Posts Tagged ‘surf’

Surf Reel

Surf Reel

Choosing the Right Rod and Reel

The variety of fishing gear is endless. Dozens of reels to crank when the clerk isn't looking and dozens of rods to twitch without hitting another customer.

   Here's what I do: before I go into the sport shop I decide what I am going after. And I do just that. But, aside, I usually end up with cans of to-die-for pretzels and elk jerky, too.

   Picking the right reel for the job is easy if you know what fish species you'll be going after. I'm lucky, I use the same rod and reels for bass, walleye and yellow perch.

   I prefer a spinning reel over the baitcaster. That's what I grew up with and that's what feels best in my hand. I also like the control it gives me when casting and fighting a fish.

   Most freshwater fishing is easily done with a spinning reel but what about size? How big or small of a reel should I purchase for my next trip to Lake Erie?

   Reel manufactures like to assign numbers to their products. The number usually denotes its size. The larger the number, the larger the reel.

  Look for reels with numbers such as 200, or 2000, 2500 or 3000 (my choice). These reels are prime sizes for most river and lake fishing. Larger reels such as 4000, 4500 or 5000 usually denote saltwater reels, made for 8, 9-foot rods for surf or pier fishing.

   There is one exception to this rule, I've found. And that's the size of the fisherman who will be using the reel. A large man with big hands might think a 2500 Shimano is too small to operate. Then obviously go with a larger reel.

   Price-wise, it's a jungle out there. Reels can cost anywhere from $10 up to $600. I've never owned a $600 reel and probably won't. I tend to stick in the $60-$120 range.

   When you pick up a reel read the information on the box. It will tell you a lot about what's inside. Reels with more stainless steel ball bearings will likely last longer, but cost more.

   But price and longivity go hand in hand. Buy a $60 reel and you might have to purchase one every two years. Buy a $120 reel and it might last four years. In the long run, the cost is the same.

   Generally, spool your reels with 8-12-pound test line.

   Now that you've decided on a reel let's stroll over to the rod rack. It's here that I spent the most money. I want strength, sensitivity, light weight feel, quality guides, a real cork handle and a reel seat that won't cut into my hand. Keep this in mind and you will choose wisely.

   Some manufacturers still offer fiberglass rods, but most turn out varying grades made of graphite and other binding materials. Why graphite? It's strong, light and sensitive. Take care and it will last 5-10 years.

   Choosing the length of the rod is pretty much subjective. Some anglers like a shorter stick, while others want more tip to fight their fish. If you can afford it buy both and you'll know soon enough what's right for you.

   As I indicated earlier, I am sold on the smaller reel such as a 2000 Diawa or 2500 Shimano spinning reel.This size is perfect for a 6-foot or 6'6" rod.

   Unless you are sold on a custom built fishing rod, stick with well known companies like Berkley, Fenwick, Zebco and Shakespeare. Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's also offer some good stuff under their name.

   As with reels, the more you spend the better the equipment. It's up to the individual to decide what's best for his/her budget.

   Under the weight of a fish, A good rod should always have a gentle curve from near the handle to the tip. This means the weight is being distributed equally up and down the shaft.

   So, when I go shopping I take along a one-pound weight tied to some fishing line with a snap swivel on the other end. When trying out a rod, snap the weight on to the tip's eye then lift slowly and observe the curve. If there isn't any, the rod is too stiff. If the rod tip goes to the floor, the rod is too limp. You want something in between.

   All rods are marked as to their strength. Look just above the handle and you will find some writing. Letter "M" mean a medium rod; "MH" means medium-heavy; "L" light. You get the idea.

   Remember, though, a Zebco medium probably won't be the same as a Berkley medium. Check it out.

