NC bridge and pier rod

[Springer]

I am trying to assist my Father in Law in purchasing an economical rod for the local peirs and Bonner bridge. I don't do any of this type of fishing and was initially thinking of a 10 ft Tica but am worried about this being too big for the bridge catwalk. He is not too serious of a fisherman and wants something that gets the job done that is of decent quality and durability but economical at the same time. Can anyone suggest either specific rods or general type ratings (length, lure ratings, glass or graphite?) that are good for this type of fishing?

Thanks in advance.

[hamlet]

economical means different things to different folks.
To some here, it means paying $150 for a surf rod instead of $300.

To me, it means finding a nice $50 stick for $25 on closeout

So I will leave the higher dollar suggestions to others.

I think 10' is cumbersome on a pier, and certainly on the bonner catwalk. Its a bit cramped for something that long. My prefererence is 7' spinners for tossing gotchas etc. and 8' rods for bait. I used Abu 6500s and 6501s on conventionals and have 8' spinners too.

I have an 8' Berkley Lightning spinning rod that I really like. Nice backbone for getting fish up to the planks, flexible enough to cast well. Graphite IM6 stick, lightweight guides. I paid $20 for i closeout. I know a place now where you can get a 9' version for $22. In order not to break the rules, I can tell you that spot in a PM.

Same place has Abu workhorse spinners for $25... 8' size, also 10' size if you want longer. Graphite and glass composite.

For conventionals, same place has a real nice Fenwick Saltstik 9' rod that feels not cumbersome because of the long butt section. I have one and it casts really well with an Abu or a Penn squidder. It is a real pretty rod, but will run you $60.

7' spinners... well i have been using an Ande Backwater from a "well known Sporting Goods megaplex" that costs 29.99... cork handles, good balance with a 40 size reel, nice balance between casting flex and backbone.

So those are my low dollar economical likes.

[brianbutler10]

10' is definitely not a good choice for piers or the bridge. The bridge is a very compact way to fish. I predominantly use 7' rods when i fish the bridge, but also have an 8' that i will use occasionaly. If i am fishing bait, then the 8' will be used for that.

In choosing a rod(s), you have to consider the time of year that you will be fishing. Are you fishing during the warmer months for a mixed bag??? Or will you be 'striper hunting' in dec and jan??? That could definitely have an impact on decision making for choosing a rod (and/or reel). If you are looking economical, you can rods that will do the job for under $50 very easily. I usually don't spend more than $100 on a rod of that size. My brand of choice is Tica. They have some quality products for economical prices. I use 3 different series rods made by Tica. I have several of their classic UEHA series. I also have a 9' in their 'dolphin' series that i absolutely love. And new for this season, i bought one from their new line....the 'striper' series. Its a 7' rod with strong baitcaster for kayak fishing/trolling, jigging, and pier/bridge fishing.

Just my two cents.....

[Springer]

Thanks for your input so far. He is going to be doing Spring, Summer and Fall mixed bag fishing with baits. How much beef do you want in a rod like this being used from so high up? I figure there could be really small stuff to pick up like spot and croaker but also some bigger stuff like black drum or puppy drum if he is lucky. IT seems to me that a Tica rated to 3 oz could be a little lite. I am honestly thinking of getting him a 7-8 ft Ugly stick rated 1-4 or 1-6 just because it is indestructible but something of a little higher quality (and a little lighter weight) would be nice.

[hamlet]

if you want conventional, baitcasting, I have a 8.5' lamiglas kenai that is sweet... heavy, rated for 4 oz lures, still casts with a nice Abu 6501 on it. GoFishin is selling these in the $75 range. Has cork handle and trigger seat.

Fisherman's Factory outlet is currently selling an Abu 6'6" one piece conventional rod that is heavy, 1-4 oz, needs a conventional reel, it is graphite and glass, and it is $22. Nice long cork handle for leverage.

BPS is currently selling their $40 muskie rod for $19. It is 6' one piece, heavy. I have seen reports of people liking it for tog fishing, and that requires nice backbone. Again, this is a baitcasting/conventional rod.

[hamlet]

BTW, re beef, when fishing on piers most of the time either the pier, or king fishermen at the end will have a drop net for lifting heavy fish up, so the rod is less important.

If he will be cranking fish up from the water to the planks then in addition to a good rod, a stronger line will help... like 17 or 20# rather than 10#.

He is less likely to find anyone on the Bonner catwalk with a drop net.

I would think a rod rated for 4 oz lures will be more than adequate.

[brianbutler10]

My new tica striper series 7' med-heavy is rated from 3/4-4oz. The tica dolphin 9' med heavy is rated from 2-6oz. The quality of these two rods is far superior (in my opinion) than their classic series. Both were purchases for under a $100.

As for drop nets. Not really sure about the summer time, but in the fall and winter, the piers provide them along the entire pier. There is usually 3-4 laying around. And on the bridge, almost everyone brings their own. If we are out there and someone needs one, we would be more than happy to help out. Don't outfit the reel based on pulling a fish up by hand from either. There is usually someone that can help out.

[Springer]

Much thanks to both of you for your helpful suggestions . I am off to bass pro to look at some outfits based on your suggestions.

[brianbutler10]

no problem.....i never mind putting in my two cents.... They might only be worth about that much, but i certainly don't mind passing that on.

You won't find the tica dolphin and striper series there. They can really only be found online (unless a local b&t has them). In fact, i was only able to find the striper series at two places online. ************* is one, and the other is an ebay site (har-lee rod). They have free shipping if you order from them.

good luck on your selection..... Let me know what you decide on.

[pksurfish]

Joe Malat told me a few years ago that ideal pier rod - and he wrote the book on this - would be a fairly stiff 7" rod.

[jerkjigger]

7 foot should be plenty

[bluefish1928thing]

i have heard the daiwa d- wave is among the best extra cheap rod and reels availible. they cost from 20 to 30 dollars.