Yet another rod advice thread!

[Beach]

Yes, am on FB and been scouring Ebay, but most stuff Ive seen locally have been bottom end budget stuff in the main, with the odd higher end rod which is probably beyond my budget/ability for now. Will keep looking though at least until the shops open.

There is a sandstorm advertised locally, but the garish paint scheme puts me off a bit

You can always wear sunglasses if you decide to get the sandstorm rod.

 

[bacon]

If you get a sandstorm make sure it's the newer one...

 

[Si-fly]

It sounds like you would be best off with a match type rod, something with some backbone and a sensitive glass tip.

And use your carp rods for light stuff in close.

I can't really help with cheap rods, as I use Century these days, and even 2nd hand, something like a Supermatch or T800 would be way above budget.

I do have some old icon matches here which would fit the bill and 2nd hand prob around £70-80 I'm guessing... But there are prob better cheap rods about these days.

Good luck ?

 

[Trampster]

Yes, am on FB and been scouring Ebay, but most stuff Ive seen locally have been bottom end budget stuff in the main, with the odd higher end rod which is probably beyond my budget/ability for now. Will keep looking though at least until the shops open.

There is a sandstorm advertised locally, but the garish paint scheme puts me off a bit

Keep an eye on Gumtree for local bargains too. I've had some great fishing buys on there from folks that were giving up fishing. Good thing is you can go inspect things before handing over any cash as well.

 

[bacon]

Defo, used is a good option, I've had some good deals locally.

Back when I first started I managed to get a setup of a Mk1 Kompressor S (like new with reducer), a 515mag 2 (unboxed but like new) and a brand new never used set of Vass Team 700 waders in my size for £200..... Wish I held onto that rod, my switch to fixed spool saw me cull it, regret

And of course the afore mentioned 6nabits for naff all also.

 

[CoarseanglerSteve]

Given this some further thought now and taken on board the advice, as well as scouring the internet for reviews etc. and contacted Gerry's too.

Changed my mind on matching rods, as I think a lot of the time I might want a rod out for bigger fish and one for more bites. As a novice caster (well I have done some carp & feeder fishing at range), a continental rod appeals for ease of casting

Have seen some videos and reviews of the Akios Fury 420 and like the sound of that one. Also like a Sunset Seawall Pro 13' that Gerry's do for £100 currently (and they recommended). Was initially thinking about a pair of them, but the Akios would give me flexibility being slightly lighter (3-6oz). Gerrys suggested the Akios may be a bit light but a Veals video online suggests otherwise, and it seems that its rare to need over 6oz where I am anyway. Come next winter if I found I do need more power in bad weather etc, I could think about getting another rod then.

Not much around 2nd hand and I am eager to get sorted as having only 1 bespoke beach caster at the moment limits my options.

Any experiences of these rods out there, or more general thoughts?

 

[The Third Earl]

For clean beaches I took a punt on contis at 14.5 feet, a Sunset it was the top end though, and I am really pleased with it, the build is great, its light, steely and powerful, but slim. If their other rods have the same build quality then you could do much worse , Sunset is not a brand that is bandied about much, no idea why, I have no problems or worries with mine at all, love it !
I team it up with a Vercelli Spyra Nero Power, which it is very simiar to in action,they are both great clean beach rods.Both good for oht or otg, but will pendulumn if you feel the need .

For heavier stuff or bigger seas I go with my original Mk 1 AFAW Tourny Match, or Tourney Rock, both great rods for either mixed or rough ground.Both I backcast as they are both more pokey than the contis.

In your position, I would tend to go for second hand, keep your eyes open and scour the local fishing websites , something suitable will come up, as a beginner dont go for anything too stiff though, if you cant bend it you cant cast it, some anglers buy a rod, cant get on with it and shift it asap, you could get lucky quite quickly.

Dave

 

[CoarseanglerSteve]

For clean beaches I took a punt on contis at 14.5 feet, a Sunset it was the top end though, and I am really pleased with it, the build is great, its light, steely and powerful, but slim. If their other rods have the same build quality then you could do much worse , Sunset is not a brand that is bandied about much, no idea why, I have no problems or worries with mine at all, love it !
I team it up with a Vercelli Spyra Nero Power, which it is very simiar to in action,they are both great clean beach rods.Both good for oht or otg, but will pendulumn if you feel the need .

