I like saltwater fishing, but really don't know a lot about equipment. I was wondering how the Diawa eliminator 11' rod is and also a Ugly Stick 12' rod is. Are both as good or is one better than the other????

Actually, both rods suck... Unless of course you are going to be using the rods for surf fishing, then it doesn't matter. You might as well use a bamboo pole in that case!

It all depends on what you type of fishing you are into. This webpage provides good information regarding rod/reel recommendations.

No comment on the Daiwa rod, but ugly stiks are $hit. No matter what the commercials tell you... What are you gonna use the rod for? 11 and 12 foot rods are generally surf fishing rods, standard saltwater inshore rods are 8 feet or under, but plastics rods and jigsticks will be longer. Tell us what you want to use the rod for, and we'll go from there. What's your budget?
-Brian

I, too am in the market for a surf rod, but get all kinds of conflicting advice. My interest is the rocks off Palos Verdes and San Pedro where you stand in a dangerous place and try to reach WAY out to the kelp with plastics or iron. I use spinning tackle, for now. Options I have found are: fairly cheap (Daiwa or Ugly Stick - the Ugly 10/11 footers feel good in the store), expensive (G. Loomis, St. Croix, etc.) or get a custom surfcasting rod made to your size and usage (various makers).

I'm looking at 9 to 11 foot rods rated for 1 to 6 oz lures and 18 to 30 lb. line. I keep reading stories about being able to cast 80 to 100 yards. Oh yeah - I might be in the Atlantic looking for Stripers in July.

C'mopn guys - what's the skinny on rods?

For sand beaches and closer in I have a 8-1/2 foot medium fast graphite rod (Master Sidewinder - hard to find & cheap) rated for 1/3 oz lure and 8 - 15 lb test, use with a Daiwa Emblem-X 3500. I know for perch you can get away with light or salt water ultralight.

Tight Lines !!!

G Loomis

Calstar lol

Uh how 'bout no okay Scott?

Be nice, boys. A fair question was asked and an answer should be given but not in a tone that makes the person feel like crap for asking it. There are different degrees of how knowledgeable one is as far as fishing goes as well as fishing dedicated income--realize and respect that. Help someone and it will come back to you. I'm off my soap box now. Go to your rooms.

Chris, Some would have you believe that only top quality high-priced gear is worthy of use. Can't tell you how often I've looked at "old-timer" photos of Hemingway and his "grander" marlin (over 1000 lbs) using what is today, run-of-the-mill equipment. A glance at the records books will verify that sizeable fish were caught many years ago using simple equipment. I wouldn't recommend one rod over another. It is truly the fisher holding the rod that matters most.

3 questions
1) What are you going to use it for? (Be as Specific as possible)
Species?, Location? Platform(boat, tube, surf, etc.)? Lure/bait type? Etc.
2) How much can you spend?
3) How much would you consider worth it for your time spent?

Tight lines,
Wade

Tight lines,
Wade

For a look at a wide range of possibilities, go to Cabela's (www.cabelas.com) fishing section and look at the Rod/Reel combos. There are 4 or 5 of them there for surf fishing ranging from very cheap spinning gear to quite expensive specialty reels (Alvey.. funny looking things but they probably cast a mile).
As far as price and quality, let your passion be your guide. If fishing is your life, you will get more pleasure out of high quality, relatively specialized tackle. If fishing is hardly more than a fine excuse to spend time at the beach (I've been in both shoes at times in my life)and your money could be better spent on other passions, the moderately priced stuff will suffice. Skip the really cheap stuff, it can ruin even the most laid back day of fishing.

Dave
'1/3 fewer fish than your regular fisherman.'