12 DAIWA BEEFSTICK SALTWATER SURF HVY CASTING ROD 2PC
12 DAIWA BEEFSTICK SALTWATER SURF HVY CASTING ROD 2PC
Paypal   US $29.05
13 3pc CUSTOM SALTWATER SURF SPINNING FISHING ROD RODS
13 3pc CUSTOM SALTWATER SURF SPINNING FISHING ROD RODS
Paypal   US $32.00
LOT OF 2 PENN 155 BEACHMASTER SALTWATER FISHING REEL
LOT OF 2 PENN 155 BEACHMASTER SALTWATER FISHING REEL
Paypal   US $39.00
Big Heavy Duty Surf Saltwater Spinning Reel
Big Heavy Duty Surf Saltwater Spinning Reel
Paypal   US $44.50
2 fishing reels surf quantum qt60 calypso beachcomber
2 fishing reels surf quantum qt60 calypso beachcomber
Paypal   US $6.99
Penn 704Z Spinning Fishing Reel
Penn 704Z Spinning Fishing Reel
Paypal   US $51.00
Custom made 10 Lamiglas surf fishing rod GSB 1202L NEW
Custom made 10 Lamiglas surf fishing rod GSB 1202L NEW
Paypal   US $169.16
Big Heavy Duty Surf Saltwater Spinning Reel
Big Heavy Duty Surf Saltwater Spinning Reel
Paypal   US $44.50
Big Heavy Duty Surf Saltwater Spinning Reel
Big Heavy Duty Surf Saltwater Spinning Reel
Paypal   US $44.50
Okuma Finchaser 9 saltwater surf spinning rod reel set
Okuma Finchaser 9 saltwater surf spinning rod reel set
Paypal   US $41.99
RARE Alvey 550 C5 Fishing Reel
RARE Alvey 550 C5 Fishing Reel
Paypal   US $39.99
VINTAGE PFLUEGER SALT WATER REEL OCEANIC SURF CASTING
VINTAGE PFLUEGER SALT WATER REEL OCEANIC SURF CASTING
Paypal   US $7.99
AURIS FS 6000 FD TRABUCCO Fishing Reel NEW 10 BB
AURIS FS 6000 FD TRABUCCO Fishing Reel NEW 10 BB
Paypal   US $69.99
TICA Camry SP4500H Spinning Reel 95 perfect
TICA Camry SP4500H Spinning Reel 95 perfect
Paypal   US $9.99
Salon Reels USA DI60 Surf Fishing Reel 91 BB NIB
Salon Reels USA DI60 Surf Fishing Reel 91 BB NIB
Paypal   US $29.00
ABU Ambassadeur 6000 Custom CT Vintage
ABU Ambassadeur 6000 Custom CT Vintage
Paypal   US $120.00
Van Staal VS250B
Van Staal VS250B
Paypal   US $500.00
DAIWA SEALINE X SURF ROD 10
DAIWA SEALINE X SURF ROD 10
Paypal   US $20.50
10 large Spinning Surf Fishing Reels Kinghawk OX160 BB
10 large Spinning Surf Fishing Reels Kinghawk OX160 BB
Paypal   US $225.00
Big Heavy Duty Surf Saltwater Spinning Reel
Big Heavy Duty Surf Saltwater Spinning Reel
Paypal   US $44.50
DAIWA EMBLEM EM ES1102XHFS 11 2 pc SURF Spin Rod NEW
DAIWA EMBLEM EM ES1102XHFS 11 2 pc SURF Spin Rod NEW
Paypal   US $34.33
DAIWA EMBLEM EM ES1002MHRS 10 2 pc SURF Spinning Rod
DAIWA EMBLEM EM ES1002MHRS 10 2 pc SURF Spinning Rod
Paypal   US $15.50
DAIWA EMBLEM EM ES1002HFS 10 2 pc SURF Spinning Rod
DAIWA EMBLEM EM ES1002HFS 10 2 pc SURF Spinning Rod
Paypal   US $11.50
CUSTOM 115 Rainshadow Surf Rod
CUSTOM 115 Rainshadow Surf Rod
Paypal   US $47.53
Surf Fishing Reel
Surf Fishing Reel
Paypal   US $10.00
Okuma Aquios AQ 65 spinning reel
Okuma Aquios AQ 65 spinning reel
Paypal   US $30.00
okuma axeon axs 65 spinng reel new surf fishing
okuma axeon axs 65 spinng reel new surf fishing
Paypal   US $100.00
Van Staal 200 Spinning Reel
Van Staal 200 Spinning Reel
Paypal   US $600.00
Tsunami SURF CASTING CONVENTIONAL TRAVEL ROD 86 NEW
Tsunami SURF CASTING CONVENTIONAL TRAVEL ROD 86 NEW
Paypal   US $49.99
Vintage PENN LONG BEACH 60 SURF CASTING Fishing Reel
Vintage PENN LONG BEACH 60 SURF CASTING Fishing Reel
Paypal   US $9.99
12 CUSTOM SALTWATER SURF SPINNING FISHING ROD RODS NEW
12 CUSTOM SALTWATER SURF SPINNING FISHING ROD RODS NEW
Paypal   US $12.50
TSUNAMI FIVE STAR 10 SPINNING SURF SALT FISHING ROD
TSUNAMI FIVE STAR 10 SPINNING SURF SALT FISHING ROD
Paypal   US $42.00
Vintage PENN LONG BEACH 65 Fishing Reel needs repair
Vintage PENN LONG BEACH 65 Fishing Reel needs repair
Paypal   US $9.99
Big Heavy Duty Surf Saltwater Spinning Reel
Big Heavy Duty Surf Saltwater Spinning Reel
Paypal   US $44.50
7 SOUTH BEND TYPHOON SALT FRESH SURFPIERBOAT COMBO
7 SOUTH BEND TYPHOON SALT FRESH SURFPIERBOAT COMBO
Paypal   US $33.95
NEW FREEDOM 6 GRAPHITE SALT FRESH WATER COMBO
NEW FREEDOM 6 GRAPHITE SALT FRESH WATER COMBO
Paypal   US $32.95
Van Staal VS150L Gold Spinning Reel
Van Staal VS150L Gold Spinning Reel
Paypal   US $699.00
Penn 850SS Saltwater Spinning Reel
Penn 850SS Saltwater Spinning Reel
Paypal   US $26.00
PENN PEER no 209 VINTAGE FISHING REEL
PENN PEER no 209 VINTAGE FISHING REEL
Paypal   US $6.00
AURIS FH 10000 FD TRABUCCO Fishing Reel NEW 10 BB
AURIS FH 10000 FD TRABUCCO Fishing Reel NEW 10 BB
Paypal   US $75.44
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Penn SV-8000 Spinning Reel W/Okuma 15' Surf/Pier Rod Combo Penn SV-8000 Spinning Reel W/Okuma 15' Surf/Pier Rod Combo
Sale Price: $129.95

Penn SV-8000 Spinning Reel W/Okuma 15' Surf/Pier Rod Penn Reel: Penn Sv-8000 Spinning Reel Offers maximum performance, the Penn Silverado is based on the sleek design of the popular Penn Captiva. Features include 5 stainless steel ball bearings, infinite anti-reverse, long-cast spool, and a lightweight graphite frame...

