You can buy a Fish-n-mate sand spike for around $33 shipped that meets your criteria. Just like pvc it will go into the sand wiggling it back and forth no hammer required. Honestly it is just as easy if not easier to carry pvc. I fashioned a strap ninja style to carry the aluminum sand spike since it doesn’t fit in a five gallon bucket.

 

Tull - I used 1/8" thick by 1-1/4" aluminum angle "about" 6 feet long. Affixed a piece of PVC pipe to hold the rod butt and a simple "cradle" to hold the top of the rod. The back side of the angle (the "V") faces the ocean. Hope this helps.
The reason it was 6ft long is that where I fished, the sand was really soft. And a 14' rod in heavy surf (or a Big Red) could pull it right over if it is not deep enough in the sand. Of course, it can be modified and designed to fit your specific needs.

 

I use PVC pipe on the "light" rods that target smaller fishies but use robust, long, deep digging 1/8" alum angle and alum pipe when hunting bigger game in the surf.

 

Redheaded Guy showed me this method = 18" total length PVC sand spike.

You work it in back and forth like a normal PVC sand Spike

Pull it out and shuck the sand inside the spike, My favorite part.

Put it back in the hole and then stomp on it. It will go in about 6 inches or so, if it does not, stomp on it again.

Stomping works best with Wader boots or shoes.

If you are a Beach person and your feet are tough, stomp away barefoot, just don't miss and cut your self.

Works great for large Critters, they have no leverage like on some spike 6 feet up in the air, the spike is in deep, like sledge hammer deep.

Lighter than metal and easier to carry in a bucket than normal three foot sand spikes, plus you can extend your lug wrench leverage with it when you get a flat tire, out in the Boonies somewhere.

 

I like the 18" idea. I'm gathering gear myself to start surf fishing with my 6 year old on our annual trip to Nags Head. The smaller the spikes the better!! Only so much room in the car during a family vacation.

 

What to avoid using a wimpy rod sand spike ...

 

Are you referring to size or material?

 

I have a few of Chris Barton's Over The Waves sand spikes-- might be overkill for what you're describing, but very nice spikes. Welded aluminum and nicely finished (thanks Chris!)

O'Shaugh

 

I own a few of those...great spikes...indestructible and will probably last a really long time...pretty easy to get deep in the sand and create good leverage.

 

I've seen too many instances of surfcasters targeting fluke or weaks or kings or etc etc with PVC spikes only to get hooked into a brown or dusky shark and then they wished they used a better rod spike. "Targeting" specific fishies can backfire too easily.

 

I pretty much only fish for Drum on the OBX. I am not spiking for sea mullet or Pompano.

I am using a 13 foot heaver usually sometimes a bit longer and sometimes a bit shorter.

When you stomp down the 18" sand spike the top of the spike is only sticking up about 8 or so inches above the sand after you stomp it so it has 10 or more inches buried in the sand. You stomp the spike and then Stomp the sand all around it to pack it in.

I use conventional reels and set the drag rather light with the clicker on. It is what one does when fishing for Drum.

I have had all kinds of large and extra large critters hit my baits and I have never had a rod get pulled over, or stripped out of the spike when it is stomped down. That is why you check your drag.

Why would I risk a $700 Drum rod to something that does not work? Or even risk getting my reel all sanded up?

What difference does it make what the spike is made out of if you are fishing 20 pound line with a light 2-3 pound drag setting?

You could hook your truck to my cannonball rig to my setup and even if you managed to strip off all the line off the line would probably break at the reel arbor and still not pull the rod out of the spike on 2-3 pound drag.

 

The there is a sand spike available online called the "beast" that is very good. Looks almost identical to the one in the photo on post number 4. I have four of them and three in reserve.

 

I like what Garbo said (with some minor exceptions). I use the aluminum angle irons about 6’ long, as thick as I can get, and cut a niche near the top on the angled side. I place the pvc on it at the top and lock it in place using a metal hose clamp. Cheap and easy. Never had a problem, ever. For added security you can drill a hole thru both and drive a bolt and nut to secure further.

I’ll trim the bottom of the iron into a sharp V. This will go into the sand easily and you can then rock it back and forth to seat it nice and deep in the sand. Never had one pull out or tip over. Also, the sharp V can serve as a deterrent against annoying googans. 😂

The added length also helps to raise your rod tip and line over the breakers in some cases. A plus. A very important step - ALWAYS set your drag nice and light And your clicker on if you have one. It’s surf fishing, you never know what will hit your bait.

Also, NEVER hammer your regular sand spike into the sand. Just like shining your light on the water at night when drum fishing, spooks the fish. JMHO

 

Also, NEVER hammer your regular sand spike into the sand. Just like shining your light on the water at night when drum fishing, spooks the fish. JMHO

Great tip. If you doubt it just have your buddy hammer one in while your out with your head underwater.

 

 

It may sound funny but I'm serious. You will be surprised how audible it is.

 

i believe it ..personally i never hammer my spikes .. 👍

 

I don’t fish for species that can decipher the sound of a sand spike being driven in. Who’s to say it don’t attract fish? Plus, 3 minutes later new fish move in.

 

Plus, 3 minutes later new fish move in.

Duhhhh ..... Yeah ! ! ! Likely runnin from the hammerheads beside you pounding their dang spikes in !

just kidding, couldn't pass that one up
Cheers

 

I understand the fisherman that use combos and low cost equip using PVC .... a 79.95 outfit doesn't need a 49.95 Sandspike. ..... But the fisherman with the 300.00 plus setups should not take that chance ... They all fall if not watched .... I've seen it but its PVC 10 to 1 over other spikes ... and its basically not watching, letting water loosen em up ..... Yes ... you can hammer em down and draw attention from a hundred yds down the beach because its not just the banging, its felt through the sand and the fish feel it for 100 yds plus .... now what they do, I don't know but I'd just as soon not make any anouncements that I'm there to the people around me or the fish, I'm kinda the quiet type person ... I did see where Garbo tells a way to shove a short piece of PVC in the sand with your foot, best idea I've seen yet if you don't let the water get to it .... If you can afford a nice rod, you can afford a good sandspike for that extra insurance .... thats about all I have to say bout that ...

 

Gotta figure some of these setups… rod and reel are 800-1000 bucks with custom builds and high end reels etc.