Thread: Baitcasting or Spinning reel??

Hey guys. Got some questions for y'all. Baitcasting or spinning reel for pier and surf for my bigger rods. I have some of the original Abu 7500C3 and a new Diawa Lexa 400 that I use on my surf/dam rods ranging from 11-14ft. If it'll work I only plan on bringing my 11ft Lamglass. Do you all think I need to go buy a spinning reel/combo for fishing the pier and or surf? And is the locals going to be ok with an 11ft Rod on the pier?? Thanks for the help!!!

Originally Posted by Kdavis

And is the locals going to be ok with an 11ft Rod on the pier?? Thanks for the help!!!

We have seen longer, LOL.
I would say that you will be the one unhappy with an 11' rod on the pier; people generally have a real struggle maneuvering around other anglers and the rails with surf rods.

Spinning reels are better for distance and drag management, IMHO

what Fin said!!! leave the surf rod for the beach....better for everyone
8-9ft rods are all you need and sometimes not even that long.....I use to fish with a 7ft all the time but have picked up a few longer lately

Spinning is better for casting a very light bait (a cigar minnow or live LY is only a couple of ounces and delicate) and has better line capacity for the 15# mono most experienced folks spool. Letting the king run and wear itself out may take 300 yards.

That what I was afraid of. Glad I asked. So what is a decent rod I could get for the 8-9 ft spinning setup? I definetly don't need another $250 rod

Big water ugly stik......8ft, won't break the bank, or a custom 8ft shelf rod from J&M tackle once you get down there for a little more

Penn Fierce combos are less than $100
Battle II just over $100

After each trip down I start to prepare for the next, with tackle and gear......I learn every trip......I do have way too much and only fish one rod at a time, but hve a few pre rigged for other fish passing by, or when the bite is on, not having to retie.....just grab a rod rigged and keep catching......most fresh water rods doublefor the salt, just need to take extra care each day rinsing and after the trip is over.......especially fishing the beach with fine sand

For economics and those that don't get to fish that much to me you can't beat a Penn Pursuit II combo $56 at Walmart ,Academy Sport ,online' etc with 250-275 yds of 10lb mono It is excellent for bubble rigs, gotcha's and other artificials for spanish and blues, can be used with a carolina rig , Drop rig etc in surf or on pier I have several of them as well as Penn Fierce and Battle IIs While I have caught Kings on them if you want to target them or Reds I'd go a little larger like the Penn Battle II but the Pursuit II will catch about anything you'll run into

I encourage anybody with tackle concerns to pay a visit to J&M Tackle in Orange Beach. They have rigs there to fit just about any pocketbook or fishing need, along with experienced and knowledgeable sales staff. I'm pretty sure they have the Penn combos previously mentioned, too. They are helpful and friendly.