Is this OVERKILL?

Thanks for the forum, guys. All the information is a bit overwhelming! I've been looking at fishing gear, and trying to decide what I need. I noticed some pier rules about the size of the reel that can be used. I'm so pathetic that I didn't even understand what the rule meant (no reels over 4.0?) So, hopefully someone can tell me if my equipment is overkill. I have a Fin Nor Offshore 9500 reel. Fin-Nor OFS9500 OFFSHORE Spinning Reel and an Earnie Cavitt Snapper Trapper 10' rod. Is this too much for the pier, or do I need to get lighter setup? Thanks for any help!

Not sure what blank the 10ft rod is built on but 7'6"-9' tends to be about the norm. Big rods can get heavy when your repeatedly throwing them all day. As for the 9500ss, I have one and those things are freaking huge and weigh a ton.i personally would recommend something in the 6500-7500 class for a reel and what I specified previously for a rod. Now if your just marking one trip every year, I wouldn't go out and purchase a new setup just for this occasion, but if it's going to become a frequent ritual I would look into it.

That notice in the pier rules should read 4/0 (as in four-ought) not 4.0

And yes, I agree with o.p.p. you would probably be more comfortable fishing with a lighter (shorter) outfit.

when a fish is on and close to the pier it is sometimes hard to get around a 10+ foot rod someone is fishing if they don't lower it towards the water....the first year I came I had one and cast all day, by the end my arm was like a wet noodle(had a blast though with the spanish).... the last for rods that big for me....even my cobia rod does compare now

You'll be much happier with a 5000 series reel and a 6.6'-7.6' rod, and then could take it back home and use it for freshwater fishing.

People seem to think you need the giant gear for saltwater, and while that may be the case for certain offshore species, fishing inshore doesn't take much more than what you'd fish freshwater with.

Your arms will thank you for the downgrade as well. There are a number of inexpensive setups you can get which will work great. Depending how much you want to spend, we can help you pinpoint what will fit within your budget. Feel free to send a PM if you'd prefer to disclose that information privately.

Yes, it is overkill. You will be worn out just from holding it all day. Go to J&M and ask them to set you up with a good king rod.