Filling in the Gaps

[ReelCreel]

You folks helped me out a couple of months ago when I was looking for advice on a 12" Hatteras Heaver type of rod. I ended up getting the Bass Pro OM12SC. I have a Penn 525 Mag I can put on it although it feels/looks tiny on such a beast of a rod. But I also have one Penn 535 and two Penn 555 reels in my kit that I can use on this rod...they should work well especially after I mag them (I need all the helps I can get). So I believe I have the "heavy" end of the spectrum covered.

I also am pretty well set with the light/medium end covered with a couple of 9foot spinning outfits (1/2 to 2 oz) and a St. Croix 10' casting rod rigged with an Abu 6500 Chrome Rocket (magged and customized by Ryan White at Hatteras Jacks).

But what about the medium/heavy part of the range? Here I am asking for your opinion and recommendations.
(1) I do have an older Daiwa PS 1102 MHS-S Samurai Surf spinning rod (11', 2-6 oz, 17-40#) that I can rig with either a Penn 750SS, 850SS or a 950SS.
What are your thoughts on this rod...is it worth working with it?
(2) As mentioned above I have a Penn 525 Mag and a Penn 535 that I could rig on a rod in the medium/heavy range. Some options I am looking at include the BassPro OM12SCM (12', 3-6 oz, 17-40#) and the BassPro OM10SC (10', 4-8oz, 17-40#). There are also a couple of Tica rods at 10' (2-8 oz, 12-30#) and 11' (3-8 oz, 15-40#).
So...please share your thoughts and recommendations on a medium/heavy rod. I am open to suggestions.

Finally of the heavy and meium/heavy rods mentioned above what would be the best candidate for an "anchor" rod when fishing trolley rigs off a pier?

I look forward to your responses...thanks.

[kingfisherman23]

First off, the medium/heavy rod:

I don't know anything about the Samurai Surf series, and I'm not much for spinning tackle. But I really like my OM 10' and I've heard great things about the OM 12' 3-6oz. I'd pick one of those.

Now for the king anchor rod. It depends on the pier you are fishing and how much length you can cast comfortably. For instance, at CG you can't cast more than a 12' because of the observation deck. I'd say longer is better, because more height equals bait farther out.

Personally I use the my OM 10', my OMCP 12' and my Ugly Stick BWC1100 (10') for anchors. I don't think I would want to throw the OM 12' 3-6 for an anchor though. The tip is pretty whippy and I like at least a 6oz anchor, usually 7oz. I'd also go with the 525 for the reel. You won't need more line than the 525 can hold. Either that or move the Chrome rocket onto one of the meduim-heavy or heavy rods.

I've also seen lots of Tica UEHAs, Daiwa Beefsticks and even a $300 Shimano Tiralejo used for anchors. So just pick a combo that you feel the most comfortable with.

[obxflea]

I wouldnt mag the 555 or the 535. They have plenty of brakes in them for you to play with. I can easily cast my 555 with 10oz and a half of a bunker 75-80yds, Plenty for sharks and cobia.

[ReelCreel]

kingfisherman23...Thanks for the advice and recommendations. I still have some thinking to do about this but I am favoring either the OM10SC or the Tica UEHA 10'...both are at the same 10' length, 8 oz maximum lure weight. Either should work well off the beach and I believe I will be comfortable casting an anchor line from a pier with a rod of this length.

obxflea..Thanks also for the comments on the 555 and 535 reels. While I am not new to fishing, I have avoided casting outfits for a very, very long time (I am not exactly a spring chicken)...and...frankly they (or the potential for me creating birds nests) intimidates me just a bit. But mag braking leaves me more comfortable and gets me using casting tackle. Besides after a long search I was able to get Penn "mag-equipped" sides plates to convert my 555 and 535 reels.

ANYBODY ELSE...I AM STILL OPEN FOR COMMENTS, SUGGESTIONS AND ADVICE. THANKS.