You Don't Need A Big Surf Rod To Fish From The Beach - Beach Fishing With A 6 to 7ft Rod

[@Dlaw.]

I caught so much fish with a $30 6'6" diawa from Walmart with 8lb mono and a 15lb mono leader. Keeper flounder, striped bass, bluefish, and many others just jigging with some Walmart jig heads and Berkeley gulps, sounds crazy but I really feel like if you go out with a good vibe you'll catch more, they feel that shit in the line lol

[@dtylerpaul]

haha! YES! Now all I can think about is how good of a fisherman Bob Marley would have been.

[@tightlineshightides]

Good vibes will catch more than any rod. Thanks for the comment and view!

[@theoutdoorslifetv3200]

My dad fished the surf with a Zebco 808 and a 7’ rod, 20 pound test. He didn't believe in spending a lot on fishing gear. He still caught fish.

[@tightlineshightides]

Thanks for sharing! Zebco reminds me of weekends with my Grandma in Alabama at the catfish ponds. Great memories with an old Zebco in my hand.

[@mkperez609]

Agree with him. Not need to break the bank. I use a penn battle 3 with a 9’ ugly stik. lol less than $100 bucks set up. Absolute love it.. do little maintenance in the reel like oil yearly and wash off after use. 3 years and going. I don’t believe in super expensive set ups either. My buddy has a van staal reel. My most expensive I have is a Daiwa bg still out fish him lol.

[@independentthinker.273]

My dad surf fished with a 5-ft jigging rod with an Ocean City baitcaster conventional reel on it throwing 4 oz pyramid sinkers on dacron line. No joke! He bought it in the 1950s. He passed away over 30 years ago. But I still have that fishing rod. And yes he caught fish with it. Used it both for saltwater and freshwater fishing.

[@dtylerpaul]

awesome story man. Thanks for sharing! Tight Lines!

[@tightlineshightides]

Love to hear this!

[@RayN-j2t]

Hey, fishing family, I throw an 8 ft med/heavy diawa spinning reel and it works perfectly for my C-rig fishing and drop shot fishing for Barred Surf perch and Halibut along the Baja California coastline, also I fish for 10+ hour's a day when I am beating the Surf and a lighter rod saves my shoulder, keep that in mind on long sessions and throwing 2 ozs of sliding egg weights all day, great video and I think that it really gives new comers courage to take up th most beautiful way of fishing,the mystery of the Surf, Please better blessed,tight lines everyone

[@RayN-j2t]

I meant rod,8 ft

[@tightlineshightides]

I appreciate the comment! Thanks for the support!

[@PlusTheSkim]

This has always been me and my dad’s philosophy. Long rods are great for surfcasting, but you can do just as well with a 7 foot rod too! Great video.

[@tightlineshightides]

Thanks! I'm glad you share my opinion.

[@cerymsanirudin]

mntaaappp bg, slm satu hobi🙏

[@Itsmarkusd2]

I can only cast 50ft with a 7 ft rod

[@WhiteGhost21]

@@Itsmarkusd2 get A 7'6

[@breastmeatonly]

​@@WhiteGhost21 Or a 10'

[@hman5715]

It depends on the condition of the water and location. If you are fishing at a beach with a very high wave you definitely need a 10-12ft rod that can cast a big sinker

[@tightlineshightides]

Yeah… you have to pick your days for sure

[@sabilce]

The only gripe I have with this reel is the weight, but that goes with the size of the reel kzbin.infoUgkxM68VkfsQhHaabDce1IwOCXuvumcpbZ_k . I brought this salmon fishing up in Oswego, NY. I coupled it with a Cabela's Whuppin Stick. I had no problem pulling in a 14lb salmon. I will probably use this for surf fishing this summer and downgrade to a 3500 series Battle II next salmon season to save my wrists. All of the operations are butter smooth and the bail is nice and thick and has a solid flip to it. Everything about this reel is sturdy and strong. The drag system held up to the salmon and was also super smooth. I did use a scale to set the drag properly before going out to the river and this worked out tremendously. A bunch of other guys on the river would hook up and snap almost immediately. Just because you have a good drag system doesn't do anything if you don't set it correctly.

[@deepiper6529]

My first surf fishing setup was a 6'6" Ugly Stik GX2, medium power, Penn Fierce II 3000 size spinning reel with 20 lb Power Pro Braid. Doesn't get any more Wal Mart or Academy Sports and Outdoors than that. Caught lots of whiting with it, lots of them. Fished it off the pier too with good results there. Caught lots of ladyfish, whiting, hardhead catfish with frozen shrimp and Fish Bites. I own a couple of the longer length rods now. One is a a Penn Prevail II 9' surf rod I paired with a Penn Battle III 5000 reel. Haven't caught anything on it that couldn't have been handled with my shorter rods. Don't let not having a long 9-12" surf spinning rod stop you from getting out and having fun fishing.

[@tightlineshightides]

Perfect example! Thank you so much!

