The choice of the cane
There are many criteria and components to consider when buying a rod. So many elements that it calls for a dedicated article that I will propose soon. In the meantime, here are some tips for buying your first rod if you are new to surfcasting.
- the action
To start surfcasting, it is preferable to use a rod with a semi-parabolic action, rather soft. This means that when casting, the blank (the carbon core body) of the rod will bend on its upper half. This rod action is ideal because it offers a good reserve of power to cast as far as possible while being sensitive enough to perceive the hits.
- The length
The majority of surfcasting rods are either 4.20 or 4.50m. There are two schools of thought and surfcasters generally opt for one size or the other. The 4.20m rods being shorter and lighter, they are more manageable and less energy consuming: they load more easily in power and allow to reach good casting distances. I would therefore advise a beginner to choose a 4.20m rod but if you have the opportunity, try with the same rod of 2 different sizes and select the one with which you have better sensations.
Technicality at an affordable price
Today, surfcasting rods have reached a very high level of technicality. If this allows the top of the range models to approach the perfection, the rods "mid-range" and "first prices" have also benefited. Thus, you can get a rod equipped with Fuji components and high modulus carbon and with an effective action around 150euros.
The choice of the reel
The supply of reels is less dense than that of rods, so the choice is simplified.
First of all, you need to look for a large and long distance spinning reel. Indeed, the spool must have a capacity large enough to accommodate at least 200 meters of nylon or braid with a diameter ranging from 16/100 to 35/100. The recovery of reels for surfcasting must be at least 70cm per turn of the crank.
A brake to win the fights
To be ready to fight the biggest fish, the reel must be equipped with a brake, adjustable on the top of the reel, of at least 8kg. This kilo rating does not refer to the weight of the fish but to the maximum tension that can be exerted on the reel brake. For larger fish, it may be necessary to adjust the brake, to loosen it. This allows you to release ballast, to let the fish swim a little more freely: this relieves the tension on the line and avoids breakage. The maneuver consists in finding the good compromise between the line taken by the fish and the one you will recover when the fish marks a pause in its swimming. Little by little, you take the upper hand until the fish is dry!
To best protect reels from the elements over time, some brands equip their reels with erosion-resistant components designed specifically for saltwater fishing.
You are now equipped with your rod and reel combo but you are still missing some essentials such as your rod holder and the dedicated luggage!
