Doubting My Rod Purchase

[Badgoat]

I recently purchased a Penn 113H reel paired up with the Offshore Angler 6'6" Powerstick. However, from all the reading I have been doing I am starting to think I should have gotten something longer.

I plan on doing both Pier and Surf fishing. Will the 6'6" be just fine for me? Or should I take it back to BPS and getting something longer...10' or greater?

Just need something that will be good in both departments. Thanks for the advice.

Dale

[Coop]

Is this for targeting sharks? or are you targeting standard fishies...striper, drum and smaller fish?

[Badgoat]

Ultimately shark....but if others jump on the pole...well them too then, hehe.

[Steve]

That length is fine for handling a heavy load on the far end.
It is a good boat rod and can be used for very minimal pitching.
As I had noted earlier, if you mag the reel, you can pitch farther, but you'll need a longer rod.
The combo you bought is also good for kayaking out baits for larger species.

If you are looking for an all around pitcher, you'll need a 12' pole and a conventional or spinning reel.

[Coop]

If your yaking for shark, the 113h and short rod are fine. If your tossing, go with a smaller reel and a stiff surf rod...anywhere from 10' - 13'.

[Carrie]

You are getting advice from two guys that have spent a lot of time on the sand.

[Badgoat]

Well with a ton of reading, this is what I ended up doing. I ended up grabbing a Shakespeare Uglystick 10' Med/Heavy action which was right up my ally for starting out and for my budget.

Poured some water on my line to wet it and then taped up my thumb so I could better control that spool when I let her rip.

I would effectively say I came close to tripling my distance with this longer rod and controlling that spool a lot better.

Granted I'm prolly not like the pros....but wading out there about waist high and doing the OTG cast demonstrated on Neil Mackellow's website I had some substantial improvement and some darn nice casts. So for now I think that's the setup I am gonna roll with and give it a go. Not to mention, no more backlashes, I'm sure they will happen from time to time. But at least I know I can go out there confidently now and put some decent distance out.

Thank you guys so much for all the pointers.

Badgoat

[Steve]

Fantastic!
You will get even better the more you cast.
Now....
Where are the fish?

[Badgoat]

Well, down in Georgia now...been pier fishing a few times and have gotten some great pointers from some of the locals. A few embarrassing moments casting my Penn Senator with a big ol' birdsnest that would not come out and 4 snags to boot, but I am finally getting the hang of things.

Caught some baitfish on my catfishing rod/reel. A whiteing, a stingray, and an eel. Didn't catch any shark on the my senator yet and I am chomping at the bit til I get to go again.

Saw some of the locals down there...man do they get serious. One guy had a Penn International...floating his bait out around 400 yards...gets in his vest harness and waits...pretty amazing stuff watching it all.

Perhaps I need to find a good guide on how to float my baits out. Not sure how big of fish my Senator 113H can handle however.

Anywho, happy fishing all.

Badgoat

[Steve]

Your 113 can handle any of the inshore species.
On my 113 setups, I use 50 Ande mono, anything higher, I use braid.
The key is to have a lot of line.
I haven't had anything come close to spooling me on my 113 setups.
I use 100 lb braid on the 115 setups.
This is all from shore with yaked-out baits.