[@fishcake.1]

Hello you might be able to answer my question I also have the 6’6 gx2 medium only difference mine must be a newer version because it’s says 6’6 medium mod fast which I have no idea what it’s good for so I wanna bring it to a pier but don’t know if it’s meant for that or maybe salt inshore fishing so my question is is their a difference between medium and medium mod fast and can they be used in piers and inshore fishing

[@deepiper6529]

@@fishcake.1 yes your 6'6 Ugly Stik medium moderate fast action rod will work just fine for pier fishing. Last thanksgiving i caught the biggest fish I have ever caught in my life off the Gulf State Park pier in Gulf Shores, Alabama. It was a 40 lb black drum. I was fishing for whiting or pompano using shrimp and fishbites. Used my 6'6 Ugly Stik GX2 rod, medium power moderate fast power just like you have. Penn Pursuit 4000 size spinning reel with 12 lb test Berkeley Big Game monofilament line. Carolina rig using shrimp and fish bites. He fought like a beast but I got him landed. He was peeling drag off my reel while he was swimming around the pier. So absolutely take that rod and a good reel and line and go out on the pier where you want to fish and have a great time fishing with it.

[@fishcake.1]

@@deepiper6529 thanks really appreciate the help first time going to a pier let’s see what I get

[@JesusChrist_IsTruth-LoveForALL]

​@@fishcake.1did you catch anything?

[@BobbyOfEarth]

After 16 years of bass tournaments, I just recently transitioned into an active surf caster, as well. I have two surf rods, 9 1/2 MH for distance, but my primary rod is an 8 1/2' Med. power, Fast action Ugly-Stick. Most of my Perch come the Calissa, whether Barred or Redtails, come in the first trough, just 10' behind the crest of the shore break. I can catch these fish with a Ken and Barbie pole...

[@tightlineshightides]

Hahah! Yeah man they are right there. Thank for commenting!

[@Robjay1795]

Hihi, what a difference! In europe we use 13-14 ft rods for surf fishing. Because the most beaches are very shallow. So if you want to reach depth of 6-8 ft you have to throw about 100 yds. I have never seen anybody doing spinfishing on the beach with less than 8ft. rods. Mostly we fish 10ft rods.

[@BobbyOfEarth]

I recently came to that realization and bought an Okuma Pro Guide Select in 10'... it's now my primary rod for cast and crank baits. I caught my first Striper (13 lbs) on it, my first time out. Awesome rod!

[@rogieboy3162]

I started with two 11 foot medium heavy rods with 5000 sized Daiwas BG's. The are now regulated to just cating out and leaving on a pipe. For casting I have three 9 foot rods in medium light, medium, and medium heavy with 3000 and 4000 size reels. My latest aquisition is a 10 foot Phenix 1003 medum light for perch paired with a Daiwa 4000 Saltist Back Bay. I would agree it depends on the location and conditions you're fishing. Longer rods you can cast close , with the option of casting alot further.

[@TheBiggerDavo]

I noticed a diminishing return on cast distance with bigger rods. I think your choice of 9 footers is good. Thx for sharing.

[@tightlineshightides]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@gannoli]

I do most of my surf fishing with a 7ft rod and a spoon! Love walking the beach until I see some action or fish and cast to them. But it is nice to have a longer rod on the big wave days or when the tide is low and there's no activity in the first trough.

[@tightlineshightides]

Completely agree! I will keep a rod in my truck, rigged with a spoon, just in case i want to stop and walk the beach on my way home from work.

[@hanszg2774]

How far does it go from the seashore? 

[@sushi_k13l]

I fish a river with both a 9ft surf and a Medium 7ft rod, the river is quite big so when i want to cast into a more deeper part using bottom rigs or targeting sturgeon i go for the surf, when casting lures or fishing smaller body of water i go with the 7ft, they are both handy

[@tightlineshightides]

Yeah, I take that same strategy in the surf for the most part. Soaking bait further out, larger rod. Smaller lures, smaller rod. Thanks for the view and comment!

[@9bitsovertake]

Thank you so much! Great explanation, excellent quality footage and audio.

[@tightlineshightides]

Glad it was helpful!

[@juki3653]

In my part of UK we have shallow beach's that need at least 20 knot winds to produce fish. Between the surf, the weed and size of bait/weight needed the average size of rod is 12-15ft casting 5/6oz weights

[@tightlineshightides]

That’s crazy

[@chavascatch]

I’ve always wanted to surf fish but almost every video I watch it’s with 10+ foot rods and the few that do have smaller rods are out in boats, it’s a bit discouraging. However this video really inspired me to get out there, thanks man keep up the videos you just earned a subscriber!

[@tightlineshightides]

Get out there man. I have crushed on my smaller rods, both spiked fishing and activity fishing.