For heavier stuff or bigger seas I go with my original Mk 1 AFAW Tourny Match, or Tourney Rock, both great rods for either mixed or rough ground.Both I backcast as they are both more pokey than the contis.

In your position, I would tend to go for second hand, keep your eyes open and scour the local fishing websites , something suitable will come up, as a beginner dont go for anything too stiff though, if you cant bend it you cant cast it, some anglers buy a rod, cant get on with it and shift it asap, you could get lucky quite quickly.

Dave

Thanks Dave, thats helpful, as Sunset isn't a brand I am familiar with, being a coarse angler really.

I would have bought second hand but am eager to get sorted and there hasn't been anything really on the local FB groups or Ebay that took my eye. Also, seems there are a lot like me, taking it up what with lockdown etc. Did source 2 reels that way though.

It's clean ground here and have had advice from a few locals that more than 6oz is rarely needed and most of the time a 5oz gripper will suffice even if its rough. May go down the braid route in due course, as I have used that a lot in freshwater, so that should reduce the need for big leads even further.

 

[James81]

Had a look at the Sunset rods online they look like nice rods for £100 , they are rung for multiplier and fixed spool so you could try a multiplier later on if you wanted too.
John Holden did an interview its on Youtube explains all about tackle especially rods for beachcasting helped me a lot .

 

[bacon]

Looking at your options under £100, the choice isn't quite what it was 1 or 2 years ago for various reasons, covid being one, but also those ranges of rods that were previously thought well of have been discontinued and sold out.

With that in mind, if I was after a beach caster (new) between 13 and 14ft I'd prob look at a Sonik SKS Black, they are £90 or less depending on what length you go for, Uttings have them.

If I was to spend a little more I'd go to the daiwa Sandstorm (£140-150), then a little more I'd go for a Saltist/6nbait (£200ish) or push that little extra for a fireblade (£260).

Though as you only fish clean ground, you are in continental territory. I'd go for one capable of up to 200g+, that way you can safely throw 5-6oz plus bait if the need arises. If you are going to be using braid (highly reccomended), then don't worry about one with a fine tip for bite detection, you simply won't need it. I'll let others advise on specific conti rods, as aside from a pair of Leeda fxd, I've not used them for more than a few sessions. Though it was very enjoyable!

Edit: changed my mind. I'd prob look at the Shakespeare Agility 2 surf rod range, they do a 15ft 4 to 8oz rod. I really like Shakespeare kit, for the money it is generally very good.

edit2: My above comment about the shakey agility was if the budget is fixed at £100! @Beach

 

[CoarseanglerSteve]

Had a look at the Sunset rods online they look like nice rods for £100 , they are rung for multiplier and fixed spool so you could try a multiplier later on if you wanted too.
John Holden did an interview its on Youtube explains all about tackle especially rods for beachcasting helped me a lot .

Yea, I saw that they are compatible with multis and FS and yes, I would fancy having a go with a multiplier at some stage in the futures again that adds to the appeal of that one.

 

[James81]

Tempted to buy one myself now !

 

[Huss Hustler]

Hiya Steve,
You already know my thoughts on buying new rather than 2nd hand ???.
One thing i forgot to mention the other day was- If you buy a new "current model" rod it's much easier to find & purchase a second one, if at a later date you decide you want a pair.
If you buy 2nd hand it may get you a better rod to start with but could be harder to source a second rod to make a pair ie models discontinued, models upgraded- mk1, mk2 etc.
If you do decide you could live with the "mellow yellow" Sandstorm you've seen advertised make sure it's the new 2020 version as the older models a bit like a stick of rhubarb & nothing like the newer version.
Rick?

 

[wingnut55]

And yet JH loved his stick of Rhubarb.

Ian.

 

[Huss Hustler]

And yet JH loved his stick of Rhubarb.

Ian.

Hiya Ian,
Had nothing but good words for the new model in his video review either mate- that & the "waggle test" were what swung me into buying a pair of the 14ft 2ers.
Personally when i had a few chucks years ago i did'nt like the old model- "stick of rhubarb" definitely.
Rick?

 

[Tournamag]

Thanks Dave, thats helpful, as Sunset isn't a brand I am familiar with, being a coarse angler really.

