Rod and reel combo...

Are there any rod and reel combos available at J&M, Bass Pro, Cabelas that would be kinda dual purpose between the Pier and surf fishing?

Thanks

Just kinda looking for a cheap backup to the rod and reel I usually use. By cheap I mean under $200.00.

You should have all kinds of options at J&M . + personal guidance .

Could also talk to Pier#r at Bass Pro.

Your ideal surf rod for distance is longer than the ideal rod for the pier but the same reel would be fine. However, a 9'-ish rod is an excellent compromise for most Gulf uses. The lighter combo you'd use on the pier would be very good for fishing closer to the beach or wading. The more important consideration is the weight of what you'd throw. A jig or light sinker on the light/inshore combo is probably about the same weight range for both situations. The live bait tossed on the pier rigs for snobbling work better with ligher rod action, whereas the heavier rig on the beach would probably be tossing a sinker. It would throw a little less weight and perhaps being softer would throw it a little less distance, but on balance you'd be able to do both adequately.

Thanks for the info Midwest! Still in the saltwater fishing learning process...

If you want CHEAP get an 8' Berkley big game spinning rod at Wally World for $21 and a Quantum Optix 80 reel from Academy for $29.99. Spool it with 250yds of suffix braid and top off with 20lb mono. I have caught 3 kings, 3 bull reds, 1 big jack, and worn down a few small sharks (always popped the line under the pier) with it. It's hard for me to justify spending a lot for 3 weeks a year.

Thanks chillinfish!

Are you looking for a heavier combo to soak bait with or a lighter one to cast lures? Gonna make a big difference on what I'd recommend.

Yeah, the BPS 8'6" Inshore Extreme Combo should meet those needs within that budget.
That's what I bought last summer to throw mackerel plugs with braid from the pier, and it casts a mile!
I used it from the beach to throw bubble rigs and bottom fish to reach the outter sandbar.

Bass Pro Shops® Inshore Extreme Spinning Rod & Reel Combos | Bass Pro Shops

I guess mainly casting lures Dutch.

You may then want to consider the 7'6" version of the BPS IE combo.
That's next on my "get list" ;-)

I kinda miss the days growing up when my Zebco 202 could do it all. Catch fish with it, beat the crap out of your brothers with it...all around perfect setup. LOL!

A setup I really like that does well casting lures while standing on both sand or wood is a 7'6" Ugly Stik Inshore Select medium action spinning rod (~$50) matched with a Daiwa Tournament SS 1600 reel that holds 210yds/10lb mono (shop around and you can find one new for less than $100). I own 6 of these in different sizes and have a 1600 going on 15 years old and still going strong, loaded with 20lb braid and a nice topshot of 12lb mono. The reels were ahead of their time and were popular light duty surf reels in northeastern Florida when I was getting into surf fishing and are some of the smoothest spinning reels that I've used in both fresh and saltwater. Makes a nice all-around light casting combo for everything from spanish to pompano.

We use several Ugly Stik rods for various applications and find the medium Inshore Select to be plenty sensitive for smaller lures with enough backbone to beach the occasional rogue jack crevalle roaming the beach during the summer. The same rod in MH action loses some of its ability to work lighter lures/plugs but is still a good rod for 3/4-1oz lures and would make a nice bait soaking rod for the shallows. A lot of folks shake their head at the brand based on their entry-level product line and gimmicky advertising, but I have grown quite fond of some of their more specialized rods.

Thanks for all the great info Dutch!

What Dutch says about the Ugly Stik inshore select 7'6" is correct. Mine in MH is becoming one of my favorites. Very good rod.