My first REAL setup!

[phile10]

Looking for a few pointers on my first Quality rod and reel setup. I fish a lot out of Ocean city. I have a few decent surf rods, but nothing spectacular or high quality. The closest thing i have is my Quantam(sp) bluerunner with matching reel, sold as a combo from Dicks. Its a 10 foot pole and gets the job done, but im looking for something a little nicer.

I fish off OC beaches mainly but will try to hit AI as much as possible this year. Any input is appreciated.
Phil

[Coop]

Phile, what type of reel preference? spinning or conventional...Throwing chunks or lures? Tica's and tsunami are good rods at economical prices. Then you can go a step up and try the breakaways or you can go for broke and get a custom rod made, wheels reels blanks or rainshadow, rainshadow being the less expensive. All depends on what you are looking to spend. You certainly do not need to spend alot to get something good for the surf. There is alot of very good inexpensive equipment out there.

[fish-aholic]

What coop said....don't count out the Ocean Master from BPS either. Very nice rod for the money.....

[Charkbait]

I have 2 OM's and a tica, I'd vote for the tica if you don't need to throw more then 8oz +bait.

Also, depending on your physical build moving to a 12 footer will make a huge difference unless you are under 5'4, then it may be a tough switch.

Spinners catch a ton of fish, just ask Alan S.

[ffemtreed]

Most of my surf rods are TICA and I love them. Very economical for me. I have both casting and spinning setups.

[Dixie719]

First and foremost, go with what you are comforatable with!

Put as many rods and reels in you hands and see what feels good to you. Too heavy or too light, it's up to you to decide.

I have never had an OM, but hear many good things about them, I have had a Tsunami and liked it a bunch and currently have one 7ft tica for tossing lures. I think the TICA loads a bit easier than the Tsunami, but some TICAs seem to have the eyes pop out. The New TICA Dolphin series have solved the eye issue from what I have seen, but not in conventional yet.

For reels you can't go wrong with a 525 MAG for conventional and I like Shimano Baitrunners for spinning on my heavers.

I personally made the switch to Custom Surf Rods (6 Rainshadows & 1 Lamiglas; yeah I got it bad now!!) in Fall 2005 and have updated all my factory rods since. If you got a little cash and can afford custom I think they make a big difference, at least they did for me.

It really boils down to preference, so go with what you can afford and what feels most conforatable!

[alleycat]

so dixie...what your next custom? do I hear inferno?

alley

[Dixie719]

Nope!

I am undecided on what I want next...Got too much as it is!

[Sam]

I started off buying stuff from Walmart! Caught fish... Then I upgraded to Tica 11.6 and a 12". Significant feel to the rod and they cast further. Then I got (a few days ago) a 1509 Rainshadow... Different water and much different feel.

It's like driving a car.. You can still get to work whether it's a Ford Escort or a Ford Mustang. The Mustang just has a little more "Ummph" to her.

How do you like them apples?

[AndyMedic]

1569 by rain shadow

great rod..has the stout backbone but also very light. My favorite rod..match it up with a grandwave 30 and you've got enough rod and reel to steer a cobia to the beach