Corpusfishing.com

rustynail11 · Horse Mullet Joined: 11 Feb 2016 Posts: 128

Looking for some advice on a new rod & reel set up. I am by no means an expert but not a novice, I know just enough about surf fishing to be dangerous. I make it down to PINS 4-6 times a year and usually have luck with whiting, small shark, a few trout, and few pomps. I also fish the Outer Banks of NC once a year as well as the FL gulf coast. I have rods ranging from 9ft to 15ft and all my reels are Penn Spinning reels (Fierce, Fierce II, Battle, and Battle II).

I want to try a conventional reel and am looking for some advice on what a good set up would be. I have looked at the Penn Fathom and Penn Squall and just discovered the Abu Garcia Blue Yonder. This would be used mostly to cast from the beach and maybe some baits that are Kayaked out.

What would the experts suggest for someone that has never casted with a conventional reel and what pole would you put it on?

Tyler · Site Admin Joined: 06 Mar 2006 Posts: 12865

The Daiwa SL20Sh and 30's are good reels for your application. The blue yonder is a little small though my brother in law brought in a 5 foot blacktip on an Abu 6500 once.

Check out Breakawayusa.com for some high end surf rods or stop by Roy's and look at the Penn Prevails and Ticas.
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chapcat54 · Horse Mullet Joined: 15 Jun 2015 Posts: 185

I strongly second Tyler's advice.

I own a Daiwa Sealine SL20SH paired with a Breakaway LD-X 13 ft surf rod. This outfit will cast a mile, considerably farther than reels that have a levelwind, plus it allows the use of a long shock leader without the knot being a problem. However, most folks do advise a spinning reel unless you are willing to put some time into practicing casting and retrieving to reduce the dreaded bird nests, and to get used to guiding the line with your thumb. Once you have the hang of casting and retrieving a non-levelwind conventional, you may find that they are actually less hassle than spinning reels. Line twist and wind knots with spinning rigs have lead me to gray hairs on more than a few occasions, the resulting tangles in my opinion being much more a PITA than an occasional overrun with a conventional. I would further advise if possible to get by his shop to see Nick at Breakaway and get his advice, as the guy is a real pro. He also has a number of You Tube videos that you might find interesting.

I also have a Abu 6500C paired with a 10 ft Jarvis Walker rod, and an heavier Okuma reel paired with a 12 ft Ugly Stik. Neither will cast as far as the Daiwa/Breakaway combo, although both the others are quality rigs.

Texican · Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2016 3:45 pm Post subject:

From me another nod to Nick, Breakaway and Diawa. I purchased two rods and two reels from Nick nearly 10 years ago and they are still working flawlessly to this day.
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rustynail11 · Horse Mullet Joined: 11 Feb 2016 Posts: 128

thanks for the advise. A Breakaway rod was already on my list due to other suggestions I have seen on the board. I am going to try and pick one up on my trip to PINS next months. I will also check out the Daiwa reels.

Rebecca of Sunnybrookfarm · Full Grown Flour Bluffian Joined: 01 May 2008 Posts: 3974

Tyler · Site Admin Joined: 06 Mar 2006 Posts: 12865

I like the 30 also Becky. I have the 40 and I can cast it well but it is a bit of a beast. I ended up putting it on an old sabre blank and use it for snapper. Also don't discount the 7000 Abus. I have two of those on my long rods because I used to have my elderly dad fishing with me and he and kids for that matter have a hard time mending the line back on the reel while fighting a fish. Yes you lose a little distance but they still sling it out there.
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Predapex · Horse Mullet Joined: 06 Sep 2013 Posts: 181

7000 abus Rock. I've caught BT up to 100lbs on my 7000s. You will need to learn how to replace the drags. Evil or Very Mad

Tyler · Site Admin Joined: 06 Mar 2006 Posts: 12865

Here are two of my nieces who just yesterday reeled in some hardheads on my 7000. That's why I roll with the levelwind:)

They also reeled in Dad's 6500

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chapcat54 · Horse Mullet Joined: 15 Jun 2015 Posts: 185

My old Abu 6500C I bought back in the 80's is still going strong today. Just had it serviced at Roys, and hopefully it will give me many more good years. Best reel out of many I have owned.

I know Nick over at Breakaway carries the Akios S-series reels that are made in England and the designer of those reels used to be with Abu Garcia if memory serves me. Those reels are developing a good reputation as well among surf fishermen, and you can certainly see the resemblance to the Abus as well. You can get them with or without levelwind.