RODS FOR ADVENTUROUS SURF CASTING

Surf rods for plugging the Mexican Pacific are always a balance between rod power and personal fatigue.  Power is needed for casting distance and efficient fish fighting.  Fatigue occurs when the power of the rod exceeds the physical capabilities and casting techniques of the fisherman.

On the Mexican Pacific it is of great benefit to cast beyond the far edge of the shallow water shore shelf.  In some places this is less than 100 yards and many rods can reach that distance.  Being able to cast even farther opens more fishing locations and extends the fishing opportunities.  Obviously, longer casts require longer and more powerful rods.  But, if the rod chosen is too large it will reduce your fishing time due to fatigue. The rod will then reduce instead of increase your catch. 

A rod’s fish fighting capability should also be considered.  The fish of the Mexican Pacific will fight themselves to their death due to exhaustion.  This can only be prevented by using rods of sufficient power to land large fish without undue fighting time.

Ultimately the selection of a rod is a balance between rod power, personal strength, and casting technique.

Deciding on your preferred casting technique will be very important when selecting a rod. 

Striped bass fishermen spend lots of time casting from slippery rocks and while standing the water.  For good reasons, they usually prefer to use the “overhead thump” cast.  Striper fishermen usually do not want to change their casting style.  The “overhead thump” is a short stroke cast using mostly arm and shoulder muscles.  These people should choose an 11-12 foot parabolic rod that has a generous amount of flex to the butt section.  This type of rod trades some fish fighting power for casting comfort and efficiency. 

Other surf fishermen (and especially bait fishermen) prefer the “off the ground” (and occasionally the pendulum) cast.  This is a long stroke cast that brings the strong twisting muscles of the torso into play.  It is more conducive to 12-13 foot rods with stiffer butt sections.  This type of rod typically has lots of fish fighting power but sometimes trades off in numbers of casts per hour.

CAUTION!  The tendency is to over estimate your strength and capabilities when choosing a rod!  You will be more unhappy with a rod that quickly fatigues you than with a rod that leaves a bit of your potential on the shelf!

Here is a list of some of my favorite rods arranged in order of power:

#1 The 10.5 foot Breakaway Omega.  This is an excellent smaller rod for small people.  It “overhead thumps” easily.  The Omega gives up just a little in casting distance over bigger rods and it’s a good choice for people of small stature.  It casts 2-3 ounces well. It is available as a blank and as a finished rod.  @$225 (finished rod).

#2  The 11 foot AFAW Estuary.  This is a rod in the English style with a parallel (non-tapering) butt section.  It will “overhead thump” and “off-the-ground” cast well. The Estuary can deliver very long casts with little effort.  Fish fighting power will be dependant on the skill of the user.  It’s a great rod for the accomplished smaller person.  It casts 1 –3 ounces very well.  Available as a blank and as a finished rod.  @ $250 (finished rod).

#3  The 11 foot Daiwa Saltiga SA-S1102MHFS.  This rod has a bit more power in the butt however it “overhead thumps” with low efforts.  It’s capable of long casts and has some authority in the fight.  The 11 foot Saltiga is a great choice for stronger women and men of small stature.  It casts 2-3 ounces very well.  Available only as a finished rod.  @$200

#4  The 11.5 foot Rainshadow 1387.  This is a very good “overhead thump” rod.  It has a good amount of flex to the butt section. The 1387 is easy to cast for most men of average strength.  Many fish have been landed with this rod.  It has a nice stiff tip that allows the whole length to put energy into the cast.  This blank is no longer in production but the new model Rainshadow SUR1385F appears to be similar.  It casts 2 to 3 ounces very well.  Available as a blank only for @$150 (unfinished).

#5  The 11.5 foot  CTS (CT-1160-2).  It is rated for 1-3 ounce but in my opinion it should be rated at 2-4 ounces.  This is a high class rod for the “overhead thump” fisherman.  It requires a bit more strength to generate its full casting potential.  The 1160 is a step up in fish fighting power.  It’s an excellent choice for the experienced and accomplished “overhead thump” caster.  Available as a blank only.  @ $200 (unfinished).

#6  The 12 foot AFAW Universal.  In my opinion, this is the ultimate “overhead thump” rod for stronger and serious Pacific surf pluggers.  It’s got oodles of distance potential and a parabolic butt that retains some good power.  This is the rod for you if you are an average - strong and experienced “overhead thump” caster.  It casts 2-4 ounces very well. It is available as a blank and as a finished rod.  @$300 (finished rod).

#7  The 13 foot Breakaway LDX.  This rod “off the ground” casts very well.  A very few VERY strong “overhead thump” casters can also manage this rod.  It has a strong tapering butt that retains lots of power.  It will cast 2 ½ -4 ounces very far.  It is quite light for such a big rod.  You can be in command during fights.  Some people would wish for higher quality guides and some people cut a few inches off of its very long handle.  Lots of big fish have been well fought with this rod.  Available as a finished rod only. @$200

#8  The 12 foot CTS (CT-SE1201-2). It is an excellent rod and it's happiest with  @ 3.5 - 4.5 ounces.  It’s best used for “off the ground” and “pendulum” casting.  This rod has a tapering butt section that is quite powerful.  The 1201 is a rod where good casting technique is important.  Available as a blank only.  @ $210.

#9  The 13 foot AFAW Surf is an English style rod with a strong stiff parallel butt section.  The Surf is definitely an “off the ground” or “pendulum type rod.  It's a very satisfying rod to use and it's got everything the strong accomplished caster would want for plugging the Mexican Pacific.  It does well with 3 - 4+ ounces.  It’s available as a blank and a finished rod. @$350 (finished).

10#  The 13 foot 3 inch Daiwa Saltiga Ballistic (SA-BS33-405G).  It is a rod for the very serious Pacific plugger.  It's got amazing potentials but it's a rod for only those in top physical fitness and with lots of casting experience.  Without question it is an “off the ground” or “pendulum” casting rod.  It handles 3 – 4+ ounces.  A large advantage for traveling is that it is a 3-peice rod (@ $400 finished).

There are several inexpensive rods in the 11-12 foot range that are good for the first time and casual Mexican surf plugger.  The 12 foot Daiwa Emcast (EC1202 MHFS) is quite good for under $100.  It can be “overhead thumped” or “off-the-ground” cast.

I’ve listed only rods and blanks that are commonly available in the USA.  The serious Pacific surf plugger can find other good rods from around the world with research.