General rod length question...

Hey guys I've been away for quiet a while dealing with life but vacation is approaching and I'm to the point where I need to get a rod (actually 2) I have some Mitchell 302s for me and my dad to use while we are there but I have no idea on rods... We will likely use these for general pier fishing for bigger fish and also surf fishing so I am lookin for a decent general use rod and of course cheap is great haha would prefer to buy before vacation such as online or eBay...

Thanks for the help guys

General rod length is going to be dependent upon the angler's personal preference. I myself fish a fast action 8' long old glass rod. Some prefer a rod around 7'6", where as others prefer rods around 9'. Most of those you see fishing a rod in the 9' length it is usually going to be made of graphite. Although I do have a 10' long glass rod on my lathe right now being built for one of the pier regulars. If I were you I would stay away from purchasing a rod off of ebay. I would highly recommend visiting one of the local tackle shops, such as J and M, and shake some of the rods that are on the racks and find what feels comfortable to you.

+1 on J&M's prebuilt customs, not too expensive, VERY popular

I agree with Jeb, don't buy a rod you can't get you hands on and get a feel for the action, plus the shipping cost for a rod is usually really high.
Also going to J & m will save you the expense of buying a rod you don't like and then want/need to replace.

From my limited experience, finding a “bigger fish” rod that is optimum for both pier and surf fishing will be a challenge since there is typically about a 3’ to 4’ difference in length between those two types of rods. Since you are looking to acquire a “decent general use rod and of course cheap” to use for both pier and surf, I recommend you look at the Ugly Stik BWS 1100 9’0” for the following reasons: (1) A 9’ rod is about the maximum length you would want for the pier, especially if you are not used to fishing on a crowded pier. (2) A 9’ rod is the very minimum for surf fishing for bigger fish, primarily due to casting distance and backbone. (3) I think you have the right idea about not investing a lot of money in an in-between rod that is not optimum for either pier or surf. The 9’ Ugly Stik costs around $60 and it is readily available online and at almost any store that sells fishing rods.

If you think you could manage a slightly longer rod on a crowded pier, Ugly Stik also makes a 10’ version. I certainly agree that if possible you should find a store that will perhaps let you attach your 302 and see how the rod feels before you buy a rod.

I have more than 30 rods of various types and sizes, including custom built and off-the-shelf varieties, and I have not found a better inexpensive rod than the Ugly Stik. No, I don’t work for Shakespeare or own any stock in the company.

I hope you and your dad enjoy your vacation and catch a lot of fish.

Thanks for the input guys!!! I understand the importance of handling the rod prior to purchasing as I wouldn't buy a brand I'm not familiar with and I will visit j&ms when I get down there but I want to have the rods ready to roll due to being limited on vehicles we can bring and likely not getting to j&ms for a few days after we arrive (we will likely be dropped off at the pier while mom goes shopping)

leen I like what you said!! I have looked at the ugly stick a few times but wasn't sure the length I needed... 9 foot sounds about right for what I'm looking at doing... I've fished the Pier many years but just recently actually figured out what I'm doing and have stopped feeding the fish and started catching some!

Again thank y'all for the input and see y'all late July early August

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Originally Posted by firemansam

Thanks for the input guys!!! I understand the importance of handling the rod prior to purchasing as I wouldn't buy a brand I'm not familiar with and I will visit j&ms when I get down there but I want to have the rods ready to roll due to being limited on vehicles we can bring and likely not getting to j&ms for a few days after we arrive (we will likely be dropped off at the pier while mom goes shopping)

leen I like what you said!! I have looked at the ugly stick a few times but wasn't sure the length I needed... 9 foot sounds about right for what I'm looking at doing... I've fished the Pier many years but just recently actually figured out what I'm doing and have stopped feeding the fish and started catching some!

Again thank y'all for the input and see y'all late July early August

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You local guys are going to frown on me for this, but you can get stuff shipped to your local Walmart for free. You can get Okuma Penn Ugly Stick and many other brands that are offered at Walmarts all over the country. You can even order a 13 ft Lamiglass from Walmart (They must sell them in NJ for stripper fishing). I'm just saying I live more than 1,000 miles from J&M but I'm a mile from a Walmart. Its cheap. Sometimes the pictures don't match what the discription is. You will have to double check the model numbers. That should be right.
DAN

That's a good idea too Dan thanks...

I stopped by Walmart today just to see what they had as far as big rods and they had a pair of ugly stick big game spinning rods med heavy action 8' tall for little more than 20 a piece so I picked them up!!

That a good price for an ugly stick.