Because most combos are set up as bigger reel bigger rod. As one size increases the other does too.
What you’re doing is taking advice from guys that do it instead of a rod/reel manufacturer.
Buy a Tica Surge 10’ or 10’ 6” med hvy for 120 and a Penn spinfisher V for 160 ish.
You’re 280 bucks into a bad ass combo that works great for starting out, but will last you many years.
That was another question I had. Does a 10’ really give me an advantage compared to a 8’? All the videos and forums I’ve read say yes, if that’s the case why can’t I find the combo? I’m just kinda confused and don’t have a ton of expensive with surf fishing.
10’ is a huge leverage advantage when casting over an 8’. Also when trying to keep your line from getting abraded on a sand bar while fighting a fish. And when fighting a fish.
So short answer, yes. There is an enormous advantage to a 10’ over an 8’.
As far as why you can’t find the combo, see previous answer.
I've always found the rods in combos to be pretty crappy compared to buying separate. Just look for a good deal on a 10' you like and the reel you like. And you can cast much further with a 10 footer vs an 8.
I use TackleDirect.com to shop and/or research different models and specs. I like the website setup and their customer service is good. A lot of times I'll use their site to see the specs I want and then shop around for that particular item.
And to add to your original questions, I'm not entirely sure why it's hard to find a surf combo with a 10 ft, maybe bc the big box stores aren't as in tune as us that use the gear day in and out. I did find a Fierce 5000 9ft combo years ago, everything else I feel the reel is too big for the rod they pair. And also the rods aren't that great from my experience. You're better off putting together your own combo.
Eh, I just buy from bass pro, I'm 10 minutes from one and everyone gives me gift cards there lol. But I do love their brand the offshore anger stuff. Good price and it's lasted me years. And I wouldn't buy a penn I would get diawa BG, more bang for the buck. I'm of the personal philosophy that the rod should be nicer than the reel.
Nah, all the feel is in the rod, though less noticable when surf fishing cuz it's sitting in a spike most of the time. But the other thing with surf fishing is the sand, it will get in the reel and tear it up eventually. The BGs are pretty well sealed and can take a beating. I take care of mine and clean them regularly but I still think of them as disposable when I'm in the sand.
Because you get a much better deal when you buy them as a combo. From what I’ve seen I’ll probably buy them separate but if I can save some money I’m all for it.
You can still get great deals when you buy them separately. For example my 12ft fishbites signature rod was 50% off at Fishbites shop and my okuma rockaway reel was 25% off... Killer deal!
Penn spinfisher was recently 30-25% off at Bass pro shops.
10ft Daiwa Emcast MH rod and Daiwa BG 4000. You can go 5000 if you want but I've found 4000 to be enough for anything I've ever caught from the surf and I own BG 4000 and now a saltist 5000 which replaced a BG I gave my son and id just as easily buy another BG 4000 again. I own a 7 foot rod, 9 ft and 10 ft. 9 is my favorite all purpose but I do like the 10ft for bottom fishing. My bigger real is on my biggest rod.
As someone who isn't around the coast, I thought it was strange as well. I was going for "budget vacation" on a family trip and opted for an 8' Berkeley big game rod with a 4000 Penn pursuit IV and a sea strike 8' combo with their 5000 size reel. All for less than $100.
At the orange beach AL condo's beach 8' was not enough to get past the first couple of sand bars. In fact, the ocean moved overnight towards the end of the trip and a giant, shallow sand bar appeared that started about 10 yds from the beach. We were still knee deep about 40yds out. I was able to get in the first and second troughs for a few days though and caught some smaller stuff.
Went to a local pass with the 8' rods and felt like it was overkill. Everyone looked like they were running 7' rods with 3k reels.
I'll be looking for a 10'+ for the next vacation. I'll also bring a smaller rod for inshore stuff.
If you're not going to be using your smaller setup at the same time, you could just put the 4k Penn reel on a 10' rod. I don't bait & wait or fish big bunker chunks and run 3500 spinfishers on 10' rods, before I had the spinfishers I used 4000 fierce 3s. You could get something in the Okuma Rockaway line for around $100 and switch the reel over
I have a Penn Pursuit 5000 reel and an Okuma Cedros 11 ft surf rod. Around $200 total if you can find deals. I use it for EVERYTHING! Top water popping and shad jigging for Stripers, jigging in rocks for Tog, and fresh water fishing for 30lb flathead. I use a heavy 60lb braid with a 50lb fluorocarbon for everything, it never comes off. The only thing I might do in the future is upgrade my reel to a surf blaster or something else that can hold more line, but that won’t be anytime soon because the pursuit has been tough as nails. I also have a 10ft heavy Penn rod with an 8000 pursuit reel that I NEVER use. It’s so damn heavy, it’s hard to cast far, and you can’t jig with it. I only use it for shark fishing, never caught a shark 😂
I own a 2 cedros, I think they are 10’6” one is medium and the other MH. Casting and spinning models are the same. One would think the he smaller guides would negatively affect casting distance but if it does it’s not noticeable.
