Let's hear the opinions of all the experts on here bearing in mind that if you break the word Expert in two, you have Ex or x (being an unknown quantity) and spert or spurt (spurt being a drip under pressure). Anyway the question is, how does someone new to surfcasting go about selecting a rod?
Should they select a rod and then buy a reel to match it? Should they buy the reel first and buy a rod to match it? Should they buy both together as a combo.
What factors do you consider when advising a novice what rod they should purchase?
Probably the most sensible way for a real beginner is to purchase one of the cheap combo sets and fish for a while to make sure the sport is for them. This can be achieved very cheaply, probably covering all bases for around $100.00.
From there go to a reputable tackle dealer and seek advice on what length of rod would be most suitable for their statue, also on the thickness of their wallet. If a beginner, they would probably be best advised to go with a fixed spool reel, line and terminal tackle to suit.
Far too much is made of distance casting and for a beginner it should be recognized keep it simple. Fish for dinner is far more likely to come from good bait presentation than distance casting from the shore.
The factors I would consider if advising a novice would be to make sure this is a sport they think will last, once this test has reached fruition then go to the next stage, a rod suitable for the area to be most fished, something at about $150.00 and a step up to a reel of about the same cost.
Providing these are looked after, washed down to get rid of salt and sand, this outfit will last for a few seasons and eventually become the second rod. Should the novice graduate with honors then by all means he/she will wish to look for a rod in the $400.00 plus region, with a reel to suit.
Great suggestions Hangler. I agree with the casting comments as well, to many surfcasters think they have to cast to the horizon to get among the fish. Cheers.
Depends on the dreaded budget really. Combo's are always cheaper. There is some reasonable entry level sets for around $100 , middle range and really good value like the Daiwa Laguna/ Crosscast 6000 at about $250.00
on 21/11/2015, 5:54 am