Equipment help

[abass105]

Hello, I am new to this forum but not new to fishing. I have recently become more serious about surf fishing. I currently am using a couple of Daiwa Emcast Plus spinning reels model 5500 and Offshore Angler 11 foot rods. After two seasons of using these outfits I have decided it is time to upgrade to something better. I have been looking at Penn Sportfisher SSM reels. I would appreciate any insight you more experienced surf fisherman can offer. Thanks in advance and keep up the good info in the forum.

Abass105

[Fishman]

First off welcome aboard to the best pier and surf forum on the net.

If you are looking for good equipment you may want to consider conventional tackle were your drags will be better, distance will be better and you have a wider verity. As far as rods are concerned you have a large verity to choose from anywhere from the store bought to the high cost of custom built rods.

Spinning gear has its place but for serious surf fishing most use conventional gear

[cygnus-x1]

I agree. For spinning rods its hard to beat a Daiwa either emcast or emblem so if you are already using that equipment its time to step up to conventional. This is my first year using conventional and I love it. I also upgraded some of my surf/pier rods to Daiwa emcasts and LOVE them. However my penn 525 mag ROCKS. There are many good conventional reels and I am no expert but many people say the safe choice for a conventional is the penn 525 mag. Its very versatile and if you have a hard time throwing it you can get an extra mag kit to slow it down from Hattaras Outfitters. However I did not need that and I doubt you will. I paired mine with a 12' XH Tica (no the dolphin) and I LOVE it

[chinookhead]

If you want to stick with spinners your reels are fine as long as u clean them etc....otherwise those drags get sticks (not waterproof). One thing that I woudl definitely update are those rods.....bad recovery and not ale to really sling weight well.

Factory spinners Tica Dolphin, Tsunami, Ocean Masters (for serious weight but heavier) are good....the Cape Pont 12 is nice!! It all depends on what kind of weight u want to toss....if u want to sling big weight (8+) the OM's are the best...the ticas are lighter and cast 4-6oz + bait well.

If u want to go the conventional route and low maintenance get a Daiwa Sealine X SHV or the new model SHA (cheaper and better bearings and handle).....I like my 525 mag, and is super easy to cast, but it requires a little more maintenance.

[Homer]

I think the spinners are fine also (especially if you like braided line), and I'm a serious surf fisherman!:) My Daiwa Emblem Pro has been great, I am very abusive on my equipment, and i fish alot!

Rods- get the best you can afford- I've used Tica and was fine w/ it. Refining your techinique will probably do the most for you, but of course I don't know- you might already be a great caster!