Hi guys,

This is my first post! And I have a question about choosing a surf rod.

I'm looking at Okuma Cedros CSX spinning rods. These are pretty new on the market, so I'd guess there isn't a lot of direct experience with these, but I hope the specs mean something. Judging from comments on other Okuma surf rods, these look like they are worth looking into.

CSX-S-1002M . . M . . MF . 10' . 14~40 lbs . 1 1/2~3 oz
CSX-S-1002MH . MH . MF . 10' . 20~50 lbs . 2~5 oz
CSX-S-1102MH . MH . MF . 11' . 30~50 lbs . 2~5 oz

I will be using the rod in the surf and from piers. I'm not sure if it will be biased more one way or the other. But, there are time when it is necessary to be able to throw the distance from both.

All three poles are virtually the same weight and the proposed line sizes are good for me. I will line them with 40 or 50 lb braid. I expect to mate it with a Shimano Spheros or Saragosa 8000 reel.

So, it comes down to the 10 or 11 foot, rod power, and the amount of weight they can sling.

My question is, considering the fish I am likely to get into, which rod would serve me best in "most" cases?

Initially, I am biased to the 10 foot, medium power rod, rather than the MH rods, because (I think) it may be more bite sensitive and would probably handle most fish I might get into. But, it is only rated for 3 oz weight and

Also, since I am looking at a pole that will cost $160 and that is about the most I want to spend, I would consider another pole that is lower cost if it would be as good as these.

Thanks in advance for your comments!
-George

St Croix Mojo Surf and never look back, in the same price range, I have one with a Fin-Nor 095 on it and love it, heavy reel, ugly reel and built like a tank.

Thanks for the reply! I'd love to get a St. Croix. I have 3 of them with my smaller spinners on them. But, the Mojo surf rods are $80 - $120 more than the Okuma's and I'd really like to hold the price to $100 or so. I'm already getting higher up in price than I like at $150. I did see a couple of Tica rods less than $150. Maybe I should also consider them?

-George

The Tica rod is awesome. I got one at cabelas and love it over my tsunami airwave. They are very light and sensitive. I have it paired with a sustain 5000 and its my favorite setup.

Thanks, I'll spend some more time looking at the Tica rods. These new Okuma CSX rods sure look good though!

wow, those rods do look good. I already have 5 surf rods and want to check this one out. lol.

Thanks, namnutz. I just spent a little time researching the Tica rods. They seem to be highly regarded by many! I looked at the UGSA models and they are $25 - $35 lower cost than the Okuma CSX, so I'll think about them some more, too. I do notice that they are only available as MH and rated to throw 2-8 oz for the 10' and 10'6" and 3-8 oz for the 11'. If I decide I like the idea of the M over the MH, I would still be getting the Okuma.

Honestly I like my Ugly Stick about as well as the St Croix! Lots cheaper and it just works!

I would stick with 10 foot, that is the max length allowed on many piers.

Since I do mostly piers, I usually don't throw more than 4 ounces, and have gotten away tossing that on my old MH rods that are rated for 3. They are either ugly sticks, or a no name 9ft graphite composite. E glass MHs are a lot like Mediums in other compositions, in my opinion, and I only miss very small fish hitting those.

Oh! I didn't know about the 10' limit on some piers. I think that may at least narrow the choices down. I think I can use a 10' and it will be fine. I was only thinking abut the 11' for a little extra distance, but, practically, I doubt I would need it often enough to make it a serious need.

Thanks!

If you plan on getting the Tica, I wouldn't worry about the MH because mine is a MH 2-6oz and I am scared to throw 3oz since it is so light and thin, I feel its going to break. Its very sensitive too, so I think you are good if you go with MH on the Ticas.

dont go with the tica rods i have had alot of guide and butt grip problems with the 5 that i have owned. look at the bass pro surf rods. i love them got a 12ft with a sealine40 for my anchor rod and i can put a 6oz anchor 150yds easy but for your use they have a 10ft and whatever reel you wanna throw

Good info, you guys. Thanks!

I'm still looking. But I'm leaning to a 10' MH. I think the Okuma is my current 1st choice, but I'll go look at the Bass Pro rods, too.

i was looking at the okumas too, if you do get one let me know how they are i never actually got to see one or anyone use them

I'll let y'all know what I end up with. I'm now looking at the following in 10' length.
Okuma CSX-S-1002M . . M . . MF . 10' . 14~40 lbs . 1 1/2~3 oz $159
Okuma CSX-S-1002MH . MH . MF . 10' . 20~50 lbs . 2~5 oz $159
Tica UGSA MH F 12~30 lbs 2-8 oz $147
St. Croix Triumph TSRS100M2 10' M Mod.Fast 8-20 lbs 3/4-4 oz $150

St Croix Mojo Surf is still more than I want to spend, today.

.