Ive done pier fishing since 1975 in eastern NC. Recently Ive been shifting my attention to the Texas coast, especially since its only 11-14 hrs drive for me as opposed to 20-25 hrs. It looks like surf fishing is a big thing down there. I really don't want to use a long rod. I like to hold the rod when Im fishing so I can feel the bite. Is there a rod that you'all could recommend that would accomplish this? I mainly target Whiting in the surf, but I would like to have a shot at pompano too, but I realize that you need a longer cast for the pomps. Anyway, what is the shortest rod that I could use that would allow me to have success with Whiting and perhaps a pompano or two from Galveston southward to south Padre Island surf? And what reel should I get to go with it?

jf

7' medium action w/ a 3000 size spinning reel w/ 12 lb test mono or 10 lb braid. These are the type set-ups I use when fishing for them from the beach. you can cast them prety good w/ 1-2 oz. of weight on them. May want to get some waders too so you can get out in the water a little further this time of year.

I am no surf guy, but as an internet fisherman it seems from the way guys talk if you can catch whiting you can catch pompano as well. Good luck

OK thanks guys. I didn't realize the fish were further out in the winter. But Ive heard that in the summer in NC the Whiting come closer to the shore to feed on sand fleas. In fact, sometimes I have to go to the end of the piers in NC to catch Whiting
when the surf is still dead. But it sounds to me like the surf stays fairly active in TX year round.

That would be great if I could get by with a 7' rod. I dont plan to surf fish in rough water conditions anyway.

How safe is it to wade through the 1st gut along TX coast? Is the 1st gut fairly shallow all the way down the coast? I ask this
because I can't swim! I think the 1st gut is deeper on the Outer Banks of NC. But maybe Im wrong.

You can use pretty much anything for whiting. I do most of my bay fishing with bait casting rods, but when I am messing around in the surf, I will grab a medium to light spinning reel on a 6 1/2 foot rod to catch whiting. It is a lot of fun that way. When you hook into a pomp or a little jack, you really have fun!

They are around all year round. A small hook with a small amount of dead shrimp or cut bait fished on the bottom will keep you busy.

Horace caldwell pier is always good for whiting, start at the first gut and work your way out, don't need heavy tackle, pieces of shrimp on double dropper rig, 3/8 ounce weight is what I use, don't have to mess with the surf, high and dry, and no sand in your crotch.

7ftm ugly stick inshore and a lews speedspin spinning reel 10lb braid thats one of my setups for whiting. I have pulled in a few reds, and specks etc on it you can go up a few sizes on the line but i like the light tackle. I also have a ml carrot stick with the same reel.

yeah I know I can catch plenty of whiting on the piers. But from my internet research, I came across all of you guys
who seem to be having such a blast surf fishing. So I thought to myself, maybe im missing out on something. Im trying to
expand my horizons.:)

Just about any freshwater rod would work for whiting, I like using a carolina rig with a 1oz-1.5oz weight and either 2/0 or 3/0 hook with a shrimp on the end. Just make sure after you're done on the beach that you wash your rod and reel off with freshwater.