[BeachBob]

Longer will typically be better for longer casts and the handling of larger hookups.

 

[BeachBob]

RWFishead:
I like to fish light. I will be using jigs from 1/4-3/4, and can't do that with the long poles. Also don't want to be throwing 4-6+ weight. Lastly, I'm 76+ and don't know if I could handle 12-13' poles. I realize I will be giving up distance, but I won't have the BIG ONE on the beach. LOL. It's strictly recreational. THX. Joe.

Under an ounce? That's ultra light and realistic distance ain't gonna happen even with uber light braid for yer main line. Light long rods will be your distance reaching friend - let the rod do the work, not you. It will take less casting effort with a proper and efficient 10-12 foot rod. Likewise, up the payload range for 1-3ozs. It will always come down to casting technique.

 

[BeachBob]

Salmon/steelhead rods are long @ typically 8-9ft and slender, throwing payloads of 1/2-1oz. They're what I consider the lightest tackle in the surf, plugging for schoolie stripers, blues, fluke, kings, etc. I would imagine this tackle - the salmon/steelhead rod plus a 4000 spinner or 5500 revolver - would be fine for pompano off the shore. However, hooking up with a larger fishie will test yer fishing prowess as well as that light tackle. Better to have a longer rod in the 10-12ft range (12ft would be best) rated for 1-3oz, with a relatively fast tip action, coupled with a proper reel and line.

 

[BeachBob]

BeachBob, I'm confused (not hard to do). My original post listed two rods. One was 8', the other was 10', both had the same rating 1/2-2. Both of those fall into the salmon rod classifications. So, why keep saying I should look into a salmon rod?

Read the last two sentences in my previous post ....

However, hooking up with a larger fishie will test yer fishing prowess as well as that light tackle.

Better to have a longer rod in the 10-12ft range (12ft would be best) rated for 1-3oz, with a relatively fast tip action, coupled with a proper reel and line.