Rod & Reel Suggestions

[MarshCappa]

I need help picking out my next setup. I would like to purchase something economical, versitle, and realiable for a surf and boat option. Is there a hybrid rod good for the surf and isn't a PIA to bring on the skiff. I don't have tons of dough and would like a setup to be under $200 if that is even possible. I have a good light tackle setup now but it's not a good surf option. I primarily go out on my skiff for inshore fishing but I still like to go out on the rocks and beachs in my area. What do you think guys, am I out to lunch and being unrealistic about my budget and needs? Thanks for your help.

[oceanspray]

I have both heavy and light spin tackle, but wanted something more versatile for the boat. Just picked up a conventional Abu Garcia 6500 C3 ($75), and a 7' Tsunami 701H rod ($30). Practice in the back yard... I love it!

[Pete F.]

Well, I can't even figure out just one setup for the surf.
I would think you could get one reel to work reasonably well for both, and get the rod to do what you do more of and make it work for the other. Then watch for a deal for the other rod. Having time to wait saves money.

[steve]

7 or 8 ft. St. Croix Triumph series and a Penn 5500 ss .

[MarshCappa]

Originally Posted by steve

7 or 8 ft. St. Croix Triumph series and a Penn 5500 ss .

Wow I like those! Something is telling me 9' might be nice too. How about the St Croix spinning reels? What's the reviews on those?

[JohnnyD]

Originally Posted by MarshCappa

Wow I like those! Something is telling me 9' might be nice too. How about the St Croix spinning reels? What's the reviews on those?

You really want to use a 9' rod in a boat?

[MAKAI]

How about getting 2 rods and just switch out the reel ?

[Rob Rockcrawler]

Go with a 9er, a lot more versatile in my opinion. Id keep my eyes open for a stradic 6000 used. It would put you right around 2 bills, and will be a good setup. No word on st croix spinning reels. I would stick with something a bit more proven.

[tattoobob]

I like the penn 6500ss or the 704z, with a 9 foot rod maybe an ugly stick, my first set up was a pen 6500ss with a 9 foot ugly stick and I used it for both surf and in my tin boat worked great for me

[togue]

Penn 6500ss with the Ugly Stick is definitely a solid and economical option.

For a few bucks more you might want to look into a Tica 9'. My regular fishing bud uses that combo. We both use 9' spinning rods from shore and boat through the season, and toss lures and eels all night long from a 14' boat, so I can vouch for that combo working very well for you.

[Bill L]

Steve is right on the money with a St Croix and Penn SS for your budget. I would stick with 8', the problem with the 9's is the longer butt length gets in the way in the boat (yes it will work though). Double your budget and go for a Loomis and a Slammer

[MarshCappa]

This is really helping guys! I can't say enough for the feedback. I already have a 8' Ugly Stick with a Penn6500ss and I love it for the skiff but I always feel under gunned for the rocks or beach. I really would use the 9' St Croix as a back up on the skiff or to have as a long distance option so I can launch a plug a little farther out than the Ugly Stick.

[MAKAI]

Get an 8 foot s -glass spun up and put the 650 on that, 2 spools one with 30 # braid, the other 12 -15 # big game. Med to heavy on the blank. S- glass take a little of the bounce out of the braid, and you can really lean on it if you have to.

[stiff tip]

the barbi doll or sponge bob rod n reel by shak e spear at k-mart on sale for 4.99 pink or blue ???????? does that help