Surf Rod and Tackle

[steve392]

Im looking to pick up a ugly stick surf rod from a hunting shop just over the border in NY in a few weeks. I want to replace the line thats on it with braided. Is 30lb braided overkill for surf fishing? Also what size swivels and such should I pick up? I am pretty much an beginner but want to pick up some stuff for this summer.

Also besides live or fresh bait, what kind of lures/jigs/rigs should I look into?

[sportfishingusa]

you want to buy some used stuff like rods, reels, plugs, so forth, let me know and you can come by my house, i got a ton of stuff i would love to unload!!

[tropics]

you want to buy some used stuff like rods, reels, plugs, so forth, let me know and you can come by my house, i got a ton of stuff i would love to unload!!

I am going to be down that way some time this week, can you leave the garage door open.:D

[JerseyCoast]

Im looking to pick up a ugly stick surf rod from a hunting shop just over the border in NY in a few weeks. I want to replace the line thats on it with braided. Is 30lb braided overkill for surf fishing? Also what size swivels and such should I pick up? I am pretty much an beginner but want to pick up some stuff for this summer.

Also besides live or fresh bait, what kind of lures/jigs/rigs should I look into?

Something to remeber with braid.....the smaller it is, the tougher it is to deal with when you have the wind in your face. ( knots, casting, etc...). 30-40 is what I use. When you get a 15# in the wash theres alot of pressure pulling back and I have seen 17#-20# lines snap at this point from inexperience.

Braid is not easy in the surf, so just keep the wind knots and knot tying on the beach in mind when you decide.
As for lures, go basic until your sure its for you. Many people only fish the beach 1-2 x and give it up. Avas, hopkins, bucktails, shads, and the basic stuff. Thin for sandeels and wider for bunker. If fishing bait, a simple Hi-Low Rig is all you need. Dont get all fancy in the beginning. K.I.S.S. is the best method when starting out.

Good luck!

[steve392]

thanks for the info. Is the braided alot thinner then regular line? Would I be better off with regular line and just get higher test? I just dont want to keep snapping line like I was last summer. It felt like everything I was reeling in would snap the line. I think its 15 or 17lb test on the reel now. I'de have to double check.

[JerseyCoast]

thanks for the info. Is the braided alot thinner then regular line? Would I be better off with regular line and just get higher test? I just dont want to keep snapping line like I was last summer. It felt like everything I was reeling in would snap the line. I think its 15 or 17lb test on the reel now. I'de have to double check.


Many guys will use 17# for throwing lighter lures, to get more distance and better action out of them. 17# is on the light side, when you hook up with a bigger fish and have to deal with the currents close to the sand. Most times you will see the guys using lighter line, taking a walk up and down the beach when they hook up. If you were going to use braid, I say go with 30-40#, maybe even 50# if throwing bait.

If only plugging, 30-40# is fine. Try using a shock leader if your snapping off during the cast. Shock leader should be long enough to wrap around the spool 2-3X when your in you casting position. Something else to look at is the possibility that you have a bad guide. Run a Q-Tip through all of your guides. This will find any small cracks or edges that may be causing this problem. :)

[steve392]

thanks for the info guys. was watching a bunch of videos' on youtube on how to tie proper knots. If you saw what I tied, you'de shake your heads and then laugh. LOL

[JerseyCoast]

thanks for the info guys. was watching a bunch of videos' on youtube on how to tie proper knots. If you saw what I tied, you'de shake your heads and then laugh. LOL


Dont worry about it!!! Some of us fish without a hook!!! :D

[steve392]

Is a 10 foot rod/reel combo to big?

[THAT GUY]

I fish a 10' with a Shimano 8000 series bait runner reel. I use 40 # braid. The set up is perfect for me.

[STK1200]

IMO a 10 foot rod works well (and the 10' Ugly Stik has served me admirably), I use basically the same setup as THAT GUY but with a 6000 series and 30# braid to a 50# leader.

On the other hand, there will be plenty of people that say you should go shorter - 8 or 9 feet - in order to reduce weight with a small decrease in casting distance.

[steve392]

Good to know. I have a big yellow ugly stick now that I think is 9' or so. Im temted to pick up this 10' ugly stick from a shop near me. Combo is like $70.

[steve392]

Well i went to the shop I had hoped to still have the ugly stick in stock, nope! Went to Ramsey Outdoor in Paramus and picked up a 10' Tsunami Five Star, model #TFSS-C 1002 MH for $59. Supposedly has 30lb test on it, not 100% sure though. I wish I knew where I put the box of braided line i bought in January as I want that on this rod.

[steve392]

Found my braided line, put it on and now just can't wait till summer vacation.