The first decision casters are faced with is what type of equipment they will use for their fishing. Choices are spinning or conventional. Spinning reels lay line on the spool with a rotating guide that spins around a stationary spool. Spinning reels offer ease of use and are ideal for casting light monofilament lines below 15-pound-test. Their weakness is exposed when using heavier lines, which slap against the rod guides during casts, severely limiting casting distance.
Fishing Rods
Seven foot medium action spinning rods are ideal for fishing the quiet waters of Bays and Harbors. They are also suitable for casting in most ocean conditions. Shimano, Daiwa, Penn, and Garcia are just a few of the manufacturers offering quality products at mass-production prices, and their rods perform admirably.
Anglers planning to fish the ocean beaches and rough surf will be delivering heavier payloads with their casts. Fishing rods rated for four to eight ounces are required, and nine to eleven feet lengths will keep line above the crest of incoming waves when bait fishing. By staying above the crashing waves, anglers are better able to feel the bite of a fish.
Fishing Reels
The matching reel for a spin fishing rod should be similar in size to the Penn SS4500, or Shimano Sustain. As with rods, fishing reels are offered in a wide price range. While all reels perform well out of the box, the extra dollars for the top models buy durability. Reels at the low end of the price spectrum are made of lower quality materials and will quickly corrode when exposed to saltwater.
Conventional reels are designed with a revolving spool mounted on a rigid frame. Since the line coming off the spool goes straight into the guides, line slap is eliminated. These reels are great for casting heavy lines long distances. The challenge of conventional reels is their use. The spool revolves at high speeds. If the spool sends line out faster than the lure or weight is traveling, the line will pile up and create a tangle on the reel. These backlashes are difficult to untangle, and can be frustrating. The Shimano Calcutta CT200 is a solid reel that is easy to cast from the surf.
Fishing Lines
When it’s time to put line on the reel, fishermen are faced with many choices. Mono or braid is the first question that must be answered. Stay away from braid when surfcasting; at least until becoming a proficient caster. Braided line is hair-thin and difficult to work with. Knots in braided line are usually impossible to get out. Factor in the cost, and monofilament is the easy choice.
When choosing line for spinning reels, the most common mistake is selecting a line that is too heavy. Lines greater than 15-pound-test greatly increase friction from line slapping against the guides when casting. Heavier line also creates more wind resistance. Monofilament line may appear thin, but when stretched out across a distance, the total surface area of the line is significant. The ideal line for casting artificial lures is 12-pound-test.
Conventional rod and reel setups feature zero line-slap, so they are perfect for the heavy lines needed when casting large baits from the beach. Heavy lines also reduce overruns and backlashes on conventional reels. Beach anglers can cast 20 to 30-pound-test and have the advantage of a line that can put pressure on big fish.
Choosing the right fishing equipment is the first step to success when beach fishing. A high quality rod and reel combo can be purchased for less than $500.
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