Help - Which Rod should I buy???

Joined: Oct 27, 2008 Posts: 3

I was wondering if anyone can give me advice on which rod I should buy. I live in Donegal Ireland and I live near a pier. I fished a few days last year with my mate using one of his rods catching mostly mackeral. I haven't fished since I was young and want to buy a rod + reel but not too sure what to look for because there's so much choice it's confusing. I see carp, surf, beachcaster rods etc and I'm not too sure which one would best suit my purpose. Which rod would suit for pier/sea fishing or just general purpose fishing, what length etc. If anyone can even suggest a website that sells rod/reel sets - something cheap and cheerful for now until I get more experienced.

Any help appreciated

John

Posted: Tue Mar 03, 2009 9:22 am

You won't do much better than to look at the Shakespere Salt range.

Pier or beachcaster should suit you purpose with a good fixed spool reel. rod between 9ft to 13ft

These rods are reasonably priced and do the job for which they were intended, a fair price for a fair bit of gear.
Cheers keith big grin

Joined: Oct 27, 2008 Posts: 3

Cheers for the advice - that gives me a good starting point. I now know what size of rod and reel to look for although Shakespere stuff is a bit pricey - just checked Ebay there. I need something cheap but reliable for the job for all the times I will be fishing - the credit crunch still affects us all (even fish)!! I see Lidl are doing rod/reel sets but again different type sets e.g. Carp,pike,eel etc all for about £20!!! Confusion confusion. ideally anything from £20-£30 would be in my price range.

Another question - what lures/spinning equipment should I use for pier/mackeral fishing?? I used frozen sand eels before but manys a day I saw ppl on the pier with 6-7 spinning things on their line (didn't ask what they were).

Again much appreciated

John

Member Joined: Oct 11, 2007 Posts: 43 Location: Herts

No experience of the Salt range but as you then ask about lures and spinner I guess that they may be too stiff for spinning.
As said haven't looked so I may be incorrect it is just I expect them to be inexpensive beach rods. Beach being the operative word.

I have a Firefly bass rod, £50 if I recall. 13ft and maybe a more suited to spinning although I think it is possibly still a bit too stiff for that. However should be fine for light beach and pier work.

Need to know what you intend to do: Spin or beach or pier.
Then the realistic price range. As besides the rod you will need reel, line, weights, lures, hooks, swivels and links. At least to start with. Most aren't greatly expensive but you do need them.

If you intend to cast off a beach then get a spinning reel as they are easier to handle. A multiplier will really need a braking mechanism and that adds to the cost.

If mackeral fishing off piers then make some lures by tying feathers onto a selection of hooks. If there is a hobbycraft near you they sell feathers - get a multicoloured pack.

Posted: Sat Mar 14, 2009 9:11 pm

Hi John and welcome

Best advice I can give is to pop down your local tackle shop and ask! Most shops will do a starter deal from between £30-£50 which includes rod reel and a bit of tackle although basic they do the trick until you fall in love with the hobby and want to spend all your money on gear!!! happy

Also if you put where you are on your profile im sure one of the lovely chaps on this forum will take you under their wing to train you up?

Best of luck and tight lines
Andi

Posted: Mon Mar 16, 2009 1:51 pm

i only started getting back into sea fishing last year and had a look in my local tackle shop where i got a 10ft beachcaster and reel combo for £28. ive used this rod for beachcasting, surf casting and pier fishing but its a little bit too stiff for spinning. just pop into your local shop and have a word with them. 9/10 times theyre decent guys who will help you out as much as they can.
good luck
tight lines
phatboy