buying a saltwater fishing rod.

[silversmash77]

Hi, I'm sort of new to fishing in the salt water. I mainly like bottom fishing in the sound. I often need several ounces of lead to get to the bottom. However, my fishing rod is only "rated" for up to one ounce of lead. What determines the amount of weight a rod can handle, will I damage my current rod if I put on to much weight.do you have any tips on picking out a good bottom fishing rod?(I am looking to buy a knew one anyway) thank you.

[natetreat]

If you're doing a lot of casting with an over weighted rod, you're going to have a good shot at breaking it. Saltwater fishing isn't really about technique, all you need is a rod light enough to hold onto all day, and sensitive enough to feel the bottom when you hit. I have a Daiwa wilderness DR rod I picked up for 10 bucks. It chucks 4-5 ounce rocks off the jetty, doesn't bust, has plenty of sensitivity and is fun to play a fish on. For me, the reel is where I'd put my money, a high gear ratio with a lot of drag to pull that weight up off the bottom. I just went out for halibut this week for the first time, and really appreciated the big reel.

I don't know, I'm sure there are other guys that would steer you towards something pricier. If you're simply dropping your lead down and reeling it up, you should be fine.

[mizm05]

I picked up a decent rod/reel combo for $35. It's the Daiwa D-Wave 7 ft Fiberglass spinning combo. Comes with a 4000 series spinning reel already spooled with braid. Rated up to 4 oz of casting weight. It's done well.

If you are looking for a longer surf rod, I also own an 11 ft Daiwa Beefstick. This is for when I either need to chuck my bait a mile out, or if I'm fishing in heavy currents/surf. It's heavy, so I wouldn't want to manually hold it all day, but if you have somewhere to hold your rod while you wait for some action, it's fine then. I think I got it for $20.

Like Nate said...for bottom fishing, don't spend a ton of money...get a stout, cheap rod/reel that feels good to you. These 2 have worked for my various saltwater needs.

Only exception is when I'm fishing for surf perch. Then I'll use one of my light graphite salmon rods. I usually go with my 8'6" Lamiglas X-11 in 8-12 lb Mod/Fast action. I love having the light action so I can really feel the strike and get a jump on the hook set.

[goonatic]

id recommend a surf rod, for bottom fishing, of course id recommend something expensive and awesome but buy something in your budget and for where youre fishing, cabelas salt striker surf rods are decent for the money, tica makes some okay surf rods, but my favorite is the st croix mojo series, super light, perfect action, and sensitive to the max, they run arounf 200 bucks, but definitely my favorite surf rod so far, out of the many (8) that i own. if you need more help just ask, id be glad to help you with various rods, with like info and personal experience, im a bit of a surf junky haha