Surf/Rock Spinning Rod Length

[Bladeca]

I know there are quite a few threads around about the different types of rods and reels setup for spinning from the rocks and the beach, but I can't quite make up my mind on the rod length due to not enough knowledge of some of the areas I will pobably end up fishing.

The combo I'm looking at is pretty much the Okuma VS65SA on a Silstar Crystal Powertip 8-10kg surf rod. I've picked the okuma cause it looks like I should be able to put close to 500m of 50lb Fins on it. Now the Silstar comes in both a 10' and 12' length. This is what I'm not sure on.

Do I go for the 10 or the 12. I'm looking at casting slugs from probably 40 - 100g and fishing around Noosa NP, rainbow beach and Double Island rocks chasing Spanairds, GTs and longtails. Will I have enough room to cast the 12' from the mentioned rocks or is the 10' better and just live with a little lost distance in the casts. I know that the longer the rod the longer the cast usually. My normal estuary/boat road is a 10'6 wilson so I'm not afraid of using longer rods if it is the best idea.

Thanks
Glenn

[WestOzDesertFisher]

Gday Glenn,
I'm looking for a rod for just that exact purpose. I've been using an 8' rod for some time but it has it's negatives. I think a rod at 12' is just too long IMO, i've used my mates a bit for spinning from the stones and i find it very uncomfortable. On the other hand, a rod at 10' will provide sufficient distance in the casts, being not too short and not too long. I will probably be getting one at 10' in the near future. JMO though.

Keen to see how the Okuma goes, was thinking about getting one aswell.
Cheers

[Horse]

I normally use a 10'6" FSU 4120g. Its light and easy to handle. If I need a bit more distance or to throw 85gms etc I pull out my graphite Silstar Traverse X 10-15kg. After about 20 mins on the big stick I am ready for a break. I would much prefer the 10'er for general use

Neil

[richos]

id go for the 10' for sure. Will still cast a while and the lighter weight means longer spinning sessions. I just got the new emblem pro rod which is 9'6" light as a feather and casts great. loving it

[Bladeca]

Thanks for the reply guys.

Went and looked at more rods today and took a closer look at the silstars. Somehow I was originally looking at the wrong model. When I found the right one I didn't like the length of the butt, way too long for my liking. Could chop the wood end off but still didn't feel comfortable with it and can't be bother hacking up a new rod. Looked at the live fibres aswell none were heavy enough.

Moved onto another store to see what he had and recommends to fit the Okuma VS6500. Unfortunately he didn't have anything much in a 10' length but we did manage to find a Gary Howard Hellsgate sitting there in the spin setup. It's 10' and a 1pc which I would prefer 2pc for easy of storage (only got small bedrooms )

Stood in the store with it in hand and the store owner grabbed the tip and loaded it up then told me to lean back on it bloody hard. So I did, i think I put my strain on my back than the rod. I was very impressed had a huge amount of grunt. Got him to throw the okuma SV8000 on it (sold out of the 6500). Felt good to me so I bought the combo. Now just got to load the braid on to the reel and then go chase me some GTs at inskip .

Cheers all
Glenn

[aussiefool]

Mate when I fished the stones at Hastings Point I always used a 12' rod.Sure at first it felt as if I was using a telegraph pole to fish with but after a few trips it felt right. With the extra length of the rod when you have a fish on near the rocks you can hold the line away from sharp edges a bit better
Aussiefool
Andrew