Surf Rod for IBSP

[bassnblues]

I planning on getting a permit for IBSP this year and doing some surf fishing.

I already have a St Criox 8' rod. Got it for fishing the Raritan bayshore a few years ago and it's been collecting dust. It seems like a good choice for casting light plugs and metals.

I'm looking to get a rod for fishing bait. Should I go for a 9' or 10'? The Tica's seem like they're very reasonable. Are they any good?

I've done a little surf fishing in the past but not too much. Any suggestions are appreciated.

[Luna Sea 5]

I use a 12' Ugly Stick with a Penn 950ss reel

[IrishAyes]

Years ago when I was fishing off the surf, I used a 10' Ugly Stick. I don't think you need anything longer than that for the Jersey coast.

[ped579]

Hi bassnblues,

I have a number of Tica's and love them.  That is all I primarily do is surf fish.  I would recommend the Tica 10' 6" Dolphin Surf series. and with that I use the Penn 560 Slammer with 30# Power Pro line.  I have many surf rods for many applications but if you are going to go and use bait I would highly recommend this outfit.  It is my go to outfit hands down, plus you can't beat the price either.

When I go out to IBSP I usually bring a number of rods from 8' 6" to 11', why because it depends what is catching and where.  I use the shorter rods for plugging and throwing shorter distances when the fish are in the suds and the longer rods for larger plugs and chunking, plus casting out further.

I hope this helps if you have any questions just fire away.

If you need help with the park just ask as well.  If you want to meet up one day I can do that as well.  The main posse usually meets down at the North Jetty for a rag chew and to set up plans for targeting the beach that day.

Happy Catching

Paul

[PeggyLee]

I think Paul is on the money with his suggestions.
I would add to the collection a 9ft.and then when the funds allow a 10ft. Then you will have the Plugger, the Baiter, the Chunker and can play around with your reels and different spools with dif. line test on tides, currents  winds and sinkers as needed.                 AJ. 

[bassnblues]

Thanks, I'll definitly look at that one.

Most likely going to get the permit next weekend.

How low do you air your tires down? I drove the beach in the OBX a few years ago but never IBSP.

[ped579]

My normal tire pressure is 35 lbs and I run with 15 on the beach.  The sand is pretty much packed close to the water but can get soft up by the dunes.  Getting on and off is very soft sand.

Just take your time and you will be alright.  The speed limit on the beach is 10 mph and if you keep to it you should make out OK.  Stay to the ruts made by other vehicles and start your turns early and slowly to get out of them.

Paul

[seanr8w]

Hey Paul, I am thinking about picking up a beach pass for my Jeep. What is the cost for ISBP?

[ped579]

Hi Sean, the yearly pass from Jan 1 to Dec 31 is $195.00.  A great buy now a days if you think about it.

You can spend all weekend out there with the family if you want just be actively fishing.  There is no camping but with the amount of pickup campers out there that have a pole stuck in the sand not many get booted of the beach.

Paul

[bassnblues]

How about rigs? fishfinders or 3 ways? Bank or pyramid siners?

[IrishAyes]

I always used fishfinders and pyramids. You won't get the roll on the bottom. Hatteras sinkers even better if really rough. If you are casting out bait and doing a slow retrieve in, bank sinkers.

[ped579]

Joe is correct.  As far as weight you have to experiment each time out.  The Hatteras sinkers might be hard to find, some shops that cater to boating don't carry them.  They look like little rocket ships.

As far as hooks, if you are clamming I use 6/0's if you are using cut bunker go higher even up to 9/0 or 10/0 depending on thesize of the chunks.  Whole hear defiantly a 10/0.

Happy Catching

Paul

[seanr8w]

Man, the more I read this website, the more I realize how much gear and tackle I don't have

[ped579]

Hey Sean,

Thats OK, most of the stuff a lot of us have is never used.  Think of it this way all the trial and error you don't have to go through.

Happy catching

Paul

[Bucktail]

Hi Sean, the yearly pass from Jan 1 to Dec 31 is $195.00.  A great buy now a days if you think about it.

$195 to park on the sand of a state owned beach doesn't sound like a great buy to me! 

It should be free!

[seanr8w]

Hey Sean,

Thats OK, most of the stuff a lot of us have is never used.  Think of it this way all the trial and error you don't have to go through.

Happy catching

Paul

Yeah Paul...And I don't have to go through all of the tedious things like everyone else on this site is going through...such as catching fish!

[seanr8w]

Hi Sean, the yearly pass from Jan 1 to Dec 31 is $195.00.  A great buy now a days if you think about it.

$195 to park on the sand of a state owned beach doesn't sound like a great buy to me! 

It should be free!

I agree Bucktail, but whatcha gonna do?  I will at least have until the beginning of next year to think about it unless they pro-rate it! Year's half over as far as I am concerned 

[ped579]

I don't think they would be so kind as to think about pro rating.

Well I guess it is how you look at it, parking on the sand and being able to have the whole family enjoy themselves anytime, all year long is a pretty cheap price to pay now a days.  Especially when I live so close.

What does it cost the average fisherman a year to make frequent trips on a party boat or to pay for docking fees, boat gas, and boating insurance.

I think I will pay the $195 and have fun.

Paul

[Bucktail]

I don't think they would be so kind as to think about pro rating.

Well I guess it is how you look at it, parking on the sand and being able to have the whole family enjoy themselves anytime, all year long is a pretty cheap price to pay now a days.  Especially when I live so close.

What does it cost the average fisherman a year to make frequent trips on a party boat or to pay for docking fees, boat gas, and boating insurance.

I think I will pay the $195 and have fun.

Paul

Paul,

I agree with you that $195/year is not all that much compared to other alternatives.  It just bothers me that with all the taxes we pay in this state, we can't have free access to the walk onto the sand next to the ocean! 

What's equally infuriating are all these other towns trying to deny access to the average guy by passing no parking laws, creating "private roads" etc. 

The beach and the ocean should be free for everyone, everywhere. 

[ped579]

I understand Bob.  I have to agree with you but right now if you want to play you got to pay.

I wish I could afford a boat again but that is not going to happen on a fixed income, so this is the next best thing.

Happy Catching

Paul