[@ArturBerkut]

thank you, today was at Basspro shop and almost bought surf spinning, now I know it was great idea using just what I have

[@tightlineshightides]

lol! Happy that I saved you some money. When you decide you are going to go all in on surf fishing, then go pick up a nice setup. Hit me up when you make that decision and i can give some more pointers.

[@Spetsnazzy]

@@tightlineshightidesOld video but I was wondering what would be a good beginner surf fishing setup. I already got a 8 ft spinner I’ve been using with some success but I feel ready to take the step forward to get those long range cast for different fish. any recommendations?

[@tightlineshightides]

@@Spetsnazzylove that your wanting to grow in your fishing journey. I would love to help. Are you looking to soak bait with the more passive style fishing or are you looking to cast artificial with more on an active style fishing? If passive, I would recommend a 10 to 11 ft rod with a lure rating in the range of around 2oz to 6oz. You can find a lot to meet that criteria in various price points. If you don’t mind, let me know your price point for a setup and I can probably give you a couple recommendations.

[@Spetsnazzy]

@@tightlineshightides price isn’t a super big issue but ideally I would want to have 2 setups one for passive and one for more active. looking for quality tried and true been a freshwater angler all my life but definitely got saltwater fever lately and I’m trying to grow and expand more there. appreciate the help btw love the channel 🙏

[@RM-iy7xx]

My main spiked rod is 7 foot with 4000 size reel. Great video

[@tightlineshightides]

Thanks for the comment and the subscribe!

[@RADAR_Tech]

Your set up all depends on the conditions of the water and what weight (or lure/jig) you'll need to toss out. I use a 13 foot Heavy action so I can get 6 oz sinker to the second trough when the surf has alot of action/current. But asides from that, I rarely have to pull it out.

[@tightlineshightides]

completely agree. However, you don't require a big 13' rod to enjoy the activity of surf fishing. I hate to hear it when people say the can't fish because they don't have a surf rod. While it may not be the best option, a small rod can work.

[@thedon9670]

@@tightlineshightides mate you're fishing in a lake in this video. This is not surf fishing lol

[@SuperBikerboy101]

@@tightlineshightidesyeah dude this ain’t “surf fishing” most ocean fishing from the surf does require a big rod to get to the fish dependent on depth and tide

[@tightlineshightides]

@@SuperBikerboy101 Agree conditions were perfect on this day which allowed for light tackle fishing. Sometimes this same beach is crashing and a bigger rod is required. The point of the video is to get people out with whatever they have to enjoy the sport. No need to hold off on trying, just go with what you got and build from there.

[@Bigdog22central]

Is there a pole count limit on the beach

[@dtylerpaul]

I would check your local regulations. Where I am there is a general rule not to have more than you can manage. For me, on a good day, its about 4 lines out. I also say, independent of whats legal, its important to be considerate of the other people sharing the beach. If its crowded i tend to scale down to let others cover some ground.

[@tightlineshightides]

Not where we are as a hard rule, but you have to be able to manage them. Check your local rags though. Some beaches might specify.

[@northface484]

Caught my first 2 fish form the Surf with a 6"6" Spinning outfit last week... A nice Pomp and Bluefish...I had 30 pound braid already on it...I went to the local tackle shop and told them I was a Rookie and what I had and to hook me with the setups I need to catch some Fish and they did...The only thing I would suggest is if your line is old change it out...Do not be intimidated...Just do it...Big shout out to Half-Hitch Tackle in Navarre for 50 dollars I was on my way....!!!

[@tightlineshightides]

Sweet!! Awesome example and thanks for sharing. Congrats on your 1st fish from the surf!

[@northface484]

@@tightlineshightides Thank you...!!!!

[@dougiemac8417]

Man your videos are chock full of awesome information!!! Thanks for the awesome content. 👍🏾👍🏾💯👍🏾👍🏾

[@tightlineshightides]

Appreciate the compliment

[@LT-rj1et]

I just moved to a place with a surf and I was disappointed that I couldn’t fish because of the price of a new fishing rod. Thank you for the video now I can fish with what I have!

[@TheBiggerDavo]

I got the star aerial surf in 8ft for $35 on sale at west marine. Its still there if you can store pickup. The 10 footer is $45. My 8 footer cast better than i expected for the price so i got the 10 as well.

[@tightlineshightides]

Mission accomplished! Thanks for the view and good luck

[@johncolumba7945]

Cheers mate, appreciate the video, quite encouraging!

[@tightlineshightides]

thank you for watching and the encouragement!

[@majmat]

You would cast further with the spoon if you leave a drop of about 2 thirds from the tip to lure. Same with casting anything with a fixed spool/spinning reel. The further you cast, the longer you have a bait in the water, which = more fish, as a rule.

[@tightlineshightides]

Great words to live by!

[@gavn3552]

do you think a ugly stik gx2 7”0 medium heavy with the penn persuit 3000 would work for shore fishing? What weight line should i put on it also!

