Beachcasting Novice Req Help

[Steven Alan]

Hi new to this site but would like some advice from seasoned sea fishermen not new to fishin (course/fly & a bit of boat ,but get sea sick so no more boat) want to start beach fishing, so need advice on equipment to buy, prob fish north wales coast, need to know what sort of rod, length, reel,(can use multiply or other)and any other info you can give,do not want to buy the cheapest or the most expencive equipment, and would buy second hand if avalable(ebay or others). dont plan on any specific fish at this moment just be happy to catch anything that takes the bait, i,m not masive build only 5-6 if that helps so any info on good middle of the road equipment welcome.
thanks
Steven

[bluejt2000]

Hi new to this site but would like some advice from seasoned sea fishermen not new to fishin (course/fly & a bit of boat ,but get sea sick so no more boat) want to start beach fishing, so need advice on equipment to buy, prob fish north wales coast, need to know what sort of rod, length, reel,(can use multiply or other)and any other info you can give,do not want to buy the cheapest or the most expencive equipment, and would buy second hand if avalable(ebay or others). dont plan on any specific fish at this moment just be happy to catch anything that takes the bait, i,m not masive build only 5-6 if that helps so any info on good middle of the road equipment welcome.
thanks
Steven

There's a huge range of mid-priced outfits available that are suitable for general beach fishing, if that's what you require, and this will probably be reflected in the number of different ones suggested. Anyhow, here's my advice.

As far as rods go, you won't go far wrong with either one of the Penn Surfblasters, Powersticks, or a mid-range Daiwa.

If you choose a multiplier reel then it really has to be a Penn 525 (very good all-rounder) or one of the ABU 6500s. You can pick up one of the old Mag Elites for around £70, which is a reasonable price for a quality reel.

As for fixed spools, I haven't a clue what to suggest as I don't use them, but whatever type of reel you do choose, you're better off looking for a combo deal which will save you money and ensure that you get a balanced outfit. You could try ringing Veals, Gerry's or Spotty Dog and asking their advice.

Also, if you ask on the appropriate regional forum then you might get more specific advice aimed at the sort of fishing you'll be doing.

Cheers,

John

[geffaz]

wot sort of ground you planning to fish mate, clean or rough?
if its clean id go for one of penns bass rods and a 6500 abu but im biased
as i genraly fish clean ground, this sort of outfit makes the most of the fighting potential of stuff like bass flattys and hounds!
if its rough ground then thats a diffrent kettle of fish as it were

[Pedro the Fisherman]

Join a local sea angling club! You will get all the helpand advice you need and they swap and sell tackle! Until you have the casting technique the price and quality of rod will not make a lot of difference! The previous advise is sound.

[Steven Alan]

:clap3:hi and thanks for the replys very helpfull, as I said will be fishing the beaches that are local to manchester, and poss rhyl (on holls) near colwin bay & conway so no idea of what the bottom is like there prob sand (or mud), guess you lads will know better?. as for the equipment ,have been looking at a zziplex v max f1, (wants 160 for it )but as i have looked aroubd on the net they seem to be around 200 to 240 new inc delivery, it seems a bit pricey would think second hand around half price (depending on cond) same with the reel was looking at a penn 525 supermag ,but again wants around 100 which I think is well over priced for second hand, anybody out there got any thoughts or info on these items?,let me know what you think of them good or bad?
thanks again for the replys,
ps as for joining a club, I really have had my fill of them, too many clicks, and little groups that dont want outsiders at least thats my opinion on clubs, (from course fishing clubs to scuba clubs ,& the scuba club was the worst,still got my qualifications so not botherd any more , went over to a PADI cert, which they did,nt like one bit,but if you dive overseas its the one to have)
thanks again
steven:yeah:

[bluejt2000]

: was looking at a penn 525 supermag ,but again wants around 100 which I think is well over priced for second hand, anybody out there got any thoughts or info on these items?,let me know what you think of them good or bad?
steven:yeah:

I couldn't help you with the rod, but £100 for a second-hand Supermag is too much to pay. The Supermag is currently out of production but the Mag Xtra, with alternative bearings and extra magnets, can be set up in the Supermag configuration and it's only £115 brand new at Gerry's of Morecambe.

