We received the following question :
“I need to get a little more distance off the rocks and in the surf. What can look at in the line of rods and reels without it getting too complicated but enough to be able to hold my own when fishing in the sea. I have looked on the web at the fishing store and am confused as there is a big selection. Obviously light rods and good reels is the way to go.”
Hi xxxx
There is a huge selection of Rock & Surf tackle out there, and multiple setups to suit everyone’s needs.
The first step would be to decide how much you are looking at spending on a rod and reel combo, as they range from entry level of about R1600 to well over R8000?
There are two styles to look at.
Firstly the traditional type of setup that is a multiplier reel matched to a 14 foot surf rod.
Advantage : greater pulling power, traditional and comfortable, looks cooler
Secondly the new redesigned “vaalie” style of fishing, where the guys use specially designed 14 foot surf rods and large size coffee grinder reels (up to a size 25000).
Advantage : greater casting distance, new technology
So if you can answer the two questions, budget level (entry, mid or upper) and the style, then I will recommend a setup or two that will suit your needs, in my opinion of course.
“I will be looking at 2 combo’s one for me and one for my wife. Maybe one of each as I will be having to throw in for her as she loves fishing. Now distance is paramount cause I am getting older”
My suggestions
For you (At the time of publication 2014):
Rod : Shimano Technium Surf Elite 14 foot Medium Fishing Rod
Should retail around R1900
Has two tips, and can handle a 5 up to 9 ounce casting weight, whatever you are comfortable with.
One of the lightest and best new rods out there at a great price. Have heard only good things about it.
The blank used for this rod is sensitive (same with all new rods), so if you drop it or give it a bad knock it might end up breaking on a cast. After-sale support is very important. This very rarely happens to a rod, but it is good to have the piece of mind.
Reel choice 1: Penn Fathom FTH40 or FTH30 Star Drag Reel (the one without the levelwind)
Retails around R2000
The best distance casting multiplier reel on the market. One of the lightest out there. And bang for buck my definite choice.
Reel choice 2: Shimano Trinidad 30a or 20a (size varies the width of the spool, depends on your personal preference, 30a is traditional size, but 20a suits some people better)
Retails around R4000
If you are looking for the very best all-round reel, that will probably last you a life-time. It casts beautifully and can pull any fish or shark.
The setups above will allow you to target any fish. From smaller elf/shad and kob to those big musselcracker and ragged tooth sharks that hang around your area.
For the wife (At the time of publication 2014):
Rod: Poseidon HMG ultra light 11.6 ft spinning (it has the longer butt section)
Retails around R1500
Super light and great for R&S scratching
Reel: Shimano Ultegra Ci4 5500XSA Spinning Reel
Although actually designed to be a freshwater reel, the reel hold plenty line and the drag is capable of manaing most edible species. Just try not to get to much saltwater on the reel, or get it serviced regularly
Retails around R1900
The reel is designed for distance casting and is a perfect match to the rod.
This setup will be so light and fun to fish with that you might sneak a few casts when the wife isn’t fishing.
A perfect setup to catch those elf/shad just before sunset or early morning.
Not a heavy duty setup, casts a 2 to 3 ounce sinker a mile, but enough backbone to pull a 20 kg kob or 10 kg steenbras when you hook one.
It would be ideal to pop into a fishing store to feel the setups before you purchase them, but I realise that isn’t always possible. You however won’t go wrong with the above mentioned setups if you are using them for their intended facet of fishing.
The multiplier reel sizes mentioned for you depends on personal preference, some people enjoy the narrower spools as it makes it easier while retrieving to lay the line evenly, whilst others prefer the bigger reel, wider spool for the line capacity and because they are traditionally use to it.
“One last question is regarding the line used as lately there is all sorts available. Just a recommendation or an idea.”
(At the time of publication 2014)
On my multiplier reels I prefer to use Double X HI Abrasion line 0.45 mm diameter 600 meters. The color is personal preference, I prefer the white, but many people opt for the brighter yellow or orange Hi-Visibility.
There are many mono-filament lines out there, maxima, suffix, siglon, kingfisher etc. and they are all very good. I have just come to like and trust the Double X HI Abrasion.
For the grinder it is a toss-up between regular mono-filament line and the newer braided lines.
Braid has zero stretch, is much stronger and last a lot longer. The bites and fight is much more direct and you get a lot more casting distance. It is also MUCH more expensive, and costly if you are going to do a lot of rock fishing (and get stuck all the time). It takes some getting use to because it has a total different feeling to regular mono-filament line.
You are looking at spending about R1 to R2 per meter of braid. So a regular 300yard spool will be around R500 to R600 (as opposed to a 600m spool of mono-filament only going for R100)
As a start I suggest getting a regular Double X Hi Abrasion mono-filament line with a diameter of about 0.35mm 600 meters.
If you feel you are not getting the maximum out of the rod and reel, then you can always switch to braid as you become more comfortable with the setup.
or
If you would like to go with braid from the start then I would suggest Power Pro 0.36 mm diameter or Berkely Fireline Crystal 0.38 mm diameter. As the grinder will probably take about 500m of line of that diameter, I suggest filling the reel with 200 meters of regular 0.35 mm mono-filament line as backing and then over that I suggest putting a roll of 300 yards of braid.
Tight lines!