I would have bought second hand but am eager to get sorted and there hasn't been anything really on the local FB groups or Ebay that took my eye. Also, seems there are a lot like me, taking it up what with lockdown etc. Did source 2 reels that way though.

It's clean ground here and have had advice from a few locals that more than 6oz is rarely needed and most of the time a 5oz gripper will suffice even if its rough. May go down the braid route in due course, as I have used that a lot in freshwater, so that should reduce the need for big leads even further.

Sunset is a French brand or marketed! ive one of there's HiSpex tried getting a 2nd but looked like most headed to france for Carp camping on big lakes!
I might sell mine yet? as have my Italcanna Dynamis's and sort of in process of reducing stock! But it's my Lucky rod! First cast 12lb bass had many 2lb sole and other stuff on it casts great so i'm 50/50 but What with the ULEZ and having to get rid of my car so fishing will be almost Zilch!.
It's the 14ft all FUJI one was Listed £400 ish! It does/did have a crack which many Sunsets suffer with! at top of butt section going downwards in finish"were still not sure it was as could be in Hicoat Richard at Meta lite's double whipped it said won't break"
But looking at it one day it's flex caused by the mid section not going in far enough so got some ultra fine wet & dry and lapped it down further up spigot part on mid section so now it sits in much further so dealt with and Grant "wingyour lead" full on pendulum cast it snapped my 70lb braid leader with 4oz! and it's survived that so know good.
(Penn Rampages suffer same issues many cracked on butts)

HiSpex is like a stepped up IM8 Casting stick/Carp rod. If interested let us know does pack to under 5ft so post cheaper!

 

[CoarseanglerSteve]

Hiya Steve,
You already know my thoughts on buying new rather than 2nd hand ???.
One thing i forgot to mention the other day was- If you buy a new "current model" rod it's much easier to find & purchase a second one, if at a later date you decide you want a pair.
If you buy 2nd hand it may get you a better rod to start with but could be harder to source a second rod to make a pair ie models discontinued, models upgraded- mk1, mk2 etc.
If you do decide you could live with the "mellow yellow" Sandstorm you've seen advertised make sure it's the new 2020 version as the older models a bit like a stick of rhubarb & nothing like the newer version.
Rick?

Cheers Rick.

Had a bit of a windfall selling a few things that generated more than expected, so with that burning a hole in my pocket I have pressed the button on a 6 and bait, and a continental Akios Fury. Have heard nothing but good stuff about AFAW and liked the look of them too. Concluded that I would be better off with 2 different rods for now to do slightly different jobs if needed. Was tempted by the 4 and bait too but went with the cheaper Akios. That has positive reviews and videos online. Fancied trying a conti hoping it will gain me a few extra yards .

I know it was a bit of a risk, but I was eager to get sorted ASAP and didn't think waving a few around in a shop would necessarily add much. Would probably confuse me more. Added to that stock levels are so limited at the moment everywhere it seems. Have bought quite a few rods over the years blind but know these 2 are quality and won't be ones I will want to replace any time soon.

I did have some concerns about being a novice with some fairly good rods (all the gear no idea!) but don't consider myself to be a complete newbie. Relatively speaking, compared to my coarse gear, it has been fairly reasonable to get all I need to start sea fishing. Having been the victim of a garage break in in the past, I know how much it costs to replace the masses of gear you need for match or freshwater specimen hunting!!

Hoping to get out at the weekend and try it out as the tides look favourable here. Might post a few pics if I do, even if there aren't any with fish in them

Thanks for all the advice on here guys, it was very helpful. I have been taken aback by how forthcoming sea anglers seem to be, both on forums and Facebook groups, not only about tackle, but about methods, locations, bait etc. A refreshing change from all the hush hush that seems to be around in coarse fishing circles.

 

[bacon]

Good choice on the 6nbait, it's a good rod and will see you fishing whatever ground you like pretty much. What length did you choose?

 

[CoarseanglerSteve]

Good choice on the 6nbait, it's a good rod and will see you fishing whatever ground you like pretty much. What length did you choose?

14' Will then match the conti on the tripod as thats also 14

 

[tdxs133pm]

IMAX FR Match.

I wouldn't think there are any available in tackle shops,long gone.The only ones left are the 11'6" Bass if you are lucky.I did try a guy who lives near me who is a Svendsen Rep and he couldn't get hold of any.