Thread: Graphite or fiberglass surf rods

For surf rods 8-12 feet long held stationary in sand spikes and using bait, what is your opinion on fiberglass vs graphite? Is one better than the other for fish "self setting" the hook? Is one better for casting bait (or even casting and working plugs). How about strike sensitivity and rod durability. And lastly would you ten to go with a cheaper rod like an ugly stik, Penn, or okuma ($50-70) or with a slightly better rod like a St. Croix or better Penn ($120-150)?

I haven't done that much surf fishing, but used to do a lot of striper fishing with a set rod in a holder from the shore. My old fiberglass rods outfished everything else. I believe this was because of the softness of the tip. The fish could not feel the sharp resistance on the bite. With my newer graphite rods I would see a lot of taps not followed by the fish eating the bait.

for a rod that's soaking bait while sitting in a rod holder, I really like fiberglass. It's heavier than graphite, but softer and slower for those fish that don't like the resistance when they mouth your bait. Heavy really only comes into play as a problem when you have to cast repeatedly without a break. I have a lot more fun (and lose fewer fish) when I fight them on a fiberglass rod no matter what kind of fishing I do.The slower action of the rod gives and reduces the shock to your line when the fish decides he's suddenly found the strength to make one last strong break for it. Your hooks are less likely to pull free and your line is less likely to break. That being said, I'll still go with a graphite or high percentage graphite composite if I know I'll be plugging or casting metal for a few hours.

Fer real?
Imho it's no contest considering the sensitivity and light weight strength of graphite rods. The trick is finding the RIGHT rod to do the job you want in your price range...

Well, can I throw out a dumb question? What's the difference in a 7 to 8 foot catfish/striper rod and say a 8 or 9 foot surf rod? Is it just a factor of length or is it a completely different blank? I know you can find them with similar weight ratings, but have no ability to compare them otherwise.

Originally Posted by Pier#r

Fer real?
Imho it's no contest considering the sensitivity and light weight strength of graphite rods. The trick is finding the RIGHT rod to do the job you want in your price range...

Lol. Yes, fer real. I have an old cheap Shakespeare 12' glass surf rod that is one of my favorites even though I rarely use it these days. Mostly my 9' x heavy ugly stik salmon/steelhead rods do double duty as freshwater striper rods and salt/surf rods. Even though they're composite (mostly glass) they're still a reasonable weight, plenty sensitive and I can cast with them for hours if I feel like plugging, throwing metals, jigs, or pretty much anything. I have graphite rods in the same lure weight/line strength category, but these have held up better and taken abuse that the graphite never would have. Think accidental 70 lb spoonbill snagged in a fast moving tailrace- a guy can only scramble down the rocks so fast, and keeping your rod in an ideal position while you try in vain to keep up with the fish in order to avoid being spooled (or lose the 20$ striper lure you were using). I'm more than satisfied with them.

Originally Posted by ShallowWaterAngler

Well, can I throw out a dumb question? What's the difference in a 7 to 8 foot catfish/striper rod and say a 8 or 9 foot surf rod? Is it just a factor of length or is it a completely different blank? I know you can find them with similar weight ratings, but have no ability to compare them otherwise.

The hardware on saltwater rods is more durable, but with care you can get double duty. Casting motion varies by angler, but saltwater bait rods are a bit stiffer for range. The gulf (and certainly the pier) is more forgiving of lack of range.

Competitive casting and serious distance fishermen use pendulum casts and off-the-ground casts that put lots of torque on saltwater rods -- those would be quite stiff but not much use for everyday gulf fishing.

And mono for spiking.

Originally Posted by ShallowWaterAngler

Well, can I throw out a dumb question? What's the difference in a 7 to 8 foot catfish/striper rod and say a 8 or 9 foot surf rod? Is it just a factor of length or is it a completely different blank? I know you can find them with similar weight ratings, but have no ability to compare them otherwise.

It really depends on the blank. I do use some 6-7' rods in the surf when things are calm. Lately (don't laugh too hard) I've used the 7' daiwa beef stick for a calm surf/pier rod. It will throw a bubble middling well, it will soak bait, it breaks down for easy travel and if it breaks or somehow is damaged (which surprisingly hasn't happened) its not a big loss. I also let other people use them with no hesitation- can't say that about my more expensive gear. I use the 8' Berkeley big game rod on occasion, and it does well if your shoulders can handle it. Managed a decent bull red off the pier in June with the Berkeley rod.
Just make sure you clean your gear after using in the salt. Even cheap gear can last a while and work well.