[@tightlineshightides]

Hey! I think just about any rod could work in general, so yes. I can’t find a lure or line rating for that rod in particular, but I generally works recommend 20# to 30# braid. If you are going to go with more of a passive style fishing, soaking bait or spiked fishing, I would probably stay with a 3oz lead or less. For artificial lures, I think this rod could be great at casting out 1 to 2oz jigs or spoons along others.

[@jordanmorrow4757]

Passive we call bait and wait and active we call lure, I’ve got a 10ft rod that I like to do bait and wait with and a 7ft rod I do lure fishing with but will also do some bait and wait, all depends on conditions and what I’m targeting

[@tightlineshightides]

I haven’t heard “bait and wait”. I may steal that term from you. Look for it in my next video!

[@jordanmorrow4757]

@@tightlineshightides sick! I read it somewhere online when researching SoCal surf fishing and it just stuck with me and my friends

[@jasonrenshaw9010]

Just seen your video, very interesting. I am in the UK and it is the first time i have seen the Fishgum! That looks very handy to keep in the tackle bag, shame they don’t ship here. Tight lines.

[@tightlineshightides]

Check them out online. I’m sure they will ship them to you

[@bcask61]

There is no need to use a sputnik in those conditions. A 1oz pyramid would be fine. Nice video, thanks for sharing.

[@tightlineshightides]

yeah agreed. But also doesn't hurt in my opinion. I just like to simplify my options. Thanks for the view and compliment! Good luck out there!

[@stephenmcfarlane7961]

Hi could you please tell me what the trolley is you are using in this post.thanks

[@tightlineshightides]

Its called the "Angler's Fishing Mate". I love it, but be sure to get the one with the large orange wheels. The wheelbarrow style wheels don't do as good in soft sand.

[@thedestroyer3879]

@@tightlineshightides could I use a 5'6 ft rod for surf fishing as well?

[@tightlineshightides]

@@thedestroyer3879 You would have to pick your days, but i suppose it could be done. Shoot, i've seen little kids reel in smalll whiting with a barbie rod. The longer rods will certainly do better if you had a choice. The point of the video is to point out you don't have to have a dedicated surf fishing setup to catch fish.

[@thedestroyer3879]

@@tightlineshightides thanks i ask becuse theirs i rod ive been wanting to get that is rated from between 80-120lb line but the only size is 5'6 thanks for the help.

[@tightlineshightides]

@@thedestroyer3879 the ones you are looking at may very well be offshore rods. Again, you could use them (any rod is better than no rod), but they may be hard to cast if it is too stiff.

[@samuelphillian1286]

What is that cutting board set up you have on your cart

[@tightlineshightides]

That actually came with the beach cart. It’s a great accessory. It fits in the rod holder and has a small cutting board and a basket. The cutting board has some holes and slots for hooks and knives. The basket is great for holding sand fleas and also is a great rinsing basket for when you get home.

[@theadventurefamily761]

I just came across this video & love it. Would love to see you do a video catching flounder on this setup. Just subbed!

[@tightlineshightides]

Thanks for the sub!

[@SunDrinker]

Im completely new to fishing and I cant find a newb-friendly guide for my 7 footer. E.g. The line size, leader size, barrel size, lure size.. Would you mind telling me the ideal size for each?

[@dtylerpaul]

Do you have the rod specs on hand or are you looking to buy a new rod too? The rod will give you the range of lures and line power that it was designed for. It is usually right on the side of the rod. If you don’t have a rod yet, I can certainly help you pick out a nice setup. Just let me know what kind of fishing you want to do.

[@tightlineshightides]

Lighter tackle setup, I’m generally around a 20# braid and #20 fluorocarbon leader. As for lure size, your rod should have specs on lure rating. Usually these lighter rods are somewhere between 1/4oz to 2oz.

[@EthansSoccerHour]

I'm going fishing in a week at a surf.. but im planning to use a 5' 6" alpha spin rod made in Korea, and use about 55 yards of 10lb test line. Would this work?

[@tightlineshightides]

thanks for the question. Technically yes, you can use it. I will say that this sounds like it is on the small side so you will need to be prepared for some difficulty if the conditions aren't perfect (waves and winds too high and winds in wrong direction). Are you planning on finishing with artificial (active style cast and retrieve fishing)

[@EthansSoccerHour]

@tightlineshightides4599 I plan on using synthetic crabs and possibly clams. So I'll just be casting out and letting it sit and hopefully feel bites as I hold my rod.

[@jdgoerke13]

Are those fish bites? I used a double drop rig from a pier in florida one hook had live shrimp the other had shrimp fish bite, i got more hits on fishbite

[@tightlineshightides]

yes! I use these ALL the time. So convenient on the beach because I rarely have to check bait between bites. Also, just like you said, i have seen fish pass up shrimp and hammer the fishbites.

[@vgee3926]

I noticed everybody uses braid with a fluorocarbon leader...can i just use all mono?

