[Guest]

I have an 8 foot heavy action ugly stik rod that is currently paired with an Okuma ABF-90 reel. It doesn't seem to cast well with that reel but I like the baitfeeder function. The rod itself is rated for 1-6 ounces weight and 12-30lb line. With a decent salt striker bait feeder reel would this be sufficient for pups etc in the surf? I don't think the rod would ever make it past the second bar but I'd like to at least know I can get some distance and be able to fish on a few nice days here and there while the Mrs is suntanning on the beach.

 

[Jollymon]

A Okuma AFB-90 is a hoss for a 8' rod , What lb. is on it now? and what are you trying to throw ?, It maybe your not loading it as you cast , line to heavy ,to lite a weight.
Are you using a shock leader ?, what test how long?, all the Ugly Sticks I've used in the past cast well, just thick and heavy,
Need some more details as to how you have it set up.
And one more thing, could you have a conventional rather then a spinning rod ?

 

[Guest]

I've not learned to cast well with a conventional rod. I've always used spinning tackle. The line weight is a bit heavy at around 30lb I believe. The reel just seems to be too big for the setup. I originally had it set up to be able to horse big catfish out of cover on the local rivers. I'll be honest I've not used shock leaders etc in the past. I'm looking into putting a salt striker reel on the setup so it can cast better. I want to be able to simply soak some cut bait while I relax on the beach at Ocracoke with the Mrs for a day or two of our upcoming trip. I'm also not opposed to sinking a few bucks into a new setup all together if it would be a better idea. Probably in the $150 neighborhood maximum. Thanks!

 

[Jollymon]

I'd back down to 20lb. or maybe 17lb. tie a shock leader of 50lb. Ande or Berkeley Gig Game would be fine, wrap the shock 3 or4 times around the spool down the rod and back to the reel,

more or less you'll have to decide where to trim it to. tie on your rid, I'd start with it coming down to you first or second eye to cast , See how it goes.

If your going to get a another setup , I'd buy it down there Frank and Frans in Avon, Red Drum in Buxton, or Trade Winds on Ocracoke, any of them will set it up for you and the local knowledge is well worth it.

Than go soak some bait

 

[Guest]

Awesome! Thanks! I always go to Frank and Fran's for bait and sinkers etc because they have always been so nice and grateful for the business I give. Good people.

 

[Jollymon]

Awesome! Thanks! I always go to Frank and Fran's for bait and sinkers etc because they have always been so nice and grateful for the business I give. Good people.

Stop at Red Drum too, There as nice and helpful as Frank &Frans , IMHO a better selection of rods , For all budgets.

 

[NC KingFisher]

Look into the big water series. Budget rod, I love my conventional. Caught lots of fish last year, and for 79.99 can't beat it. Would probably be a better match up for the reel in spinning

 

[Guest]

Thanks!