A bunch of questions...

[staktup]

Hi folks. Here are some questions that are pretty vague, but I am trying to refine my thought processes as it pertains to how I surf-fish and what I decide to use for the day, other than just because I feel like it. For years, I've used spinning gear for everything from jetties to Montauk, to quiet inlets and back ponds to piers, etc. This year I ventured forth with conventional plugging and 8nbait set ups, as well as fly. I don't get to fish much, so I want to maximize my time, enjoy it and catch fish. I suppose I don;t really need a conventional plugging set up and spinning set up, esp. if they are both rated for the same lure weight range.

Okay, here goes:

When wouldn't you use a conventional plugging set up? Heavy surf, wet conditions, etc. (My thoughts are from jetties, or when the reels can't get too wet, bait from beach, eels and jigs, heavy plugs)?

When wouldn't you use a fly set up (My thought are heavy onshore wind, really tall jetties)?

If it helps, the set ups I have are: 10' St. Croix B. Doerr spin w/ 706 & 50#PP rated 1-3 oz, 8'6" Star rod composite spin & 710 w/ 30# PP, guess 1-3 oz too, 9' Lami Triflex convench w. Abu 6600 C5 Mag-X w/ 50# PP rated 1-3 oz, a 10' Tica convench w/ Squidder Jr w/ 50# PP rated 2-8 oz, and a St. Croix Avid 9wt fly rod w/ Okuma integrity reel and intermdeiate and fast sinking lines.

I'd love to hear your thoughts, thanks and tight lines.

[Nebe]

Simply put-

i wouldnt use a conventional when the wind is cranking at your face or if your wading and might dunk it.

[riverrat2]

I dunk my abus all the time. If you are just starting to use conventional I wouldn't try to cast with a headwind or use plugs like dannies or pikies that will wobble during the cast and cause you havoc. I used to strictly fish conventional until this year. Now the only time I use spinning is when eeling, although a lot of people love eeling with conventional I couldn't stand it.

[Stewie]

I use conventional all the time. The only time I wish I was spinning is when there is a big wind and sand is blowing around. But, the Squidder won't mind even that. My spinning reels only get used when I bring a non surfcaster with me, and then they look goofy cuz all my rods have little guides

[spence]

Originally posted by staktup
[When wouldn't you use a conventional plugging set up? Heavy surf, wet conditions, etc. (My thoughts are from jetties, or when the reels can't get too wet, bait from beach, eels and jigs, heavy plugs)?

Definately not wet conditions

I think the wind in your face, or light or lipped plugs is the worst unless you know what your doing. I tend to prefer bait, eels and big plugs on the conventional. My problem is like you, I want to spend more time fishing and less time learning to throw a conventional reel. For some reason I have a terrible time casting my Abu's and have no problems with my Calcutta. Perhaps I just don't know what I'm doing.

When wouldn't you use a fly set up (My thought are heavy onshore wind, really tall jetties)?

Again it depends on your experience. If the wind it up much at all a fly rod can be impossible to cast unless you're experienced. There are people who fly fish the big rocks...I stick to the quiet estuaries when Eben isn't looking.

If you're using heavy gear already and not having any problems, I'd stick with what you've got. Big wood and such, there are advantages...

-spence

[piemma]

I was attempting to throw a conventional this morning at Quonny in a 40 MPH NW wind. It was a nightmare looking to happen. Line was whipping all over the place. Of course the 3 guys I was fishing with were not having much better luck with their VSs.
That much wind, stay home or find a place without so much wind. Right now, the fish are hiding anyway. I think they headed for some deep water. Anybody got word from the Block?

[5/0]

Originally posted by Eben
Simply put-

i wouldnt use a conventional if your wading and might dunk it.

When I fish the Canal as I wade out into it, I lay my Rod & reel to the water & scoop water with my hand on to the spool the rest of the reel gets some as well.

I wouldn't worry about a conventional getting wet.
Mine is 6 years old, only had to change bearings for the spool tension control 4 years ago, I forgot about it for 2 weeks My bad
Other than that ,no prblemo!


5/0

[Water Treater]

I tag and release all of the larger stripers and blues I catch. The tagging process requires two hands, which leaves none to hold my rod/reel. Therefore when fishing the surf I need a reel that is forgiving if it falls over in the sand. The Van Staal spinning reels are great for that.

Conventional reels work with many types of lures and baits but I haven't yet found a conventional reel that is "goof proof" in the sand. If anyone knows of a forgiving conventional reel I'd appreciate knowing the make/model. Thanks.

[staktup]

Thanks for the varied answers. I guess it's an individual thing- there seems to be a range of opinions here. Good luck with the run everybody!