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 !!!