I used to rock this cheap setup: https://www.calcuttaoutdoors.com/products/seahawk-surf-combo?srsltid=AfmBOopP8molT5EVk9qoUAofIjVoeGNZLWjpmNbyWmuXFQzC5amCWZkS
One of my friends broke the reel so I replaced it with a Daiwa BG 5000. Running some 30lb mono with this setup and I find the casting distance to be pretty abysmal (not even significantly further than my 6'6 ugly stik with 1/2oz on it). My friends tried it too so I don't think it's my casting technique. Loading it up with more weight didn't do much to help. Now im thinking I should switch to braided line and get a better rod.
I want to optimize casting distance because the primary use is for northern Baja camping trips with a focus on surfing. This means my fishing spots are dictated by where the surf is good and I'm not walking around looking for a great spot to sit and watch a baited line. I'd like to be able to launch bait past breaking waves/current and just hang out at camp with some bait in the water. Last time we camped, we couldn't get it past the breaking waves and the rig would get dragged into the shallow water within minutes.
Any recommendations for a rod and line upgrade to get the distance I want? I feel like my reel is decent and currently bottlenecked. I'm not in a hurry so general rod recommendations I might find on the 2nd hand market are very much welcome. Hoping to spend $150 or less. Thanks for any input!
Posted by spykid
2 Comments
Look into surf rods-medium heavy or medium fast action. Use braid with a shock leader. Your lure/rig payload will be based on your rod capacity. You will get more braid on your spool than mono. Some will say you don’t need a rod longer than 10’ but the general consensus is 10’ to 12’ for long range casts.
Drop to 20lb braid, use a breakaway rig or similar to make your bait more aerodynamic. Use smaller thinner baits, with shorter leaders for the same reason.