surf rod advice

[mister twister]

I've finally saved enough to buy myself a nice surf rod to match my 650 Alvey. Just have a few questions before I buy one. I am prepared to spend around $200 -$250, must be a two piece and good casting distance is what I want.

Is the Wilson range the same quality as a Gary Howard or Snyderglass? I was looking at a Wilson "champion trophy surf".

Do the really stiff rods cast further then rods the same size that are more flexible?

Apart from BCF, can anyone recomend a good tacklestore around the Logan area.

Thanks for any advice

[nigelr]

Johnathon, make sure you know what breaking strain line you want to use, and just as, if not more importantly, know how much weight you want to cast.
Generally, a stiffer rod will cast a heavier weight further
Also make sure the height of the reel seat matches your Alvey.
If the Wilson rod you mention is a 'Live Fibre', yes it is of comparable quality.
Cheers.

[Tailortaker]

What will you be targeting ? All three ranges are great rods and will have a rod catered to your needs..

[rockfisho]

hi mate ive posted many reports on this, so do a seach. Ill be brief.
the sea coaster by wilson is too soft, it will struggle to belt a pilly way out the back. and has a very poor working curve. I think the trophy surf, is built on a very similar blank.
i use a GH surf classic. great rod. Its light tip is good for fishing for bream and dart, while the strong fibre composite mid/lower section is great for big fish. It can cast a light weight a phenominal distance, but struggles with a big pilly and a bit of lead.
If you intend to go for some serious tailor fishing. id go for a snyder mag surf, which is similar to the GH rod, but much more powerful, and gives a better cast. there is also a north coaster model, (fibreglass) and isnt bad.

I dont know about the live fibres. Ive only felt one in a shop, and didn't buy it because of other reasons.

cheers

Owen

[BRabbit]

I've had a Gary Howard 10ft and a Snyderglass. They were both excellent rods, I'd probably prefer the GH though, it was soft enough to catch whiting and dart right up too big golden trevs off rocks.

If you got an alvey though, I'd probably say the synderglass would be better. The just seem a better match.

[johnlikes2fish]

i use pacific composite blank custom made by gary howard this costs the same as his rods off the shelf but allowed it to be made specifically for me so the reel is where i want it and i upgraded the runners custom is always better

[chugalug]

This from the Alvey website...

"The rod to suit the Alvey reel is designed to allow the large coils of line to flow freely from the reel and give exceptional casting distance. The design incorporates a low winch mount and the first runner approximately half way up the rod to give maximum distance for the line to straighten out. The low winch mount also allows you to fish with your arms and hands in a relaxed position."


and there's an anaconda near IKEA

[mister twister]

Thanks for the replies, I've settled on a Wilson trophy.