Need new beach reel

[sean221]

Hey guys

Baught a new light surf rod recently( a shimano starlo classix surf rod 10 foot) and am planning to use lures off the beach ( sp, blades, hb.....) but also planning to use bait if i get lazy.

What size reel do you guys reccomend for my type of fishing? I was thinking a size 4000 size reel as im trying to keep it light as possible.

Should i go braid or mono? I was thingking braid but not sure what lb with a mono shock leader of a rod length and abit.

Trying to keep in mind i wont be casting heavy weights with this set up so a relatively light line rating should be considered.

I have a reel spooled with 14 lb mono which acts like an elastic band when i cast with it when surf fishing with heavy weight put on it. Could this be because of the light line rating and heavy weight cast? It makes casting very hard. Not sure what size it is but its around a size 5000 okuma reel.

Thanks for reading guys!

Sean221

[A.dawg]

It's because of the night stretching mono and heavy weight and a big cast on the beach rod. None of these problems with braid but braid on a beach can be a very traumatizing experience as braid isnt quite cheap and there are a lot of big clumps of weed on the beach and when braid is tangled in start saving up for some more braid. IMO switch to braid but when there are a lot of weed clumps don't bother continuing fishing.

As for the reel what's your budget? I've always used Thunnus ci4 bait runners for the beach but that's bait fishing if u have the money get a sustain fg look sexy perform sexy no regrets whatsoever just bought one the 3 days ago redesigned drag system by shimano. A bit cheaper go the stradic.

[Spooooled]

Go with a Stradic C14 and probably 15-20lb super pe or 15lb power pro

[finbar12]

I would have a look at Daiwa's range of spinning reels if i were u. For one i have found them a lot smoother then most of the shimano range and the quality is outstanding. Reels such as the exceler DA and sol which i've had experience with are a little stronger and more ridged rather then the shimano c14 range which tends the flex under pressure. So just suggesting if your looking at something around the $150 range have a look at the exceler range, but if your willing to spend a few extra bucks defiantly have a look at the sol probably the 4000 size, they are extremely smooth and incredibly powerful.

Hope this gives u a few ideas

[finbar12]

And i would spool up with braid, either power pro or with one of daiwa's finer braids. Somewhere between 10-15 lb should be a good starting point, anything much heavier will start to hinder ur casting distances.

[C85]

I use a Daiwa 4000 Ballistic on my spinning reel from the beach/rocks. Also use a 4000 shimano sedona on my other set up.

Have used the Sedona for the last three years from the beach and it hasnt failed me. 15lb braid, nice drag and cheap so not upset with the salt & scratches from the surf/stones. Has caught me many salmon and bonito and landed a 93cm kingy from the rocks in march. Tough little reel for under $100.

[sean221]

Hey guys,

Thanks for the replys.

I did forget to add i do have a budget of $150.

A.dawg- I did think it was because of my low lb mono being the reason why it would slingshot out with heavier weight. What lb would you guys recommend for adding mono to this existing reel. This reel would be paired up with a 12ft surf rod used for bait. I will also keep in mind the weed clumping around the braid. ive had multiple times where this has happened to mono. cant imagine what it would be like with braid. (atleast the mrs finds untangling my lines challenging ) hehe.

C85- while i was at the tackle store i was looking at the sedona size 2500 reel. was tossing betweed that and a 2500 shimano cazna. i ended up buying the cazna, but the sedona also seemed okay, which was also cheeper.

I will keep the sedona in mind size 4000. i had a look on online shop and with the currency exchange rate looking good from america, the reel seems a reasonable price for what i am looking for.

Thanks again guys for the replys, i will be spooling the reel with braid between 10-15 lb braid. i will have a look at the braid when i get the chance.

I feel as if i buy way too much tackle and gear and spend a fortune, compared to the amount of time i get for fishing.

Im more bloody coped up with buying gear than fishing......... not really, i love fishing.

Its worth it right! haha.

Regards,

Sean221

[Spooooled]

Shimano symetre top reel for its value

[jkm1667]

for around $100-$160 you can get yourself an alvey reel which you can use and pass on to your grandkids.

[Sika]

Shimano Spheros, nice tuff reel.

[stricko4]

A 4000 or 5000 size reel is fine for the sort of fishing you mention. All the reels mentioed would suit. With that size though I'd be opting fron 12 or 14lb braid to give you a nice amount on the spool.. just in case you hook somethiing with a bit of go in it. Mono on that size reel would limit how much you can fit on.

[tyse01]

Shimano spheros buddy. great reel, relatively cheap price and good drag capacity.