I've been fishing on and off throughout most of my life and have recently resurrected my interest due to a move that puts me near Long Beach. Due to being "transportation challenged" I have been mostly fishing off Magnolia Pier but have decided to give surf fishing a try. I was in the process of doing my research on what type of tackle to use and actually, I'm not even sure if I'll be using plugs, lures, bait or spoons. I was hoping to see if it was possible to find a reasonably priced rod and reel that would be compatible with all of the above mentioned methods even if maybe not the best for each one of them individually, sort of like a "best of all worlds" set up. I finally settled on something like an Ugly Stick 10 foot or so Medium/Heavy rod with a Penn 704Z. Just when I thought I was ready to buy it, my son (who doesn't fish and got wind of my new found interest) relying on information from friends bought me a beautiful 8500SS. Now I'm caught between a rock and a hard place here and in the seemingly unusual position of having to buy a rod to match the reel. It seems to me that this reel would set me up somewhat heavier than I was planning to go, and might limit my flexibility as far as what type of fishing that I would be able to use it for. Do I now have to step up to a longer and maybe even a Heavy action rod that might limit my flexibility? I would really appreciate it if anyone with knowledge of this reel (and surf fishing) and its uses would give me some input (are you listening Bill Wetzel)?
Thanks!!
Richard
Thanks!!
Richard