[@tightlineshightides]

You can certainly use straight mono. The biggest reason I use braid is for line capacity. With braid I can use a smaller reel and still stack on a decent amount of line. Mono is bigger in diameter with the same line strength as braid. Thanks for the question and view

[@vgee3926]

@tightlineshightides4599 cool thank u so much for the quick reply brother..I'm trying to get out there and try it out for the first time soon

[@tightlineshightides]

love to hear it. What coast/area are you fishing?

[@vgee3926]

@tightlineshightides4599 it will be the central coast in California..Pismo Beach will be the first spot I try..I grew up freshwater fishing so this will be my first time trying saltwater..really looking forward to it.

[@hanfei6871]

Stradic FL is only 3 year old, it's a 2019 debut. Maybe you used to have a 2015 FK rigged and you forgot about the uprgade.

[@tightlineshightides]

You are probably right, i have a lot of the stradics, love them all and they are all still in great shape. Hard to keep track of when i bought which one. Thanks for the view and comments

[@FLFlatsmaster]

Any recommendations on a length for wade fishing? I am torn between getting a new 7 ft or 7’6.. I like the added length for distance casting when wading but the additional length makes working artificials a little more difficult / fatiguing.. what do you think? Thanks

[@tightlineshightides]

I really like a 7'2" or 7'6" rod for wading around. 8' gets to be a little much after an hour or two. The most common length I build is 7' 2". Thanks for the view and question!

[@ericseyboldt2806]

Great video. Thanks for the content

[@tightlineshightides]

thank you for watching!

[@МорфусЛаймбери]

In my plases black aborigens press out all near to coast fish so fishing from shore is imposible... Ive tried to fish every evening for about to weeks thinking that problems is with my stuff , but everything i caught were fishes as big as hand...

[@eriksontovar3386]

Has anyone or am I the only one with the 5’ 6” fishing rod wanting to do those surf fishing. I’m a beginner but I dont know if it’ll be enough to cast one out there with a weight and bait on it.. let me know any advice I’m open minded

[@dtylerpaul]

Hey! That is 100% the point of this video. Pick a great day and get out with what you have. Once you master that, spend the money if you want for some bigger gear.

[@eriksontovar3386]

@@dtylerpaul thanks a lot. I seem to heard him say 6 ft and so I was like damn mine a lot more smaller than that LOL, but I might’ve missed heard him if he did say that part.. thanks a lot for replying. Take care brotha

[@tightlineshightides]

5’6” will work… but pick your days. Might be tough if the wind and current is ripping

[@terrybryant]

Just curious how these rods and reels would hold up to a 50 pound black drum? Or something even larger. Would it completely ruin a rod and reel such as this?

[@dtylerpaul]

ruin, no, as long as you have your drag set correctly. However, you might struggle quite a bit fighting a 50lb drum. I wish I had this problem... To your point, i have also hooked a monster shark with my big surf rods and he about spooled me. I tried to slow him down by palming the reel, just ended up breaking him off. There are always cases where your gear might be a little small for the job. However, I have found that the more common case is that your gear is too big for the fish most commonly caught in the surf. Thanks for the comment! Tight Lines!

[@tightlineshightides]

Trying to get this data for you… keep following along to find out

[@michaelbruno1486]

Great info thank you. What reels and braid do you have on the ten footers?

[@tightlineshightides]

Thank you! I am a big Shimano fan. I have Stradic, Saragosa, and a Baitrunner. I love them all and sll have held up great... worth the price tag. For braid i generally use power pro. tightlinesandhightides.com/top-10-best-spinning-reels-for-surf-fishing/

[@michaelbruno1486]

Thanks for the response. I should have asked size of reels

[@WhiteGhost21]

@@michaelbruno1486 buy 8 strand braid for smoother performance

[@catch22michael]

Ironically some of this video describes that, indeed you do need a bigger rod for surf fishing. Ie weather conditions, wave size etc. But all going well and providing you have perfect weather conditions etc etc etc.... Basically a longer rod outshines a small rod in every department.

[@dtylerpaul]

yep, you are correct. But, if you dont have the big rods, you don't have to go break the bank to get on the water. Pick a good day and fish with what you have on hand

[@tightlineshightides]

Very true! I intended this video to encourage those viewers that want to try but might not want to invest just yet. If you are on the fence, try with what you have, but pick a good day. If you find that this is your speed and you want to do more, you may want to step up your gear so you’ll be able to fish in more conditions.

[@mortal8600]

Hi thank you for this video , can i use my 7ft rod for surf fishing with artificial lures like jerkbait , crankbait and little jigs ?

[@tightlineshightides]

I do it all the time! Get it out there!

[@ethanschenck3998]

Hey, any suggestions for budget rods/reels? I have no experience or equipment, and just got my license for shore fishing in Florida. I want to go out, I just don't know if the cheap rods I see at Walmart and amazon are sturdy enough to not break. Reading up on all different equipment, buy this and you have to use that. I just want to get out and give it a try! Broke college kid as well so my budget is as low as possible if you have any suggestions, Thanks!(Any extra tips as well are hugely appreciated, do's and don'ts)

[@tightlineshightides]

Hey! Thanks for the view and question! Here is an article i wrote a while back on surf rods. There is a section where i list some under $100. Let me know if this helps. tightlinesandhightides.com/choosing-the-right-rod-for-surf-fishing-a-complete-guide/

[@fgdefd1124]

Great video, where did you customize your active fishing rod?

