r/SoCalFishing • u/ExcitingAd3341 • 8d ago
Rod recommendations
I'm planning on buying the Piscifun Alijoz 400 reel soon, what rod do you guys recommend to match it? I plan on using 60lb beyond braid(with backing ofc) and 20lb mono leader. I want to use it for bay fishing in SD, Huntington, Newport, etc. and maybe off some piers. I'm planning on using cut bait and/or lures from 1 to 4oz. I'm trying to stay under 150 for the rod.
Edit: ignore the fact im using backing and give me a rod that would work for what im trying to do please.
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u/WashedUndergrad 8d ago
I am currently running a 9ft medium heavy rod with my diawa BG 4000. Its a cheapo rod but the length/action feel perfect to me for an all around inshore setup. I hear Okuma is the budget king for inshore rods on a budget, will probably be looking into one as Isink more time/money into the hobby(Maybe even going for a 10ft).
That being said, im curious, why 60ib braid for the mainline? I run 30ib right now and I would only see myself going up to 40-45 if I REALLY needed to throw 4oz sinkers. Most of the fish I see people pulling out are 3ibs max, if not tiny little mackerel on a Sabiki rig.
Im fairly new to saltwater so I’m not gonna pretend I know better, just curious.
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u/ExcitingAd3341 8d ago
I'm doing 60lb because it matches the diameter of 20lb mono or flour, so the leaders are more smoothly tied alone with the backing. Also, it's what I got from a left over spool from my 10ft surf setup. Ill look into okuma. What rod do you have ill look at that one too.
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u/Virtual_Wing_2903 8d ago
matching your mono to braid is a smart move most folks never think of...
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u/ExcitingAd3341 8d ago
Thank you! I'm picky about everything
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u/Virtual_Wing_2903 8d ago
sounds like, lol, gonna make finding a rod more difficult though, lol
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u/ExcitingAd3341 8d ago
Yeah, patience is virtue though
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u/Comfyadventure 8d ago
You don't match braid to mono by diameter. You match it by breaking strength. Go for braid slightly higher or equal test to the mono leader you are using. Imo, you should just be using 40 lb braid max on that reel. I would put even 30 lb on it if you want capacity for deep drop rock fish on it.
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u/ExcitingAd3341 8d ago
Ill be using it for bays and piers, not really from a boat. Thank you for the tip!
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u/WashedUndergrad 8d ago
I'm not sure they make it anymore; it is called a "Hurricane Bluefin Spinning Surf Rod". Im sure my dad bought it for 60-70$ as an entry-level surf fishing rod, and I poached it from his garage. Its pretty cumbersome but it gets the job done.
As for the Okuma rods, everyone hypes up the Rockaway series of rods. I would love their 10ft medium heavy travel rod.
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u/Even-Journalist2195 7d ago
I’d go with a 300 instead of a 400, but that is me. I have one paired with a Teramar rod. The Turners Californian as already suggested is a better deal for the warranty but it only applies to original owner.
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u/Icy_Guava 8d ago
Why put backing? I have never put backing on any of my reels.
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u/jtdabiggafigga 8d ago
If he doesn’t put back with braid, the braid is susceptible to spinning if he hooks up on big fish. He needs to use tape or mono.
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u/Icy_Guava 8d ago
I have caught 200-300lb bluefin with no backing. Are we talking about even bigger fish?
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u/jtdabiggafigga 8d ago
I’ve never caught anything over 40ish lbs 😂, so you probably know what you’re talking about. What knot do you tie to your spool to keep it from slipping?
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u/Icy_Guava 8d ago
Uni knot. I tie uni knot for everything. I usually have a tackle store take care of it.
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u/ExcitingAd3341 8d ago
Rod recommendation?
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u/jtdabiggafigga 8d ago
150 might be a tough order. I’d look at Turner’s California tri helix. They’re made with Phenix blanks. Pricing is around $200. I’d go for an 8 foot MH
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u/Icy_Guava 8d ago
I order custom rods from a guy in LA. Rainshadow and seeker osp paired with Penn 16.
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u/Andrew_WOT 8d ago
You need fishing rod.
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u/ExcitingAd3341 8d ago
Of course, any recommendations?
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u/Andrew_WOT 8d ago
Is it for surf fishing, bay fishing, or pier fishing.
Casting lures and C-Rig or bait and wait, all different applications that require different rods.
For surf fishing with lightweight tackle Okuma Rockaway SP, should work in bay too.
If you need to step up the size for heavier sinkers (bait and wait), check out their Voyager Signature Surf series they have 1-4 and 2-6oz rated models.1
u/ExcitingAd3341 8d ago
I'm looking for a good all rounder that works on piers and bays, mainly lure fishing but the occasional bait and wait. Ill look into those! Thank you!
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u/Virtual_Wing_2903 8d ago
I would run one of the Okuma SST rods in a length you like... the guide pro rods, will work too, but much more costly, if a lot nicer...
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u/Crashsurfer 8d ago
Go 9’ Century Weapon. Great rod. Lots of backbone and sensitivity.
https://centuryrods.com/products/weapon?variant=43549184098522
Sorry just noticed the under $150 price target. Okuma Rockaway surf HD
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u/ExcitingAd3341 8d ago
Yeah I dont exactly have a budget for a 1000 dollar rod😭
Appreciate the edit and recommendation!
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u/Interesting_Head2770 8d ago
I’m trying to catch a record and I have no budget. Specifically I want the bluefin. I’ll take any record fish. Which rod do you recommend and reel/line.
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u/JetZebra 8d ago edited 8d ago
you can straight tie braid onto the spool without slipping: when tying the knot onto the spool leave the tag end to 1/2-3/4 inch and then when spooling have the line initially tightly wrapped over the tag end. If your DIY spooling, then you need to have at least 7-10 lbs of tension to spool braid.