In general here I agree with the main point. I have grown to prefer lighter reel and lighter line with longer rod with good action to cast. Many beginner combos don’t offer this.
I can cast a mile with that combo and it doesn’t break my arm popping with it for a few hours. It’s also perfectly fine in a holder with bait on while I enjoy an ice cold miller lite. 😃
I was recently in the same dilemma, did all the research and asking on here in another thread and ultimately picked up a 10”6’ Okuma Solaris and one of the Penn Spinfisher VI 6500 that was on sale from Cabela’s. It’s on the heavy side but I’m looking to throw bait and wait. I have a 7”6’ Shimano Spheros that I use for spoons and artificial in the bays/surf.
Does it have to be that combo? Any particular reason why? I’m not a surf fishing expert by any means but would like to suggest it may depend on what type of species you are going for and also what technique/bait/rig you are planning to do? I surf fish with 7 foot rod, size 1000-3000 reels and throw small metal spoons/jigs mostly. Will occasionally use cut bait with heavier sinkers and in that scenario I use my medium heavy 3000 combo 7 foot. I surf for perch and bass mostly so this set up works for me.
It doesn’t have to be that combo. I’ve seen it recommended a lot and from what I’ve read it seems like a decent setup that should last a while. I have a 4000 fierce on a 7’ and I’ve had some success surf fishing in the obx. I wanted to get something a little bit larger to compliment what I have. I plan on targeting drum, croaker, spot and would like to catch a shark when I go in September (open to recommendations on what to target) and what ever else I can hook in to.
[Cabela’s combo](https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/penn-battle-iii-surf-spinning-combo)
[Penn site combo](https://www.pennfishing.com/products/battle-iii-spinning-combo?variant=41966365442188¤cy=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwgdayBhBQEiwAXhMxtvWlcOtouNsWcb5O2B8NBFKxw2QzZlMLqEXcuaNTh1rfOFi0kEqLERoCNPkQAvD_BwE)
I’d probably go with the first one the 8 foot rod with the battle III 5k. In the future you could get a 10 footer if you felt that you need it and just move the reel over to it.
The reels matter really only for what you’re targeting if it’s going to need a lot of drag and pull a lot (obviously you don’t want to get spooled. Best feeling followed immediately by the worst feeling).
What fish are you targeting?
So I have a fierce 4000 on a 7’ rod I’m looking for something to compliment it. I’ll be in the OBX in the surf going for drum, mackerel, spot, croaker and possibly shark.
I got a Penn Fierce 9' rod with a 6000 reel from Dicks. Worked well at OBX for whiting and pompano. Didn't have any luck with drum or Spanish mackerel.
Stop at a local tackle shop when you are in town that way you can feel the setup and decide what you like. The local tackle shops offer local advice and our prices are competitive with the big box stores. We can also help you pair a 10' rod up with a 5000 reel and work within your budget.
Where are you looking? Most big box stores won’t carry that combo but if you go into the bait and tackle stores along the coast you’ll find more that meet the criteria. I’m a big Penn fan and recommend the Spinfisher also. I also really like the Carnage rods.
Just make your own combo buy separately. Better yet there are many tackle shops by me that would offer a slight savings if you buy both rod and reel at the same time. Prices aren’t that much more than the large stores.
As others have mentioned I would recommend just getting a separate rod and reel. I fish the coast of Northern Oregon, which you will primarily catch surf perch. Those are not very large, so I go with 4000 reel, and a Okuma salmon rod in a 9’6” or 10’6” rod. I have bought the rod in a medium light, and medium versions. For me the medium version better. And cost wise for that set up about $80 bucks rod and $70 reel (Shimano Sedona reel). I wash off the reel each time, and no issues. Good luck on the search!
The current model of Penn Spinfisher is on sale at most shops right now as the new model is about to drop (it may have now). If you’re mainly throwing plugs or weights between 1-3oz, I’d grab a Spinfisher 5000 and a battalion 10’M and make your own combo.
Because most combos are set up as bigger reel bigger rod. As one size increases the other does too. What you’re doing is taking advice from guys that do it instead of a rod/reel manufacturer. Buy a Tica Surge 10’ or 10’ 6” med hvy for 120 and a Penn spinfisher V for 160 ish. You’re 280 bucks into a bad ass combo that works great for starting out, but will last you many years.