[@tightlineshightides]

thanks. I build custom rods at my house

[@fgdefd1124]

@@tightlineshightides thanks for responding! What rod do you recommend I get for active fishing at the beach?

[@No_Love_Gaming74fe]

I go out with an 11’ a 9’6”and my 6’6 inshore. Alway get the big boys out in the water then use my inshore to jig the trough. Big boys are for dinner and the inshore is for fun.

[@tightlineshightides]

haha well put! I do the same thing most of the time.

[@FisherLT]

Is there another place to buy the fish gum. The one you have here is sending me to page not found.

[@tightlineshightides]

I’ll have to check my links. If you go to the fish gum website you can find some. I have found that fish gum stock is sort of hard to find. I have a store I the road from me that stocks it.

[@lackofdubs5975]

An ice fishing rod will do for most fishing... its just easier and more practical to use a rod thats aimed for a specific style. People (especially fishing) get hung up on gear so much. Use what you got/can get people. You're not gunna have fun until you get out there.

[@tightlineshightides]

Thanks for the backup! That was exactly my point. If you wait until you have the perfect setup, you will never get out there

[@FloridaBoyGrizz]

The only time I use a big rod is if im throwing out bug baits type thing other than that I don’t. I use medium heavy rods 7’6-8ft rods and it works awesome for me

[@tightlineshightides]

thanks for the comment!

[@bryanwaugh6003]

how do you clean your reel

[@tightlineshightides]

I will have to post a video on this. I use my hose on a lite mist or drench setting. I do not spray the reels with full power as that will push the saltwater around perhaps in spots of the reel you cant get to. I use my hand to rub down the reels while drenching to help work off all the salt. After that i dry the reel and then spray a rag with an oil based cleaner like pledge and wipe the reels down. The pledge helps create a barrier to keep the saltwater from sticking next time. I have had super cheap reels last a long time with this method.

[@bryanwaugh6003]

What about for more high end reels

[@gnarkillgnarkill7725]

Shakespeare makes a rod that's only seven feet long design for surf/pier .. I thought this was common knowledge. I grew up in Mexico surfing on the beach and I never remember these big 9 or 10 foot long sticks 🤷‍♂️

[@tightlineshightides]

Yeah. There are a few brands that still make shorter surf rods. Most have moved to the long ones. It’s easy to surf fish with a shorter rod, but not easy to fish in short rod scenarios with a long one

[@junito1957]

me too i get a ton of bait fish with a 7 foot rod

[@tightlineshightides]

I've hooked more than just baitfish too. Thanks for the comment!

[@jeffmech600]

I always fish an 11ft lami. I fish for stripers. Its a bit of a ride to the water and a hike. So if there are 3 to 4 ft breakers theres no way i can cast a 7 ft over and maintain the hieght to stay above the waves hitting ur line. Ocean weather is super unpredictable. Plus have fun turning a 40# striper with a 6ft rod. But hey if you want to go out with lake gear on the ocean have at it. Just remember to blame this video when you hook into the fish of a lifetime and cant control or land it.

[@tightlineshightides]

Thanks for letting us know your opinion. The main purpose of the video was to let people know that they don't have to have a dedicated beach fishing setup to go catch fish from the beach. While you are more likely to lose more fish, i want to see more people out there enjoying the hobby. I agree though, we do a lot of shark fishing and a small rod will not do well with the big ones. Certainly don't recommend targeting the monsters with a small rod.

[@tightlineshightides]

You won't even hook the potential fish of a lifetime if you don't have a line in the water.

[@thedon9670]

This video isn't surf fishing anyway. He's fishing on a lake lol

[@bcask61]

There is a tool for every job. Clearly, northeast chunk bait striper fishing is different from what he is doing.

[@Jacob-es7fu]

Could I use my 6ft6 penn fishing rod has 80 pound line on it and use live bait like would with a surf rod don’t wanna waste money on another rod?

[@tightlineshightides]

conventional reel or spinning?

[@Jacob-es7fu]

@@tightlineshightides spinning reel

[@tightlineshightides]

@@Jacob-es7fu On a good day you can probably make it work. Generally those bigger rods aren't as efficient with casting, but if you want to give it a shot for one or two days of fishing, go for it. If you are going to do a lot of surf fishing, you may want to invest in a dedicated surf rod.

[@allbunsglazing]

🤐🤐🤐🤐🤭 Me, using every fibre of strength I have not to tease how many times you dropped that fish.

[@dtylerpaul]

It hurts me too.

