The Carolinas - Recommendations for a multi-species Surf Combo

Yeah, I got tons of boat gear but ain't got no boat right now.

So...I want to get a rig to use while we are chilling on the beach at Topsail, budget $200. I am not even sure what is caught around there, but would like a rod and reel combo with braid that I can launch and not get worn out.

From the research I have done, the 12 foot Tsunami Surf rod with a Penn 550 SSG spinning reel looks to be a good combo. Load it with 20 pound Power Pro and get-r-done.

I am a Penn fan, don't care about the brand of rod.

Thanks!!

I agree with the reel... Don't know much about the surf rods but the Penn 550,650,etc are great reels and easy to clean.they are easy to get parts for and you can do the work yourself. And they will sling braid a mile!

Most, 95% of the fish you'll catch in the surf here in NC will be less than 3lbs. That being said, you do not have to reach these out past all the white water. A good all purpose Bait fishing rod would be about 8' - 9' able to cast say 1 - 3 oz. Try to find a fast taper rod not slow taper.
For mobile, light artificial fishing on the sand, a rod capable for trout fishing, 7-8', 10 - 12 lb braid will suit your needs & you'll enjoy the hunt. The same rod can cast a 1-2oz egg sinker w/ sand fleas, minnows, shrimp.

If you want to target big fish. Get the original daiwa slosh30, learn to cast it w/ the red brakes in it. not the newer "gold" versions- $110, then a Tica 11 or 12' rod rated for 3 - 8 oz. $100

remember, for surf fishing your matching your equipment to the weather conditions most days, or a specific styleof fishing; bait in rod spike, live bait, artificial, etc..unless your targeting Big fish - tarpon, sharks, cobia, Big Drum, these are seasonal fish that require study & time spent learning them, for regular catches.

We fish off the beach a lot at Cape Lookout and I mostly use a 7 ft tsunami rod and shimano spheros 4000 reel. Catch everything from sea mullet to 30+ inch reds to trout and albies. There are times when an 8 ft rod would help sling metal to the breakers better, but with braid you can really cast a long way. The lighter rod is easier if you are walking and casting. If you're mostly sitting and drinking beer with the rod in a holder, it won't matter much.

7 or 8 footer with a Penn Battle 3000 or 4000 spooled with 15# braid is all you will need for TopSail / Surf City surf fishing. This set up will work all day without wearing you out. Good on the boat & for Winter Speck in the suds too ........ ICM

Here's a killer top shelf deal - over kill for your needs .......
From ChipBaker on FPT ....... ICM

Have an Abu Garcia 6500 blue yonder matched to an 11ft 3-6 oz shimano tiralejo for sale. 300 for the combo or I will split them up 130 for the reel 200 for the rod. The rod is in near perfect condition reel has been used but in good condition. PM me for pictures.

7 or 8 footer with a Penn Battle 3000 or 4000 spooled with 15# braid is all you will need for TopSail / Surf City surf fishing. This set up will work all day without wearing you out. Good on the boat & for Winter Speck in the suds too ........ ICM

Couldn't agree more. I haven't carried the heavers to the surf in a long time. Those Penn Battles are sweet reels.

I have a 9' Ugly Stik that I really like for surf fishing. I have an older Penn 560 Slammer on it. I don't really like braid for surf fishing it seems like it has a tendancy to knot up. I've caught everything on it from pinfish to redfish. Nice combo.