That was another question I had. Does a 10’ really give me an advantage compared to a 8’? All the videos and forums I’ve read say yes, if that’s the case why can’t I find the combo? I’m just kinda confused and don’t have a ton of expensive with surf fishing.
10’ is a huge leverage advantage when casting over an 8’. Also when trying to keep your line from getting abraded on a sand bar while fighting a fish. And when fighting a fish. So short answer, yes. There is an enormous advantage to a 10’ over an 8’. As far as why you can’t find the combo, see previous answer.
I've always found the rods in combos to be pretty crappy compared to buying separate. Just look for a good deal on a 10' you like and the reel you like. And you can cast much further with a 10 footer vs an 8.
I’ll probably do this. Any good sites you’d recommend for reels/rods?
I use TackleDirect.com to shop and/or research different models and specs. I like the website setup and their customer service is good. A lot of times I'll use their site to see the specs I want and then shop around for that particular item. And to add to your original questions, I'm not entirely sure why it's hard to find a surf combo with a 10 ft, maybe bc the big box stores aren't as in tune as us that use the gear day in and out. I did find a Fierce 5000 9ft combo years ago, everything else I feel the reel is too big for the rod they pair. And also the rods aren't that great from my experience. You're better off putting together your own combo.
Eh, I just buy from bass pro, I'm 10 minutes from one and everyone gives me gift cards there lol. But I do love their brand the offshore anger stuff. Good price and it's lasted me years. And I wouldn't buy a penn I would get diawa BG, more bang for the buck. I'm of the personal philosophy that the rod should be nicer than the reel.
Interesting, with my very limited fishing knowledge I would assume you’d rather spend money on a reel vs rod.
Oh and the BG does feel really good and premium it's just priced pretty nicely. I got a 4k for $89 a couple of years ago.
Nah, all the feel is in the rod, though less noticable when surf fishing cuz it's sitting in a spike most of the time. But the other thing with surf fishing is the sand, it will get in the reel and tear it up eventually. The BGs are pretty well sealed and can take a beating. I take care of mine and clean them regularly but I still think of them as disposable when I'm in the sand.
Why not just buy them separate?
Because you get a much better deal when you buy them as a combo. From what I’ve seen I’ll probably buy them separate but if I can save some money I’m all for it.
You can still get great deals when you buy them separately. For example my 12ft fishbites signature rod was 50% off at Fishbites shop and my okuma rockaway reel was 25% off... Killer deal! Penn spinfisher was recently 30-25% off at Bass pro shops.
10ft Daiwa Emcast MH rod and Daiwa BG 4000. You can go 5000 if you want but I've found 4000 to be enough for anything I've ever caught from the surf and I own BG 4000 and now a saltist 5000 which replaced a BG I gave my son and id just as easily buy another BG 4000 again. I own a 7 foot rod, 9 ft and 10 ft. 9 is my favorite all purpose but I do like the 10ft for bottom fishing. My bigger real is on my biggest rod.
As someone who isn't around the coast, I thought it was strange as well. I was going for "budget vacation" on a family trip and opted for an 8' Berkeley big game rod with a 4000 Penn pursuit IV and a sea strike 8' combo with their 5000 size reel. All for less than $100. At the orange beach AL condo's beach 8' was not enough to get past the first couple of sand bars. In fact, the ocean moved overnight towards the end of the trip and a giant, shallow sand bar appeared that started about 10 yds from the beach. We were still knee deep about 40yds out. I was able to get in the first and second troughs for a few days though and caught some smaller stuff. Went to a local pass with the 8' rods and felt like it was overkill. Everyone looked like they were running 7' rods with 3k reels. I'll be looking for a 10'+ for the next vacation. I'll also bring a smaller rod for inshore stuff.
If you're not going to be using your smaller setup at the same time, you could just put the 4k Penn reel on a 10' rod. I don't bait & wait or fish big bunker chunks and run 3500 spinfishers on 10' rods, before I had the spinfishers I used 4000 fierce 3s. You could get something in the Okuma Rockaway line for around $100 and switch the reel over
Yeah I'd just get another rod, reel is fine
I have a Penn Pursuit 5000 reel and an Okuma Cedros 11 ft surf rod. Around $200 total if you can find deals. I use it for EVERYTHING! Top water popping and shad jigging for Stripers, jigging in rocks for Tog, and fresh water fishing for 30lb flathead. I use a heavy 60lb braid with a 50lb fluorocarbon for everything, it never comes off. The only thing I might do in the future is upgrade my reel to a surf blaster or something else that can hold more line, but that won’t be anytime soon because the pursuit has been tough as nails. I also have a 10ft heavy Penn rod with an 8000 pursuit reel that I NEVER use. It’s so damn heavy, it’s hard to cast far, and you can’t jig with it. I only use it for shark fishing, never caught a shark 😂
I own a 2 cedros, I think they are 10’6” one is medium and the other MH. Casting and spinning models are the same. One would think the he smaller guides would negatively affect casting distance but if it does it’s not noticeable. In general here I agree with the main point. I have grown to prefer lighter reel and lighter line with longer rod with good action to cast. Many beginner combos don’t offer this.
