[Isles22]

I live on the Northshore near Long Beach/Shortbeach area in Smithtown and was wondering if any one could give me some tips on buyying a rod/reel and tackle and tips on catching blues and stripers out of the LI sound.

Thanks

 

[waterlockd]

Isles22,

For a jump start I would recommend booking the services of a guide like Bill Wetzel. After that you'll have a good understanding of equipment, techniques and locations.

If this is out of your means, poke around this forum. There's tons of advise on this subject already. Also, visit your local tackle shop. Only one I know of in your area is Terminal Tackle in Kings Park. Excellent tackle and advice. I'm sure there's other shops that I don't know about.

-Waterlockd

 

[Isles22]

Thanks waterlockd,

Lots of good advice is on the posts here. Probably will start a combo and see how I like surfcasting before I buy a real expsensive Rod and reel and find out I don't like it.

 

[Polodog]

Isles22

i do some surfcasting on the northshore but quite west of u, May i suggest that you get a 9 foot rod even though on the south shore 10-11 footers are used, with a good medium action reel u could look at uglysticks which are pretty decently priced and a penn 5500 or 6500 reel. this whole combo should be under 200$. the dont forget every one has different choices, what i an recommending is that as a beginner you will have a combo which would be adequate for you wheter u are casting or chunking etc. well good luck and if u need any info i am sure u will find tons of it here plus u could email me at [email protected]

 

[bill]

Thanks for the recommendation!---You live in a great area. If you plan on living on the Island for most of your life chances are your going to do some surf casting troughout your time here. I recommend you invest some money into your equipment.I would recommend a Lamiglas GSB1081L.This a 9' blank with light action. It's perfect for most situations on the north shore. You can even feel those light 1/4 oz jigs if need be. For a reel look into a penn slammer560. THe 560 is a little beefy for the 9' but if you also get a 10 ' you can make the switch. I have used the slammer for a couple of months now with no problems. It's a reel that has not been truly tested yet as it is new on the market, but i got about 60 hours on it and 20 of those are under water. It's also easy to maintain -not too many parts. Spool it up with mono. I say mono because it's going to be much easier to work with for you as your just starting out. As you grow upgrade to a braid.15lb test is my recommendation-Ande or Berkly big game.The set up will cost you about $375 but you will be happy with it and it will be something you have for a very long time. THe romantic side of Surffishing are sunsets,finning bass,calm clar waters, gentle walks on the beach,moon lit nights and so on. The not so romantic side are gnats,bats,waves that hit you where it hurts,fights with loved ones b/c your going out at 2 am --again, frustrating nights when you can't buy a fish,absolutely limited amounts of sleep --and so on---Be prepared for both. Talk to your local taclke dealers,and try to learn something every time you go out.GOOD LUCK-and welcome!!

 

[615965]

hey Isles, i too prefer the noth shore for the surf, something about a using a broomstick, w 10 ounces of leads battling waves current and weeds that i avoid the south shore beaches, although at certain times of year it has it's advantages. for the north shore i personall use a 10 foot ugly stick which i'll admit is a lil big 9 foot would be better matched, as mentioned earlier with a penn 5500SS or 6500SS cause a chunk with a 3 oz. sinker is what u will usually be throwing, this year i've been using a 7 foot penn power stick convetional with a 320 gti reel and even though casting distance is lost i find controlling the fish and hooking up on the take to be easier, here is a pic attached of a bass i took on the north shore this sunday 6/23 about 15 yards off the beach maybe 5 feet of water taken with the conventional

 

[wader]

Sandflee = Question: that picture was taken at "the Bluff" - right?

 

[615965]

Wader not sure which bluff you are talking about but thats not it as far as i know the fish pictured was taken out of hempstead harbor

 

[620681]

Lamiglas GSB1081L

Bill,

Is there a production rod using this blank, if so, what is the model #?

Also, I am actually looking for a 10 foot rod for the North Shore and was all set on the St. Croix SS100M2 and then I saw a Seeker East Coast 10 foot surf rod a couple of weeks ago and liked it.

Which do you think is a good all-around rod for the NS?

 

[wader]

Sandflee - Kings Park Bluff. Somehow off of my home machine I could have sworn I saw some large rocks behind you.

Gotta lay off the medication......

 

[bill]

Im not sure if they make that blank as a production rod --give them a call-360-225-9436. I would also not recommend the 10' if your going to use it as a plug rod for the NS. MAny nights you will need to throw as little as 1/4 oz and you will not have the feel you need. ALso 10' is a whole lot of rod for the back bays of the North Shore especially when you have to make a accurate cast with a small plug. The 9'Lami 1L in my opinion is a good all around NS stick.