Need advice on surf rod

[josh24]

Also you need to try rods before you buy them, don't blindly buy a rod just based on its weight rating. This is a VERY arbitrary number that varies greatly from manufacture to manufacture!

Example -- I have a Daiwa rod thats rated 6 to 8 or 10. The most I would ever throw on that rod is 4oz, anything over that and it just doesn't cast well at all, its WAY too flexible to cast. Almost feels like the rod is going to snap any second at the end of the cast.

This is good advice. I am trying to get some idea of makers of rod that seem to have the features I want so I can locate stores that stock these brands and can arrange to visit them on my way down t to the Va and Md in the Spring and Fall. There are times --rough sea, strong cross-wind-- when my 4 ounces wouldnt hold bottom but I dont like to fish in these conditions. Also my current rod would snap with anything heavier . I always fish at the Va end of Assatteugue. Josh

[ffemtreed]

This is good advice. I am trying to get some idea of makers of rod that seem to have the features I want so I can locate stores that stock these brands and can arrange to visit them on my way down t to the Virginia and Maryland in the Spring and Fall. There are times --rough sea, strong cross-wind-- when my 4 ounces wouldnt hold bottom but I dont like to fish in these conditions. Also my current rod would snap with anything heavier . I always fish at the Va end of Assatteugue. Josh

those rough sea's and strong crosswinds are prime striper conditions!

[josh24]

those rough sea's and strong crosswinds are prime striper conditions!

I am sure your right and I will bear it in mind. I've specialized in catching blue fish: like to catch and eat them.

[Steve]

I've specialized in catching blue fish: like to catch and eat them.

Got to smoke 'em too!!!

Try your same setup, use a 3' stretch of 30# leader, step the hook up to a 12/0 circle and bigger bait. See what will bite that! Make sure your line is fresh and full.
You may very well end up with a nice Shark. Try live-lining a Spot too. You don't have to pitch it way out, in the first trough is fine, especially at night.