Cheers,

John

[treeboa]

you may find the zippy a bit much to handle, as to the reel, if you have no experience in laying the line go for a level line 6000/6500 abu, at least then you aint got a birdsnest in the making because you have lumped it on, one of the diawa moonrakers or paul kerry jobs secondhand would prob suit you better if you can find one

[scottonjayne]

as for reels DONT PENN still do there factury rebuilt reels at the right price??? might be worth a look

[daveonawave]

You don't have to pay too much for good gear even if its new. I have got the Okuma Magnetix (£60) and a Shimano Nexave beachcaster (£80), I think its an exelent outfit and so far it has dealt with all the conditions and abuse I have thrown at it. I would highly recomend both.

[Cromcruaich]

As a north west based angler, pop along to www.wirralseafishing.co.uk for info on local spots and helpful advice.

[Steven Alan]

many thanks for all that have posted reply,s, have now got my mind set on a fox bassmaster rod,to go with a penn reel,(not made my mind up as to which penn yet though),
anothe thought crossed my mind as a course fisher, I have a number of carp rods, was thinking on useing one i have spare,
its a shimano beastmaster 12 foot 3lb t/c 2piece rod any thoughts as to if that would be ok:g:,
or should i stick to the fox bassmaster 11-6 rod i have seen:g:?
guess that will start a debate useing carp gear for beach fishing but to be honest, cannot see much diference in the rod makeup,except the tip on the carp rod might be stiffer.
thax again
steven

[billy bennett]

hi steve,again cant help with rod its down to your pref.but as stated before you wont beat abu 6500 reels, i tend to use level wind versions because i want to see what i am doing when bringing in a fish not watching my line to make sure its level. if you do not mind doing this I have a 6500 c3 rocket ct version you can have for about £40 , it is as new and is full of line. pm me for any further details. bb

[billy bennett]

hello again, i do most of my summer fishing in north wales,and i tend to use my beachcasting stuff in the winter for cod, in summer i only use a carp rod with 2/3oz weights and a little bait runner reel,i have not come across a fish that this cant handle ,(except tope/congers) so using a carp rod will not be a problem.

[crazyplums]

you wont beat abu 6500 reels, i tend to use level wind versions because i want to see what i am doing when bringing in a fish not watching my line to make sure its level.

re level-wind, to be honest it doesn't take long to et the hang of it, i rarely look at the spool when retrieving now, takes a bit of practice, but i do think on the whole (from experience too) that the non level wind reels are alot less hassle, no leader knots catching, cast further, etc.

if new to multi's then go with the 6500, but i would consider a mag elite, probably the most user friendly reel on the planet.


as billy said though, i can't comment on the rod either.

[SMART20]

Hi new to this site but would like some advice from seasoned sea fishermen not new to fishin (course/fly & a bit of boat ,but get sea sick so no more boat) want to start beach fishing, so need advice on equipment to buy, prob fish north wales coast, need to know what sort of rod, length, reel,(can use multiply or other)and any other info you can give,do not want to buy the cheapest or the most expencive equipment, and would buy second hand if avalable(ebay or others). dont plan on any specific fish at this moment just be happy to catch anything that takes the bait, i,m not masive build only 5-6 if that helps so any info on good middle of the road equipment welcome.
thanks
Steven