[@tightlineshightides]

I am still embarrassed by this video and how many times I dropped that guy

[@ryanwillis6194]

Just like a fresh water set up

[@tightlineshightides]

Yep! I promise it will do the trick

[@RileyReneau]

Surf fishing for the 1st time in a week. I appreciate the video. My best reel (that happens to be Salt certified) is a 2000 size. How badly would i need to upgrade to a larger size?

[@tightlineshightides]

i think you will struggle a little, but it should be manageable. Don't go too heavy on the weight if you are planning to use a pyramid or sputnik sinker, the smaller reels tend to be lighter on the drag.

[@RileyReneau]

@@tightlineshightides The reel I have boasts a 22lbs drag. 6:2:1. I have a 8'2 in MH Rod (I think the rod leans much more towards M power Tho) I have some big biatcasters I use for Freshwater Catfishing. (they're not Salt proof but they're suppose to be salt resistant) theyre on only on 6'6 heavy rods. Would u recommend that kind of set up instead?

[@fishingwithbigal2097]

I do both surf and short rods. Depends on the conditions of the surf.

[@tightlineshightides]

Thanks for the comment!

[@felixalbion]

Most people have an obsession with casting distance. The truth is the fish will often be close in because that is where the food is. Cast too far and you will go past the fish. Its much better to try and " read " the water and figure out where the fish will be.

[@tightlineshightides]

Yes! Completely agree. I think you would like the latest video I just posted that talks about bait placement. Perfect Bait Placement for Surf Fishing Success kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZuYkGxrgqiLgdU

[@HugoVanSoest]

Down the earth fishing. Love it.

[@tightlineshightides]

that is a huge compliment. Exactly what i was going for.

[@freddyj5845]

Are you using just braid?

[@dtylerpaul]

Hello! I use braid as my main backing and I put on a 6' or so fluro leader. Braid to fluro to lure. Tight lines!

[@freddyj5845]

@@dtylerpaulthank you!

[@tightlineshightides]

Braid main line and fluro leader is the way to go.

[@michaeleverton4882]

🎣 There are times when a longer rod is necessary to cast out further, to get to the fish! Simple truth! A longer rod that one is comfortable to cast with! Casting practice helps too! Also to watch casting videos! 🎣

[@tightlineshightides]

Great advise! Thanks for the comment!

[@Peter-zg3em]

i will always recommend at least a 9 foot rod for the beach. fishing the trough at your feet is one thing and you can get away with 7' or even less if you are fluking, for example. but when the wind picks up, sweep, bigger sets, the fish move out far from the lip, there's current, and you need to work and cast decent sized plugs and really surfcast, you need a longer rod. typically i fish a 7-7'6" on a boat, kayak, or deep in the estuary, and 9'+ everywhere else while i am on my feet. daily driver is a 9' and i'll go to 10'6" when the wind picks up, i need to throw bigger plugs, or distance is truly at a premium. distance without wind is almost never a problem on a 9' rod. when the wind picks up you lose distance remarkably quickly. at 7' you need some real backbone and even then you'll give up some distance but it is still doable without wind. with wind you might throw plugs backwards. there's also a lot to be said about the leverage and power you get with a longer rod. crushing schoolies on light is a blast, but it's not fun to go life and death with a big fish on light tackle. puts them at risk even if you land them. so while you can fish the beach / "out front" with a 7' rod, it is not ideal and we should think about why we are on light tackle and which species / weight classes we should hone in on and which ones we need to cull out.

[@tightlineshightides]

Yeah, all great points. Thanks for your perspective!

[@JAMESlock1911]

I have 2 surf rods but most of my catch is on my is on my 6ft 6in rods 🎣

[@tightlineshightides]

Yep! Happens more than you think.

[@321thach]

Yes, you don’t need a big long rod to fish at the beach if you’re not fishing for Pompano and other big fish

[@tightlineshightides]

I’ve actually caught a mess of Pompano on light tackle, prefer it honestly. But to your point, if you’re targeting big shark or Tarpon, maybe should step up the size

[@mohammadsyafiqwilson6672]

I use 6'6 rod

[@tightlineshightides]

Nice! Out of curiosity, How often do you feel like you needed a little more rod?

[@mohammadsyafiqwilson6672]

@@tightlineshightides I only have 2 rods . Another is a 6ft ultra light rod 😄

[@tightlineshightides]

Fish with what you got! I love it man.

[@q4982]

How to fish with short rod. Dont fish when tide js high lol

[@dtylerpaul]

Thats right! Instead of avoiding fishing all together because you don't have gear for every condition, pick a good day and fish with what you have. Thanks for the view and comment! Tight Lines!

[@tightlineshightides]

yeah. pick your days if you don't have the ideal gear.

[@burgerhaha]

true!

[@tightlineshightides]

Thanks for the view!

[@Diogenes425]

Wait til a 15 Lb Jack Crevalle latched on 😲

[@dtylerpaul]

that would be sick! But to your point, there is more risk of breaking off with the smaller gear. However there are infinitely more chances of catching fish with light gear vs not fishing at all.

