Surf Rod Advice

[paulo]

Hi All,

I'm looking at getting into surf fishing - salmon, gummies from Vic beaches, and I am very interested in this rod, but concerned it may be too stiff for great bite detection or maybe not great at casting distance?

- PENN Prevail II 1202SPH Spinning Surf Rod 12ft 15-37kg 2pc -

Any one with any advice regarding the suitability of this for what I want to do and how it is for casting distance?

Alternatively, should I maybe get the Penn Prevail II 13ft or 14 ft instead or Daiwa sandstorm?

Thanks for any insights, much appreciated

[Sebb]

Hi All,

I'm looking at getting into surf fishing - salmon, gummies from Vic beaches, and I am very interested in this rod, but concerned it may be too stiff for great bite detection or maybe not great at casting distance?

- PENN Prevail II 1202SPH Spinning Surf Rod 12ft 15-37kg 2pc -

Any one with any advice regarding the suitability of this for what I want to do and how it is for casting distance?

Alternatively, should I maybe get the Penn Prevail II 13ft or 14 ft instead or Daiwa sandstorm?

Thanks for any insights, much appreciated

15-37kg rod for salmon is way too heavy I reckon.

[Sebb]

My salmon bait rod for surf fishing is a 12kg rod. For gummy is a 14kg rod.

[4liters]

5-10kg is fine for both.

imo the bigger issue is the casting weight, you want to find something that can cast a 4oz sinker plus bait if you're fishing surf beaches.

[Leonard]

Hi Paulo,

I have the 1202 prevail 6-12kg and I find it to be copious. I’ve fought sharks on it and some big eagle rays. It can also cast a 3 ounce and whole salmon quite far, so I imagine 4 ounces would be no trouble.

I am looking at going up to the 13 foot for space saving and a better cast. You might think about that if you want something heavier. Like the others, the 14 foot is surprisingly light and sensitive, but in diameter it does start to feel like a more cumbersome fibreglass model. I would say the light 12 foot or the 13 if you want to enjoy bringing the fish in and seeing bites!

[Joker91]

Hijacking this post for a second. What line weight and brand would do you recommend for the rod & what weight and brand leader do you recommend as a leader?

[paulo]

Many thanks for all the great advice and insights everyone.

Cheers

[Sebb]

Hijacking this post for a second. What line weight and brand would do you recommend for the rod & what weight and brand leader do you recommend as a leader?

I use 15lb braid and 20lb leader for salmon surf fishing. Choose thinnest line brand you can afford.
30lb line for gummy.

[dazz999]

I have the last model penn prevail 8-12kg which is spot on for what you want so i think in the prevail 2 the 13ft rod would suit your need,s i also have the last model penn prevail 12-20kg (got it cheap ) which is a completely different rod big strong heavy good for casting big sinkers and bait,s in windy condition,s