[surf_lander]

For my smaller surf fishing set-up, I'm looking for a good quality 7' spinning rod that'll handle low weight & bait using smaller hooks up to 5oz & fish head on 7/0 - 10/0 circle hooks. I use 50lb braided line. Rod will be paired with a Penn Spinfisher V 4500.

I have a 3/4 casting throw with a little mustard at the snap prior to releasing my thumb, maybe slightly above average casting distance, etc.

The concern on one end is breaking or hairline fracturing the blank when casting higher weight & bait on a rod costing a lot more than I'd normally spend. We fish the fall run for 5 days in SENC every year, so I want get a quality product that'll quickly land (always catch & release here) a good sized drum without having to worry about compromising a fish's health that fought for too long due to my poor decision on a rod purchase. The latter being the other, higher concern.

Most 7' spinning quality rods I'm seeing are rated up to around 1.25oz to 2oz range so I understand what I'm looking for likely doesn't exist. That being said, are there any specific manufacturer/model 7' spinning rod recommendations you'd recommend for my higher weight & bait range?

If anyone also has a custom rod builder recommendation vs mainstream manufacturers, please share.

Looking to spend between $100 - $250.

Thanks in advance for any input.

 

[Jollymon]

It will take more than 7' rod to do what your asking , 10' , 10'6" will do.
Make sure the guide's are up to using braid.

 

[spydermn]

Jollymon hit the nail on the head 100%. You may find the rod in a 9' range that can handle that range but you are going to most likley look at a 10'+. Tsunami Airwave, St. Croix Mojo Surf, TICA TC2, Ande Tournament Surf, Penn Battalion etc all make nice rods that will not break the budget, but if you think you will be throwing bait'n'8 you run the chance of blowing them up. There are many rods in the 10-12' that would easily hold the weight you are looking for.

What are you targeting? Or are you planning dead stick fishing for whatever is in the surf?

You can find boat rods getting to the weight range you are talking but they are not going to cast all that well. Off the top of my head I can think of Tsunami Airwave & Trophy and Penn , but I would have to look and post a link to my findings but I don't want to post links for fear of the Forum Nazi.

 

[spydermn]

Also PM sent

 

[Guest]

Options from cheap to more expensive:

1. Cabelas whuppin stick or bass pro power plus rods. The heavy actions will throw 5 oz. But are heavy rods and the bass pro has thick grips. $15.00 to $30.00

2. Catfish rods..... Heavy but short and stout. You will be able to find 7 footers to throw weight and bait. $20.00 to $100.00 plus

3. Ugly sticks. Lighter than most cat rods and the tiger light aint a bad rod. $30.00 to $70.00

4. Bass swimbait rods. High end ones are super light and can throw 5 all day. Should be able to find one at 7'. Price varies from $50.00 to $200-300.

5. Musky rods. Can be had for 50$ to $300+. The ulimate short rod that can throw weight. Higher end rods are super light. Shimano makes a decent one for 80$ to 100$

 

[Guest]

Unless like Spider said...... A boat rod, which suck at casting as are/do the first three on my list. Swimbait or musky rod is the way to go.

 

[mdsurffishing]

If a smaller rod is what your looking for and you don't mind spending $180, the Shimano Trevala Butterfly Jigging Spinning Rod is a great rod. It's not a spike rod and is light enough to cast all day. I have one and it will horse in whatever you can handle but your casting will not be as far as a 10' + rod

 

[Guest]

If a smaller rod is what your looking for and you don't mind spending $180, the Shimano Trevala Butterfly Jigging Spinning Rod is a great rod. It's not a spike rod and is light enough to cast all day. I have one and it will horse in whatever you can handle but your casting will not be as far as a 10' + rod

I just bought and sold the trevala S 5'8 heavy. Thought I could use it in a tight spot on the river as it can throw 8. Cast like crap. Little guides for a spinner and just too short. Loved how light and powerful it was. Kayak and boat guys love em. I know the trevalas can be had in longer models that I would hope cast better.

 

[Guest]

The bass guys are bombing umbrella rigs and big swimbaits with short-er rods. They can take the weight similar to musky rods. Anything 7 foot, light, cast well, and throw heavy weight is gonna be pricey. E glass and s glass is cheap and can throw that weight but often heavy and cast crappy. The ugly stick tiger lights are pretty sweet at 70$. Fairly light and can sling weight

 

[surf_lander]

Appreciate the feedback, this is exactly the info I needed. Cheers.

 

[Guest]

Word up!!? That's what we do! Drive the price up, confuse u/me..
....ole lady just wants D and shrimp

 

[mdsurffishing]

I just bought and sold the trevala S 5'8 heavy. Thought I could use it in a tight spot on the river as it can throw 8. Cast like crap. Little guides for a spinner and just too short. Loved how light and powerful it was. Kayak and boat guys love em. I know the trevalas can be had in longer models that I would hope cast better.

I have the 6 1/2 foot, it doesn't cast terrible but if you are casting in the trough it's great, definitely a rod for jigging not casting. I originally bought it for my boat but sold the boat and now I have to use it for something but would like to get rid of it.

 

[kurazy kracka]

The bass guys are bombing umbrella rigs and big swimbaits with short-er rods. They can take the weight similar to musky rods. Anything 7 foot, light, cast well, and throw heavy weight is gonna be pricey. E glass and s glass is cheap and can throw that weight but often heavy and cast crappy. The ugly stick tiger lights are pretty sweet at 70$. Fairly light and can sling weight

I've never heard of casting an umbrella rig

 

[1BadF350]

I've never heard of casting an umbrella rig

He's talking about the little freshwater umbrella rigs, not the big ones you're used to seeing dragged behind a striper charter boat on the bay.
I'd post a link, but then I would have to quote and berate myself for it.

 

[1BadF350]

I was confused at the OP looking for a spinning rod, then saying something about releasing his thumb.

 

[Guest]

He's talking about the little freshwater umbrella rigs, not the big ones you're used to seeing dragged behind a striper charter boat on the bay.
I'd post a link, but then I would have to quote and berate myself for it.

I use the Boo-Ya triple and double spreads for the shad run. I put gold and silver spoons on them and/or shad darts. Works better than a sabiki rig and the chance for other fish besides bait is a possibility. They make a 5 spread too. I think they might call them an Alabama rig. I dont use the 5 tho.....that's a lot of hardware to loose to a snag. The Op said in another thread he bought "2.5" rods....whatever that means,. but he never told us what he got. I've been through this struggle on trying to find a 7 foot rod that throws 8. You gotta drop some coin if you want something 7 foot, light and throws 8 well. Musky guys have it figured out

 

[andypat]

i've never heard of casting an umbrella rig

x2

 

[Guest]

I've never heard of casting an umbrella rig

Omg.....

 

[Guest]

The left is a triple. The right is a double

 

[Guest]

x2

U should try em Andy.. They work well on crappie too.