Corpusfishing.com

chapcat54 · Horse Mullet Joined: 15 Jun 2015 Posts: 185

I have surf fished off and on for many years in the area. The last couple years I have focused mainly on light tackle lure chucking for tide running trout using spoons, twitch baits, topwaters and soft plastics. When I have fished with natural baits, it has usually been with friends angling for whiting. I am looking to fish more with sand spiked rigs using live mullet, pinfish, etc, or fresh cut bait for a wider variety of species now that Im semi-retired. In the past I used, and still own, 80's vintage Abu Garcia 5500 and 6500 LW reels on MH 7 ft or 7.5 ft rods when I do use natural baits. I also have an Okuma Convector LW reel that is actually designed more for trolling, paired with an 11 ft Ugly Stik. I have not been real pleased with it, as it is really larger than what I feel is necessary for targeting reds, smacks, smaller sharks, etc. It does not cast very well either, getting 75 or 80 yards on a good cast.

I would really like to get your opinions on a couple of things relating to upgrading my gear. I have come down with paralysis by analysis on whether to choose spinning or conventional reels, and what length rod to use, given I'm 61 and not in great shape anymore. I am currently trying to choose between Penn Squall 15 MAG star drag, Penn Fathom star drag, Daiwa Seagate, Sealine or Saltist BG, Abu Garcia Blue Yonder, or Akios S series reels on the converntional side, with a Penn Batallion or Ocean Master Rod. I have been pretty proficient casting conventionals, although I have always used LW reels in the past. I like that conventionals can normally cast farther than spinning, all else being equal. However, with the prevailing east wind, I wonder if spinning gear be better for me? I hate wind knots more than the occasional backlash however. My budget for one rod and reel is about 300 dollars. Thanks. Smile

AnmRanch · Flour Bluffian in training Joined: 26 Jul 2013 Posts: 353

I have several Sealines on Okuma 12' surf rods. I'm very pleased with this set up. I think the rod is around $100 and the reel is about $130-140. I have FINS Wind tamer line and am very pleased with this set-up.

kweber · Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2016 9:35 pm Post subject:

breakawayusa...
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chapcat54 · Horse Mullet Joined: 15 Jun 2015 Posts: 185

ziacatcher · Posted: Thu Mar 03, 2016 8:01 am Post subject:

I'm a spinning reel guy. I use Cabela salt striker 80 reels. prices from 60 to $80. I lined it out with 65 pound test Windtamer line On 12 foot Rod. I have a saltstriker Rod, a penn prevail, and an allstar rod. All comes down to a matter of taste and feel. I've caught everything from whiting to 45" reds to 60lb. Cobia to 5' sharks on them.

chapcat54 · Horse Mullet Joined: 15 Jun 2015 Posts: 185

Rebecca of Sunnybrookfarm · Full Grown Flour Bluffian Joined: 01 May 2008 Posts: 3974

if you shag, there was 3 okuma longitude 13' spinners at academy in corpus yesterday.....$60...

nothing against no one, just saying....
becky
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anzuelo · Posted: Thu Mar 03, 2016 12:22 pm Post subject:

Penn Battle II 5000 reel
Tica 9' 2-6 oz. rod

The Penn Battle II holds 300 yards of 30# braid. The Tica rod will handle 3 to 4 oz. of sinker plus bait.

I find that a 9' to 10'6" rod is much easier to handle. The length from butt to reel seat on many of the 12' rods is cumbersome for me.

Also, if the waves/current require more than 4 oz. of weight to hold bottom, the surf will be too rough for me to wade out and cast.

My .01 (my advice is half price today)

HungerBuster · Flour Bluffian in training Joined: 07 Mar 2006 Posts: 371

I normally don't post on threads like this (I read them all the time) because it really is a matter of personal taste. However, even though pricey, the Breakaway surf rods are BY FAR worth the cash. The large butts REALLY make a difference in leverage for long casts. Mind you, I am not a guy who can get it much farther than the second bar from the edge of the surf (I've watched most of Nick's videos and even had him "coach" me on PINS a few times--just don't have the form). Just saying, those rods rock for casting. I use the cabbalas saltwater spinners (can't beat em for the money) with 80lbs braid and a 100lbs composite shock leader.
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ziacatcher · Posted: Thu Mar 03, 2016 4:35 pm Post subject:

I normally can stand in knee deep water and easily get my baits into 2nd gut. I normally use 3 or 4 ounce spider weights. Never had issues with wind knots.

chapcat54 · Horse Mullet Joined: 15 Jun 2015 Posts: 185

david weber · Bear Mullet Joined: 29 Nov 2012 Posts: 118

I use 11 and 13 foot rods with penn spinning reels, all rigged a bit different but for sharks, 100 lb braid with 60 or 80 lb Suffice Tritanium mono, then steel leader. If you search the internet or Amazon, you can find 10-13 foot rods that will do the trick. I am 64 and usually throw past the second bar on PINS, depending on wind and weight. I use the aero dynamic spider hooks. The more I practice throwing the rod the better/further I get it. It's kinda like doing a dance.

chapcat54 · Horse Mullet Joined: 15 Jun 2015 Posts: 185

boricua · Horse Mullet Joined: 31 Jan 2009 Posts: 112

A tsunami 12' XH rod with a Penn 10500 and the breakaway cannon.
Easy to cast and not get your toes wet.

kweber · Posted: Fri Mar 04, 2016 1:16 pm Post subject:

e-bay!
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the creepy uncle that scares the kids....