Newbi needs recommendation on spinning surf casting rig

[dondford]

I'm a newbi, please be gentle. I am planning to learning to surf cast in the Cape San Blas/St Port Joe/Indian Pass Fl (I know its not Texas, but this as close as I could find) area. I will use shrimp/sand fleas ect. I'm on a fixed income and need a solid buy for the money but also realize you save any money by buying junk. I have done some research and are looking at:

Reel - I am leaning toward the Penn Line Liner 560L but also the Shimano Bait Runner and Okuma EB-80. The Penn appeals to me because of the metal body and it's US made.

Rod - I am looking at the Tsunami AIRWAVE Casting conventional 10' XH ROD, but also wondering about the combo's sold by any of the reel companies above. I have looked at the Penn 87887 combo but could find nowhere the reel used on this combo.

Line - I would also like advice on line - braided, mono, wt. ect.

Any advice, suggestions, ect on not only equipment but any aspects of surf casting in this area GREATLY appreciated.
Thanking y'all in advance for your assistance.

D
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[Hit-n-Miss]

Go to the floridasurfcasters site. You will find all the info you could ever want. Look up archived stuff from my dad Earl Brinn(RIP) he was a wealth of knowledge.

[bman]

I'm a Shimano guy so I'm biased on rod and reel combo.

Go for braid- you can fit a lot more on a reel and get longer distances.
Plus it lasts forever.

I attach a 3 - 7 foot Fluoro leader to the braid.

Also- if your on a budget consider starting with a multi purpose rig.
I surf fish with a 7' rod and 3000 class reel.
Catch plenty of fish and I can use the same rig on the flats!

[silverking]

What is your budget for a combo? That will help narrow the search. Also, what are you targeting? That will dictate action/reel size, etc.

Most of the Penn reels are unfortunately now made overseas. Metal isn't necessarily better but it is more durable.

If you want a spinning outfit, then you want a spinning rod. The conventional rod is designed for a conventional reel and vice versa.

Once you answer these questions, then go to a local shop and see what combos they have. Many are not sold as separate components but as combos to maximize the price point. Cabelas also has some good bargains on combo surf outfits.

[Harmsway]

I like my Tsunami Airwave (for the money).

[dondford]

SilverKing:

I would like to keep it around $150.00 for the combo. I would like to catch Pomps, Whiting, ect.

I have been recommended a 10' or longer rod.
I have been looking at the Model: Penn Sargus SG7000
Mono Capacity (yds/lb): 390/17, 310/20, 280/25
Braid Capacity (yds/lb): 505/40, 430/50, 360/65
Bearings: 5BB/1RB
Gear Ratio: 5.3:1
Line Retrieve: 39 in.
Weight: 27.8 oz. Model: SBG9810 Spinfisher
Length: 10' 0''
Pieces: 2
Line Weight: 15-30 lb
Lure Weight: 1 - 5 oz
Rod Butt: EVA split grip
Reel Seat: Hooded
Grip: EVA
Guides: AX spinning
Guides + Tip: 5

Combo from TackleDirect for $99

Any advice greatly appreciated.

D

[WolfeMan]

I agree with bman, I've had as much, if not more luck with a versatile in-shore rig than I have with the 10 foot surf rod I've got. If you want to go a little longer, Shimano has a lot of options in spinning rods that are 7'6" long.

[BayGator]

I hit the local tackle store tent sales for my beach fishing rigs. I use to take my high dollar stuff down to the beach but when the first one got pulled over into the sand and water I gave that up. I bought 4 no name spinning combos for $20-30 a piece and have been using them for the last 2 years with no worries. I put tent sale $5 braided line (can't remember the brand but it was also a no name brand) and it has worked out great.

[Reel Cowboy]

I like my Tsunami Airwave (for the money).

Thanks Will. I 'ppreciate it.

[Rhettley]

Dondford those Penn Sargus reels are nice. I looked at them at BPS the other day and it felt solid and tight. However, the Penn Sargus SG7000, at 27.8 oz is a mighty big reel. It's probably more suited for kings, cobia, or even tarpon than for whiting and pomps. I would think the 4000 would be as big as you would need for surf fishing.