[@tightlineshightides]

Could you imagine that fight!

[@notfug]

i just take my heavy action bass rod and catch spanish on spoons xD

[@donaldmartin4620]

Well my surf rods cast way farther then a regular rod and cast bigger bait for bigger things with a little rod can’t cast as far or bigger baits tho now if you going after baby’s fish yes bigger things nop but to each there own

[@tightlineshightides]

For sure. A big surf rod will cast further than a shorter inshore rod, no doubt. The point of the video was to point out that it isn't a requirement to have a big surf rod to catch fish... Fish with what you have

[@kimo01068]

Sir,, whats the name of beat you use ? Thx

[@tightlineshightides]

The bait i always have on hand is either Fish Bites or Fish GUM. Both work great!

[@AlexGogos-e8f]

Is this at pond or a an actual beach? Those waves are pathetically small.

[@tightlineshightides]

It was an abnormally calm day for sure. Typically not this calm for sure

[@AlexGogos-e8f]

@@tightlineshightides, ah.. cool.

[@SuperChefM]

Unfortunately you not going to get away with anything less than a 13 foot and preferably a 15 foot heavy here in South Africa. Conditions there are very calm

[@tightlineshightides]

That’s a monster rod!

[@papayaman78]

Not all beaches have the same conditions

[@tightlineshightides]

and the same beach doesn't have the same conditions every day. Pick the good days and get out there!

[@chrisa9035]

7ft works but a good medium 9ft rod can't be beat in the surf

[@tightlineshightides]

Yeah 9’ is about perfect for all around surf fishing.

[@ras8514]

You don't need it for the surf for little fish. But casting 150 to 200 yards with 12 foot+ rod and proper surf spooled reel with 300+ yards of braid Is the only way to go. Big gea 4:36 r = Big fish

[@tightlineshightides]

I've caught some pretty big drum close. But cant argue that you need the right setup to launch it 200yds. thanks for the view and comments!

[@ras8514]

@@TJXHT yes Guessing you are in the UK

[@zhaistudio8176]

I have 9 feet rod but only can cast maximum 50Gram sinker , if you cast more than 50gram, maybe the rod will be break, so i sell that 9 feet rod an buy 6 feet rod and yes maybe for you its downgrade but its not, the 6ft rod have better spec can cast 120gram sinker, minimum is 50G ,now i can use heavy singker and can cast far than my first 9ft rod

[@tightlineshightides]

Good point

[@matthewsmedley]

Brother, this is beach or bay fishing not surf fishing. A nice 11foot medium heavy action for surf.

[@tightlineshightides]

agree conditions are very calm. If the surf was up, then the smaller rods will struggle. The point was, don't let your lack of the perfect setup get in the way of enjoying the sport. Pick a good day and get out there with what you have. Thanks for the view and comment! Tight lines!

[@hanfei6871]

it's all about where to fish! If you missed the high tide, there's really nothing you can do with a short rod.

[@tightlineshightides]

Probably depends on the beach too. Here in Melbourne, i can fish an entire tide with success. However, incoming tide is generally more productive. If i head north to Daytona area, low tide is more difficult to reach the good fishing zone.

[@zjzjbigfishcatches7740]

Just like you don't need a big boat ⛵ to catch fish 🐟🎣🐟🎣😊😁😁😊😂😂😂. Z 😡

[@tightlineshightides]

or a boat at all!

[@Thriplingweasel]

I don't know why you released that poor little Spaniard. After the way you mishandled it, dropping it half a dozen times and managing to rub its protective slime of by the way you were handling it, the poor little bugger wasn't going to survive very long.

[@tightlineshightides]

Yeah… I rewatch this video and disappoint myself. I’ve improved my handling a lot

[@thedon9670]

Jesus Christ that's not even a surf beach lol

[@tightlineshightides]

it's not always this calm. lol

[@efanclublolsmaforlife2501]

Nice joke that would never work in the Atlantic Ocean

[@tightlineshightides]

This is the Atlantic Ocean. East Coast Florida near Cape Canaveral.

[@jaaron2834]

If you need to get past the breakers… yes, you definitely need a long rod but there’s method to casting a long rod … not everyone can cast a long rod ….its what I use for large game fish in the surf … I hate being under gunned and getting spoiled by large fish …. Large fish….. large rod…. Small fish … small rod … where you are ,… I don’t see any heavy surf… there are bigger waves at Pyramid lake, Nevada than you have in your ocean where you are… go fish some big surf and then tell me you don’t need a long rod…

[@dtylerpaul]

thanks for the view and comments! I certainly agree that you would need bigger gear for bigger fish and worse surf conditions. This video was more to let encourage people who want to fish and don't have bigger gear, not that smaller gear is necessarily better. I hope you have a happy holiday and happy new year. Thanks again for the view and comments!

[@tightlineshightides]

What dtylerpaul said lol