Hi,
All good advice so far - now I'm going to put a spanner in the works ! I'm guessing that your coarse / fly fishing experience makes you a competant angler ? I'm also guessing that you are not giving up these areas either, which means that you will be spreading your fishing between the three disciplines. Also shore fishing cuts down the amount of fish you can go out and just catch without trying too much. Rather than buying basic takle to cover many options, my advice would be to decide which area you intend to fish, at what time of year, and then research what species are available. Then decide on which species you wish to target, and then SPECIALISE. Having a target fish always gives you an edge, and is far more likely to bring success than the chuck it out and see what comes along method. We all moan about the lack of fish about, but it is surprising what can be caught with a little thought. Mullet for instance, are one of the hardest fighters you will ever hook, and can be caught on tackle you already probably own. This will give you a species that the majority of anglers have never caught, can be caught in many areas (harbour, Marina and open shoreline) using a variety of methods - yes, even fly fishing. Concentrate on certain species (mackeral, garfish, bream etc) and these can all be caught and ENJOYED on light tackle. Smoothounds, for instance, will require a stronger approach, but again, specialising on these will bring it's own rewards. Loads of good info on here from top anglers - so decide on an approach, and post again later.
My five pennies worth, Good luck mate.
Mart.

[bouyarken]

Hi,
All good advice so far - now I'm going to put a spanner in the works ! I'm guessing that your coarse / fly fishing experience makes you a competant angler ? I'm also guessing that you are not giving up these areas either, which means that you will be spreading your fishing between the three disciplines. Also shore fishing cuts down the amount of fish you can go out and just catch without trying too much. Rather than buying basic takle to cover many options, my advice would be to decide which area you intend to fish, at what time of year, and then research what species are available. Then decide on which species you wish to target, and then SPECIALISE. Having a target fish always gives you an edge, and is far more likely to bring success than the chuck it out and see what comes along method. We all moan about the lack of fish about, but it is surprising what can be caught with a little thought. Mullet for instance, are one of the hardest fighters you will ever hook, and can be caught on tackle you already probably own. This will give you a species that the majority of anglers have never caught, can be caught in many areas (harbour, Marina and open shoreline) using a variety of methods - yes, even fly fishing. Concentrate on certain species (mackeral, garfish, bream etc) and these can all be caught and ENJOYED on light tackle. Smoothounds, for instance, will require a stronger approach, but again, specialising on these will bring it's own rewards. Loads of good info on here from top anglers - so decide on an approach, and post again later.
My five pennies worth, Good luck mate.
Mart.

one of my best fights was with double mullets on. it was awesome heart stopping magic that will stay with me for years.. :)
plus the pier i was on was packed i was the only one that caught all day :yeah:

[Steven Alan]

Many thanks to all who have answerd, I would,nt say I,m a great angler just someone who likes to do somthing other than sit around the house or hotel whilst on holl,s, (marred 35 years so it must work she soaks up the sun i fish), would think most beach fishing will be done in wales (kimel bay area) used to go there as a kid, got some cine film of there from years ago and the sea just looks like the med clear and blue, not like that anymore tho, guess i would be happy with flatts or bass, But anything that takes a fancy to the hook or plug would do, (get real ****ed if i dont get anything) but not that much that i would give it up, the only thing that i could,nt do is boat fishing cos i get sea sick instanly:boat:, so beach, rocks, est, would be the places i would fish, as for the offers, will email
again many thanks,:clap3:
have put the site at the top of favorites
steven

[David Gould]

You don't have to pay too much for good gear even if its new. I have got the Okuma Magnetix (£60) and a Shimano Nexave beachcaster (£80), I think its an excellent outfit and so far it has dealt with all the conditions and abuse I have thrown at it. I would highly recommend both.

Dave ,
Is that a new rod I see your writing about or that old line shaver you had with the chipped runner eyes
( Hee Hee:unsure:)

David

[geffaz]

:clap3:hi thanks again for the replys,
ps as for joining a club, I really have had my fill of them, too many clicks, and little groups that dont want outsiders at least thats my opinion on clubs, (from course fishing clubs to scuba clubs ,& the scuba club was the worst,still got my qualifications so not botherd any more , went over to a PADI cert, which they did,nt like one bit,but if you dive overseas its the one to have)
thanks again
steven:yeah:
agree on both of thos points, had bad experience with
clubs, lots of clichs and power freaks!
also got my padi over seas, but your probly better of
keeping it for diving more comfortable safer conditions
than most of the british coast line has to offer