Shakespeare Catch More Fish Surf/Pier Spin Combo (CMFSURFPIER CMF CMBO 50RL 7FT M 10) Shakespeare Catch More Fish Surf/Pier Spin Combo (CMFSURFPIER CMF CMBO 50RL 7FT M 10)
List Price: $39.99
Sale Price: $35.02
Average Rating:

The Shakespeare Catch More Fish Surf/Pier Spin Combo includes everything you need to fill your net. The Combo includes a premium quality 7-foot medium action tubular glass rod with stainless steel guides, ceramic inserts, and comfortable EVA split grip ideal for catching seaside game fish...

11 FT 10 INCHES SALTWATER TELESCOPING ROD & SPINNING REEL COMBO 11 FT 10 INCHES SALTWATER TELESCOPING ROD & SPINNING REEL COMBO
Sale Price: $25.00
Average Rating:

11 FT 10 INCHES SALTWATER TELESCOPING ROD & SPINNING REEL COMBO MEDIUM ACTION SALTWATER GAME FISHING TELESCOPING FISHING ROD FEATURES Telescoping Fishing Rod Extended Length: 11 ft 10 inches Collapsed Length: 27 inches Extended: 7 collapsing sections Weight Rod: 12 ounces Seven (7) Ceramic Guide Eyes Comfortable Non-Slip Foam Grip Tip Protector Included SALTWATER SPINNING REEL FEATURES Pro Leader: FX-500 Spinning Reel Type: Open Bail Reel Bearings: Three (3) Ball Bearings Ball Bearing Drive: Smooth Action Line Roller: Oversized Tine Roller Design: Anti Twist Roller Construction: Graphite Reel Body, Rotor, and Spool Gear: Gear & Pinion High Gear Ratio: 4...

Okuma Fishing TU-100 Tundra 10-Foot 2-Piece Surf/Pier Spinning Rod (Large, White/Blue) Okuma Fishing TU-100 Tundra 10-Foot 2-Piece Surf/Pier Spinning Rod (Large, White/Blue)
List Price: $24.99
Sale Price: $21.11

Okuma-Feet s Tundra TU-100 medium action is a great surf/pier fishing rod. With its highly durable construction and comfortable fore and rear grips this 10 foot rod is ready for any big game fishery there is...

Okuma Fishing TU-150 Tundra 15-Foot 2-Piece Surf/Pier Spinning Rod (Large, White/Blue) Okuma Fishing TU-150 Tundra 15-Foot 2-Piece Surf/Pier Spinning Rod (Large, White/Blue)
List Price: $34.99
Sale Price: $34.99

Okuma-Feet s Tundra TU-150 medium action is a great surf/pier fishing rod. With its highly durable construction and comfortable fore and rear grips this 15 foot rod is ready for any big game fishery there is...

SURF MOVIE: REELS 1-14 Starring Joel Tudor SURF MOVIE: REELS 1-14 Starring Joel Tudor
List Price: $32.00
Sale Price: $26.99

Acclaimed photographer Michael Halsband takes a cinema verite approach to document soul surfing. Every roll of film, straight from the camera, spliced together, unedited creates a natural flow and rhythm, driven by the ocean itself...

FX-900 LARGE Spin Cast Reel FX-900 LARGE Spin Cast Reel
Sale Price: $18.00

LARGE SALTWATER SPINNING REEL FEATURES Pro Leader: FX-900 Spinning Reel Type: Open Bail Reel Bearings: Three (3) Ball Bearings Ball Bearing Drive: Smooth Action Line Roller: Oversized Tine Roller Design: Anti Twist Roller Construction: Graphite Reel Body, Rotor, and Spool Gear: Gear & Pinion High Gear Ratio: 4...

DVD - Surf Movie - Reels 1-14 by Michael Halsband DVD - Surf Movie - Reels 1-14 by Michael Halsband
Sale Price: $29.95
Used From: $25.99

Watch Tudor rip it up all over the world in classic old school style! Reels 1-14 are just that; reels!

SURF MOVIE: Reels 1-14 (DVD + CD Soundtrack) SURF MOVIE: Reels 1-14 (DVD + CD Soundtrack)
Used From: $29.95

Disc 1: Acclaimed photographer Michael Halsband takes a cinema verite approach to document soul surfing. Every roll of film, straight from the camera, spliced together, unedited creates a natural flow and rhythm, driven by the ocean itself...