Rod and reel suggestions?

Question

I'm thinking I want a good stout inshore surf rod with a high-capacity heavy duty spinning reel. I have been without a heavy rig for a while and it's about time that I get one, but I'm always up for asking before I buy. So here it is: what brands and models of rod/reel have suited you best for deep-water pier fishing or heavy surf fishing? I am looking to spend under $150, but I won't be unhappy if I pay a lot less. I have seen a lot of fishermen using Penn reels for this, but I am still open to suggestions.

Answer 1

$150 isn't going to get you a GREAT rod and reel, but it will get you something that should last you quite a while if you take care of it.  

My go to set up in the surf is a Lamiglas XSRA1322 and  A Daiwa Emblem Pro 4500.  Those two alone will cost you close to $380.  However, I will never be let down by those two.  I can always count on them to perform the way they're meant to.  The point is.....even if you can't afford high end gear, then get as close as you can.  

For your price range, I would recommend something like this.....

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores...

or this.......

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templa...

Either one is going to be adequate for what you're doing.  I've actually held both of these rods, and was somewhat mpressed by the fact that they actually feel like they can take a beating.  I wasn't expecting that from rods that only cost that much.  Also, the Daiwa surf reels are typically good in any situation.  They are fairly durable, and are designed MUCH better than other manufacturers.  Notice the spool design.  It's going to help you lob those lures and bait out farther than any shimano, penn, shakespeare, or whatever.  It lets the line off the spool much more efficiently, and lets you get a LOT of line on the reel.  

Good luck - hope you find what you're looking for.

Answer 2

personally I hate spinning rods on piers because the bale gets the bejesus beat out of it when fighting a decent fish below while the real is underneath the rod. That being said I love the trolling (level wind) reels I use my 27SH on one piece 6' 6" heavy action pitching sticks for the piers. I don't have to feed the line when fighting a large (smart) halibut that is trying to run me around a piling I can focus 100% on the fight and not the feeding of the line properly. You will certainly need longer rods for surf fishing to get your baits out over and past all shore break waves and wash to get your bait as far away as you can from the sand where you stand.

Answer 3

get a strong heavy duty saltwater ugly stick and a saltwater shakespearre reel those are very durable, its what i use and man they are strong. and the total cost is less than 150

Answer 4

I'm more of a freshwater fisherman so I dont have a professional saltwater setup. However, I am using a Shakespeare Ugly Stik and a Shakespeare Alpha reel spooled with 20 lb. P-Line. I've been pier and deep sea fishing quite a few times wiith it and its been fine. I bought my set at Walmart for around $60. I'm satisfied with it for my occassional  saltwater fishing.

Good luck and tight lines!!!