I am needing to replace my current shark rod/reel set up. I actually got into surf fishing when I found a Shakespeare Tidewater 10' rod washed up on the beach on a morning walk. I have been using that for 2 seasons now but the guides are falling apart and I feel I can now step up in quality after having a little experience now. I have been doing hours of research but am feeling overwhelmed and frustrated on my options. I'm a 5'5" 135lb female. My current set up I can fight the sharks by putting the butt on my upper leg/abdomen and the reel is in a comfortable position (left handle, spinning reel). I only cast the baits out so I can't get a lot of distance with the current rod. I thought it might be best to step up to a longer rod, 11' or 12'. From researching I guess I need a Heavy or Mod/Heavy Power with Fast or Mod/Fast Action. My fear is the 12', or even the 11', might be too much rod for me to handle and load the cast. I see the longer rods have much longer butts and therefore would have to put the end between my legs instead of on my abdomen during the fight? I also want to get a 50/50 split since I have to store it in my little one bedroom apt. I would prefer to stay under $200, am willing to go a little more if it is significantly better for me.
As for the reel, I currently have a CXM80 Bass Pro reel. It's way out lived its life. I want to switch over to braid too. I'm leaning towards the Fin Nor LT100. These are my current options that I've narrowed it down to:
Fin Nor LT100: $107
Fin Nor OFS9500: $140
Penn Battle II 8000: $103
Then another question (I should probably start a new thread) regarding the brand of braid and mono top shot. Thought a 65lb braid would suffice, what size and length of mono? I know a stupid question, but will the knot connection of the braid and mono go in/out of the reel and rod guides easily?
Thanks in advance for your help!
Julie
Check out the Tsunami Airwave Elite. TSAWESS-1142XH. It is 11'4", 20-50LB. IT is just under $200 and worth much more than that. You can also check out the standard airwave. Excellent bang for the buck. Run that Fin Nor Lethal 100 with straight 65LB power pro. You will be able to cast a long enough leader that you will not need a topshot of mono. IF you get that bruiser of a fish on the line, you can sit in the sand and plant the rod butt in the sand. I have had to do that a few times. Those lethal's put out some serious drag.
The rod is 4-8oz, I have used anywhere from 2-4oz lead and she slings with minimal effort. I use a leaders anywhere from 6-8 feet long. took me a few casts to dial it in but its easy!
Hope this helps!
You can also check out the Bass pro Ocean Master rod. Lots of rod for the $$$.
TEAM GETCHA GETCHA SHARKON
Check out the Tsunami Airwave Elite. TSAWESS-1142XH. It is 11'4", 20-50LB. IT is just under $200 and worth much more than that. You can also check out the standard airwave. Excellent bang for the buck. Run that Fin Nor Lethal 100 with straight 65LB power pro. You will be able to cast a long enough leader that you will not need a topshot of mono. IF you get that bruiser of a fish on the line, you can sit in the sand and plant the rod butt in the sand. I have had to do that a few times. Those lethal's put out some serious drag.
The rod is 4-8oz, I have used anywhere from 2-4oz lead and she slings with minimal effort. I use a leaders anywhere from 6-8 feet long. took me a few casts to dial it in but its easy!
Hope this helps!
I had been seriously looking at the Airwave series. I like the price of the regular Airwave but it is a 70/30 split. I also have been looking at the Okuma Cedros, Cedros CSX, Daiwa Coastal Salt Pro Surf. Perhaps all 11' rods are 70/30 split? Will I really be able to get a lot more casting distance out of a better rod that's bigger than the 10'? I assume the answer is yes 
I make my own castable shark rigs with weedeater line. You really think I won't need the top shot/leader and can go straight braid? What about the abrasion of sand and shells as well as the lack of give?
I was looking at the cedros before the airwave was recommended to me by a rod builder. Then I came across the elite version and I liked the guides better. The 11'4" is a 50/50.
The rod is an absolute beast and after landing a giant Goliath grouper on it and not snapping the rod, I am a believer.
I run straight 65lb. stronger than what ya need and great castability. I have not had any issues with sand. I was getting cut off when I made leaders 6ft of mono plus wire. I added another foot and BAM. Lemons on the sand!
I'll give the straight braid a shot and make my leaders a little longer. Thank you for the tips. Still deciding on the rod set up, will post when I figure it out
Don't think about it, just go get it. It's an investment, not an expense!
$185 eBay, free shipping. store from NJ. that's where I got mine.
Don't think about it, just go get it. It's an investment, not an expense!
$185 eBay, free shipping. store from NJ. that's where I got mine.
Lol, that's a good endorsement
I actually have just come across an offer for a brand new Barrett Surf Rod 11'9", 15-40lb, 2-6oz, Med/Heavy, Fast action for $225. I think it is probably a really good deal and probably shouldn't pass it up? Can even get a brand new OFS8500 full of 65lb braid for $100 more.
If you dont get that combo, I will !!!!!!!!!! Thats friggin dirt cheap!
I am currently getting that same rod built by Barrett Rods. I have the 12' Heavy BArrett Surf Rod, like 4-12oz or something. IT's awesome but it's heavy duty so I went for a lighter version. I should have mine Sunday.
The OFS is a tank and proven tough. Cant beat that price.
Seriously though, if you dont get that rod, shout out, thats too cheap to pass up
If you dont get that combo, I will !!!!!!!!!! Thats friggin dirt cheap!
I am currently getting that same rod built by Barrett Rods. I have the 12' Heavy BArrett Surf Rod, like 4-12oz or something. IT's awesome but it's heavy duty so I went for a lighter version. I should have mine Sunday.
The OFS is a tank and proven tough. Cant beat that price.
Seriously though, if you dont get that rod, shout out, thats too cheap to pass up
I'm totally getting it I really do appreciate your help and I'll let you know how it goes! My only fear was the 8500 was a tiny bit on the small size but I'm sure it will be fine.
That's awesome that you are having them build you one. What color?
If you are casting baits, you probably do not need more than 300 yards of 65lb line to land big fish.
Just remember what I said about putting the heat on 'em by putting the rod butt in the sand if needed. I fish east coast and have used over 300 yards of line on the surf rod once but it was less than 350 yards. The ofs 8500 is fine, could even go smaller.
The new rod will be black and silver with gun metal fuji low riders. Metal reel seat and the X pattern shrink wrap. Barrett makes the best stuff.
Thanks for the help on the size of reel. Glad to know it should suffice and be good reel.
I bet your new rod will be really nice, post pics when you get it!
I got the Barrett Rod and 8500 . I took it out for a 'spin' yesterday. Beautiful day but the fish and sharks weren't biting. I think I will really like the rod but it will certainly take some getting used to the much larger size. I put a breakaway cannon on it and think that will help a lot with casting the braid.
haa haa, good pun.
I dont know what the break away cannon is but it sounds fun. I wear a glove when I cast the braided lines. That stuff will cut right through skin! Make sure you tighten up that drag before you cast, then swing for the fence.
I hadn't heard of it either until I saw anther post about one. So, I googled it and thought it looked like something to try out. It takes a little learning curve but i think I will really like it and saves the fingers. I used to put a glove on before casting but one day the line tore right through my rubber glove, don't have to worry about that now and do not have to tighten the drag either.
https://www.amazon.com/Breakaway-BC1-Cannon-Cast-Aid/dp/B005ZSG02O
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxVBVqyxGaE
Have you gotten your rod?