line. Then they made and called it a spinning Reel. True story. 

[Bucktail]

Nice post Bill.  

Wonder what the name of that shop was, or if any pics exist of it.  

The shop is probably still there last time I was there maybe 15 years back   they sold the Rec. Clamming LIC.

I did a search for it and came up empty.  someone must pass the spot from here. Bill

OK.  You're probably talking about Fisherman's Headquarters in Ship Bottom.  I misunderstood.  I thought you were talking about a shop that isn't there anymore.

[overbite]

Nice post Bill.  

Wonder what the name of that shop was, or if any pics exist of it.  

The shop is probably still there last time I was there many years back   they sold the Rec. Clamming LIC.

I did a search for it and came up empty.  someone must pass the spot from here. Bill

OK.  You're probably talking about Fisherman's Headquarters in Ship Bottom.  I misunderstood.  I thought you were talking about a shop that isn't there anymore.

A Google Map search I came up with where E Bay Ave connects to West 9th Street. on the right hand side of the road.
And I may have come up with someone that still may sell Calcutta. If anyone is interested. Bill

[BigAl13]

I have an old wooden rod that says jc higgins "green hazel" dont know much about it but its Olddd the whole rod is wood

[overbite]

  Al That rod is not OLD it could be one of the first one made, Making it Ancient. They started with Wood and progressed to Bamboo. which did not turn out. Then They found Calcutta from India that resembles bamboo. That was the material used for years. In all types of Fishing poles ( rods ) There were even ones made from Steel. 
But Calcutta was and still is used to produce high end hand made rods mostly for Fly fishing. when they say split Bamboo its Calcutta, And the science behind the construction is very interesting. as to the fact of which of 2 men came up with the best way to construct them.
Take care of that rod.
I remember My grandfather Had Fly rods and a Boat pole made from Calcutta. as well a custom surf rods and they had Eyes on both top and bottom and 2 reel seats. The rods could be turned as not to get a Memory bend.
Even with the most Modern Materials of today The back bone of the blank has to be found before any Guides are put in place.

But this is mostly for the purest. And Anglers that know and care about the equipment they use.
And just because the price is more does not make for better equipment. But again you get what you pay for.
For those starting out Team up with some one that has been Surf fishing. and take notice of whats being used around you. Start out slow. Surf fishing is not for everyone. The hours you put in and the rewards you get from it are very different then Boat fishing. But The rewards to me is Fishing not catching but that to comes with years of catching and the less need for catching. Its just being on the beach enjoying,the surroundings. And company of others with the same interests and sharing. Bill