[wickt9]

Does anyone have any suggestions for a good, lower cost shark fishing combo for the surf? Something reasonable to cast? I have a large Okuma open face but it doesn't seem to have enough drag to get the job done. I also have a large Penn conventional lever drag but that thing's impossible to cast from the beach. I'd really appreciate any recommendations or suggestions you might have. Thanks!

 

[spydermn]

Try and buy used. There is no such thing as low cost shark equipment. Check craigslist

 

[wickt9]

Any suggestions on a good rod, reel setup? Cost isn't that big an issue I just don't want to drop hundreds into it although I expect to at least a bill or two. I have an Okuma 65 on a 12 foot surf rod but I really don't like this setup for sharks. I'm wondering if it would be better on a 6-7 foot medium-heavy or heavy rod. I also have a Penn Squall 50 on a stand-up tuna rod which would be a good setup other than you can't cast the darn thing. Good from a boat but not so much from the beach. I've been looking at the Abu Ambassedeur 6500 or even a Diawa in a similar size but I really just don't know what would make for a good casting and heavy fighting setup.

 

[js1172]

#1 how big of sharks you wanna catch?
#2 if you get spooled by the unstoppable freight train will that bother you?
js

 

[wickt9]

5-6 footers would be my preference but I wouldn't mind holding my own against something maybe a little larger or at least have a fighting chance. I think the 65 I have might be better than I'm giving it credit but I really don't like the feel of it on a 12 foot rod. I had a 5 footer hooked up last year and it seemed ok other than a lot of bend in the tip, then I got spooled off by something so I started looking again. I just don't have a lot of experience on big water so I have no idea what's ideal.

 

[Drumdum]

For the size sharks you are talking,get a saltiest 30 size,or even the other series of diawas like the slosh or slv.. There are plenty of factory made conventional surfrods out there that can handle throwing up to 12 and even more.. These two can be found either looking for them used or straight out of the box.. Straight out of the box may be too steep a price,but no doubt can be picked up used.. Should be enough drag and line on the reel to handle MOST sharks in the range you are talking.. ALTHOUGH having a castable reel has it's drawbacks if you are not expecting to get dumped sooner or later....