Alvey Rock fishing rod suggestions

[bullpeters]

Hey, need a bit of advice.

I have decided to treat myself to an Alvey Reel, from what i gather 650b... and then what ever other letters i decide on. Direct wind but not auto unwind. Still coming to terms with the different models.

Where I am stuck is the rod. How long? Is there a preferred taper? I am aware of the peculiarities of Alvey reels, are there other Manufactures? I see some combos, but 13ft seems enormous to me

I wont be hauling fish up a cliff, nor casting very far, tho a bit of versatility would be an added benefit.

Basically, I know not much, and would like to pick your brains but cant buy you a schooner in the process, so please, what does everyone else use

[fisholb]

I use the alvey rod600 with my 600b and 650bcxl reel. I also got a Jarvis tailor taker which I use on the beach.

[luderick -angler]

What species are you looking to target? This will determine the size of a) the alvey and the taper and wraps in the rod

Edited May 11, 2012 by luderick -angler

[macman]

What species are you looking to target? This will determine the size of a) the alvey and the taper and wraps in the rod

OK, if you are after a rock outfit and a bit of general purpose, then you probably want to go for a 6 wrap snyder glas, or Alvey, or Gary Howard, there are several options, either way a fibreglas or fibre composite 6 wrap is a great general purpose rock rod. 12-13ft sounds like a lot, but in a 2 piece will keep you safe apart from anything else. A longer rod will keep you safer, especially in the heat of the moment when you are trying to land a fish, keeping clear of snags etc.

For rock fishing, general purpose, go for a fairly general purpose reel, like a 650B or a 650A5, or in a smaller size 500A5 or 600A5 or even a 55B or 55 BE, all of these have simple star drag or none and are direct wind, simple to use, perfect for rock fishing and won't kill your pocket,

If you want the best of the rock reels look at the 650BE1 650BERR etc, all direct wind, all with a drag that only engages when the fish takes line via a lever.These reels are at the more expensive end of the Alvey range. Basically anything where the handles are mounted directly on the spool is suitable for the rocks, the rest is line capacity and how heavy you want the overall rig to be.

For general purpose rock fishing I use a 2 piece 6 wrap Snyder, made in around 1997 and still with the original guides, matched with an Alvey 60A (very similar to the 55B), I use this outfit for bream and drummer, tailor and sambos in the past and occasionally for blackfish if I only take 1 rod. About the only thing it won't handle is groper.

Hope this helps.

Matt