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Rod Length for surf/rocks
Posted: Thu Aug 12, 2021 5:21 pm
by Don Fisher
Hi guys Ive only surf fished or fished from rocks along great ocean road a few times so not very experienced. I’ve got a couple of 12ft rods but found sometimes they are not even big enough to keep the line out of the swell when it’s rough. Do any of you guys recommend longer rods or do you think they are a pain in the ass and just fish when it’s calm?
This is for bait fishing. I have a 9 ft for spinning.
Re: Rod Length for surf/rocks
Posted: Thu Aug 12, 2021 6:55 pm
by Seniorfisho
Hey mate, I used to use a 15ft graphite Rod, it's a bit better for keeping the line above the swell. A bit of a warning, all the rocks along the GOR are wet, they can be very dangerous, especially at high tide. My advice is to fish the low tides along there, the last 2 hours of the run out tide and the first 2 hours of the run in tide produces just as many fish as high tide and it's so much safer while allowing you to get closer to deeper water. The beaches at Fairhaven and that general area all fish best at low tide as it allows to fish the drop off's, they are very shallow even at high tide but the all drop off to 4 or 5mtrs beyond the high tide breaks
Re: Rod Length for surf/rocks
Posted: Thu Aug 12, 2021 7:20 pm
by Sebb
In theory, the longer the better. But also means heavier, harder to cast. Some expensive rods are really good and light though.
The steel rod holder kinda sits a bit higher than the pvc pipe, gives extra height.
And yes, I personally won't fish if it's too rough. Check the swell height and offshore wind help.
Re: Rod Length for surf/rocks
Posted: Thu Aug 12, 2021 7:31 pm
by Don Fisher
Seniorfisho wrote: ↑Thu Aug 12, 2021 6:55 pm
Hey mate, I used to use a 15ft graphite Rod, it's a bit better for keeping the line above the swell. A bit of a warning, all the rocks along the GOR are wet, they can be very dangerous, especially at high tide. My advice is to fish the low tides along there, the last 2 hours of the run out tide and the first 2 hours of the run in tide produces just as many fish as high tide and it's so much safer while allowing you to get closer to deeper water. The beaches at Fairhaven and that general area all fish best at low tide as it allows to fish the drop off's, they are very shallow even at high tide but the all drop off to 4 or 5mtrs beyond the high tide breaks
Cheers mate. Yeah I was looking at 15ft, might just have to trial and error. Thanks for the info, I have rock boots. Makes sense about accessing deeper water with the low. Cheers
Re: Rod Length for surf/rocks
Posted: Thu Aug 12, 2021 7:33 pm
by 4liters
A longer rod helps, as do breakaway sinkers that let you get the line nice and tight to keep it up out of the waves as much as possible. You do find that there's times when it is just too rough for fishing though.
Re: Rod Length for surf/rocks
Posted: Thu Aug 12, 2021 7:35 pm
by Don Fisher
Sebb wrote: ↑Thu Aug 12, 2021 7:20 pm
In theory, the longer the better. But also means heavier, harder to cast. Some expensive rods are really good and light though.
The steel rod holder kinda sits a bit higher than the pvc pipe, gives extra height.
And yes, I personally won't fish if it's too rough. Check the swell height and offshore wind help.
Thank you mate. Maybe I should spend a bit more then. Was think a penn prevail. See how I go.
Yeah I’m all over it with offshore winds. I wouldn’t bother with southerlys.
Being regional I was able to go down there the last few days, was offshore, fairly calm last 2 days, but today the swell was 4 mts. Had 2 casts and bailed. Was too hard, not worth it.
Re: Rod Length for surf/rocks
Posted: Thu Aug 12, 2021 7:38 pm
by Don Fisher
4liters wrote: ↑Thu Aug 12, 2021 7:33 pm
A longer rod helps, as do breakaway sinkers that let you get the line nice and tight to keep it up out of the waves as much as possible. You do find that there's times when it is just too rough for fishing though.
Thanks mate. It’s not an easy style of fishing.
Re: Rod Length for surf/rocks
Posted: Thu Aug 12, 2021 8:36 pm
by JS270
Rod length for surf fishing is very subjective as it depends on a number of factors as the differences in rods at the longer lengths is quite wide. I use high end English and European rods for the majority of my surf fishing and find rod around the 13' to 14 foot length afford the most versatility along with user ease. Remember one thing when using the longer rods m slow down the cast and let the rod load fully into the butt section and you will get better distances with suitable leads.
Re: Rod Length for surf/rocks
Posted: Fri Aug 13, 2021 11:37 am
by DougieK
If you're casting baits 12-14 is good. If you're livebaiting you can go as low at 8.
Re: Rod Length for surf/rocks
Posted: Sat Aug 14, 2021 6:52 pm
by Don Fisher
DougieK wrote: ↑Fri Aug 13, 2021 11:37 am
If you're casting baits 12-14 is good. If you're livebaiting you can go as low at 8.
Thanks mate. Appreciate it