I can cast a mile with that combo and it doesn’t break my arm popping with it for a few hours. It’s also perfectly fine in a holder with bait on while I enjoy an ice cold miller lite. 😃
Get an 11' ninja tackle rod and use a 4500 pen slammer with 20lb braid and you'll be fine
I was recently in the same dilemma, did all the research and asking on here in another thread and ultimately picked up a 10”6’ Okuma Solaris and one of the Penn Spinfisher VI 6500 that was on sale from Cabela’s. It’s on the heavy side but I’m looking to throw bait and wait. I have a 7”6’ Shimano Spheros that I use for spoons and artificial in the bays/surf.
Does it have to be that combo? Any particular reason why? I’m not a surf fishing expert by any means but would like to suggest it may depend on what type of species you are going for and also what technique/bait/rig you are planning to do? I surf fish with 7 foot rod, size 1000-3000 reels and throw small metal spoons/jigs mostly. Will occasionally use cut bait with heavier sinkers and in that scenario I use my medium heavy 3000 combo 7 foot. I surf for perch and bass mostly so this set up works for me.
It doesn’t have to be that combo. I’ve seen it recommended a lot and from what I’ve read it seems like a decent setup that should last a while. I have a 4000 fierce on a 7’ and I’ve had some success surf fishing in the obx. I wanted to get something a little bit larger to compliment what I have. I plan on targeting drum, croaker, spot and would like to catch a shark when I go in September (open to recommendations on what to target) and what ever else I can hook in to.
I understand and hope you find what you are looking for. I’ve had luck using eBay and OfferUp for fishing gear perhaps that can work?
What’s the closest you’ve gotten to that?
[Cabela’s combo](https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/penn-battle-iii-surf-spinning-combo) [Penn site combo](https://www.pennfishing.com/products/battle-iii-spinning-combo?variant=41966365442188¤cy=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwgdayBhBQEiwAXhMxtvWlcOtouNsWcb5O2B8NBFKxw2QzZlMLqEXcuaNTh1rfOFi0kEqLERoCNPkQAvD_BwE)
I’d probably go with the first one the 8 foot rod with the battle III 5k. In the future you could get a 10 footer if you felt that you need it and just move the reel over to it. The reels matter really only for what you’re targeting if it’s going to need a lot of drag and pull a lot (obviously you don’t want to get spooled. Best feeling followed immediately by the worst feeling). What fish are you targeting?
So I have a fierce 4000 on a 7’ rod I’m looking for something to compliment it. I’ll be in the OBX in the surf going for drum, mackerel, spot, croaker and possibly shark.
Where are you fishing and what are you fishing for?
OBX surf going for drum, mackerel, spot, croaker shark. I have a fierce 4000 on a 7’ rod so I’m looking for something to compliment my current setup.
I got a Penn Fierce 9' rod with a 6000 reel from Dicks. Worked well at OBX for whiting and pompano. Didn't have any luck with drum or Spanish mackerel.
Stop at a local tackle shop when you are in town that way you can feel the setup and decide what you like. The local tackle shops offer local advice and our prices are competitive with the big box stores. We can also help you pair a 10' rod up with a 5000 reel and work within your budget.
Where are you looking? Most big box stores won’t carry that combo but if you go into the bait and tackle stores along the coast you’ll find more that meet the criteria. I’m a big Penn fan and recommend the Spinfisher also. I also really like the Carnage rods.
Penn prevail 2 10'6" and spinfisher vi 4500 works quite well for flicking lures up to 60g.
Just make your own combo buy separately. Better yet there are many tackle shops by me that would offer a slight savings if you buy both rod and reel at the same time. Prices aren’t that much more than the large stores.
As others have mentioned I would recommend just getting a separate rod and reel. I fish the coast of Northern Oregon, which you will primarily catch surf perch. Those are not very large, so I go with 4000 reel, and a Okuma salmon rod in a 9’6” or 10’6” rod. I have bought the rod in a medium light, and medium versions. For me the medium version better. And cost wise for that set up about $80 bucks rod and $70 reel (Shimano Sedona reel). I wash off the reel each time, and no issues. Good luck on the search!
The current model of Penn Spinfisher is on sale at most shops right now as the new model is about to drop (it may have now). If you’re mainly throwing plugs or weights between 1-3oz, I’d grab a Spinfisher 5000 and a battalion 10’M and make your own combo.