Hi all, hoping someone can give me some guidance regarding selecting a surf rod. I'm from Austin but want to start getting some trips in to the coast and have decided to buy a surf rod. My intentions are to fish with live bait, but I tend to get hung up on the details. Wondering if you guys can give me some suggestions for purchasing a good "all-around" surf rod.

Since I don't quite live on the coast, I doubt I'll be investing too heavily into multiple rods, and my lack of experience is keeping me from making a decision. I found a good deal on a 10' Okuma Solaris, but wondering if I'd be better served with something longer. I'm 6'1 and think I could handle something longer, but I don't want to get a 12'+ rod unless it really is beneficial to do so. Everything I read online says it depends on application and location, so figured I'd come to the source..

I appreciate any advice you guys can give, thanks!

First off, to the forum!

I have had the same questions you did several decades ago. I was 5'10" and 180 at the time. I mostly fished freshwater for catfish, striper with my surf rods, but wanted to do more coastal angling, so I went out and bought some longer rods for my coastal pilgrimages. What I discovered is that I could sling my shorter rigs further than I could sling my longer rods...the other thing I learned, use piggy perch (you have to trap them) and you will catch more fish most of the time. Also, if you will wade out to the second sand bar, then sling your rod with a good sand weight you will overcome any perceived weakness of using a shorter rod and you will catch more fish, as well. Basically, its not just about the rod length, its about how well you can use the equipment you have...Hope this information helps.

Pro Angler rods make 10' and 12' rods that would be a very good choice at a great price. These are not available in the big box stores, but there is a vendor in the Austin area. If you want it, I can give you his contact information in a message, just let me know.

11ft.....the longer the rod is, your more apt to break/snap about a foot off by using too much weight when you "sling" that meat out in left field. Just say'in BTW Welcome to the TFF

Thanks for the tips, I decided not to worry about it and just go with a 10 footer. I figure if I manage to get into it I won't be able to resist another setup down the line anyways, it's a sickness. I spend to much time reading about fishing poles on the internet

Heading to the Corpus area pretty soon, hope to have some stories to tell before long.

Hi buddy, yeah i also got hooked into surf fishing about 3 yrs ago.

I'm only 5'3, bought a 10 footer (2-piece) last year, it can handle a 2 oz lure, i caught a 10 lb stingray and a 5 lb red last summer in San Antonio, waded out after the 1st bar, don't know how to swim so didn't make it to 2nd.
I do have to admit that my back hurts after a full day of casting, well bad back to begin with.

This xmas i also bought Cabela's Bigwater Telescoping Rod, only $29, I've fished hybrids with it, not bad actually, can handle 3 oz lures, looking forward to bring it out to the surf when I travel this summer.

Have fun with your new gig man.