Thread: Rod/reel advice

Looking to buy my husband new gear for his birthday. We've been fishing from the surf a few times in Alabama. But just using the gear he has (mainly freshwater stuff). Any advice on rod and reels for basically a beginner. We've got pompano and whiting in the past and several sharks (using a friends gear). We are moving to Alabama next year and want to get him started. Thanks for all your advice!

Get him a gift card to J&M Tackle!

Welcome, and congrats on the move! Are you looking for something light for pomps ,whiting and spanish mackerel from the pier or something heavy for redfish and sharks that could be used on the pier for King mackerel? What's your budget and where are you located so people in your area can steer you in the right direction where to go.

Welcome to the forum Katie.
You've gotten good advice (and questions) already!

Quality tackle for surf and pier is a fairly modest investment for most folks.
Talk and look around around to get the most for your budget.
Places like J&M and Bass Pro are great because of the variety of rods on the rack you can investigate personally.
And don't be concerned about asking more questions ;-)

ugly sticks 8-10' medium power is a decent start with a shimano 4500 reel spooled with PLINE 10lb mono or 20lb power pro braid. a step up is penn's line of surf rods look at the prevail or battalion. is he short or tall? the longer the stick it gets more difficult to cast. next step is st croix mojo up to 12' paired with a daiwa BG, good line capacity and smoking strong drag can cast to the bar with good casting technique. dont forget the reel maintenance with greese and oil. good surf rod holders are a must either homemade or check out barret custom rods in florida, he makes custom surf rod holders, Next step up is st croix avid line and shimano tiralajo which i might be pulling the trigger on for the 12' model. there is a plethera of other rods on the market but the ones i have listed i have owned or own and will get ya where you need to be. dont forget the surf cart to haul all that gear. tight lines and let is know what avenue you went down. Gooseboy out

Hello, and welcome to the Forum. Good surf outfits in the medium/light categories will cost around a $100, and last a long time. No need to go all out to start, but don't start out with the cheaper stuff. This Forum is an archive of salt water fishing; practice using the search feature, using key words, like "ultra light rod", "medium light rod", and you can be prepared to be his fishing guide when yall get here. Your answers really lie at your hands.

Originally Posted by CarlF

Get him a gift card to J&M Tackle!

There is the best advice you are going to get. The folks at J&M will set him up with what he wants/needs.

A lot of the fun is the "Hunt" for new gear, get him a Bass Pro catalog , Salt Water, yes they still have them ,you just have to ask for it.
Worth having just for research and dreaming . Then give him gift cards and take him shopping, Tell him your here to push the cart,

Originally Posted by stik

There is the best advice you are going to get. The folks at J&M will set him up with what he wants/needs.

I agree, my buddy suggested I go to j&m since he couldn't go with me, they're prices are pretty comparable to other places. Might be a little more expensive (only by a few bucks or so) on their products, however they definitely make up for it with their very knowledgeable staff who are very helpful.