Rod Recommends from Shore

[medalist]

Guys got out yesterday to fish Croton falls res, no fish had one take on a spoon but came off . I Have a gearhead question. I was using a 6'6" 1/8-1/2 ML spinning rod, which felt a little small for a piece of water this big in terms of casting range. I enjoy fishing the reservoirs, and would like to do more of it. I'm thinking of getting a longer 7'6"-8'6" 1/8-1/2oz rod and was curious to see what other guys who fish the shores of the croton reservoirs use. I'm looking at some of the cabelas fish eagle rods,  tourney trail etc as they fit my budget. I'll be using this rig with a Daiwa Exceler 2500 reel, I have 2 spools 1 with 6lb Trilene the other 8lb fireline/8lb fluor leader. I'll be using 1/8-3/8 spoons and rapalas, artificials only.

[VinnyH]

Other guys can be more technical but I think a 7'6" ML (at least) should do the trick. Thin line at 6lbs or 8lbs should be fine.

The key is to have the room to cast when shore fishing, then it's a lot of technique. It surprised me but there's a moment of release when using a spinning reel that's optimum for distance and I only got there with experience. I imagine it's different for each person's arm length, grip, motion, backswing, etc.

Kind of like throwing a good curveball. 

Best Always,
Vinny

[Tom]

If you are looking for distance, I was wondering if a good quality baitcaster setup would be better than a spinning reel & rod.  Just got a Shimano Citica, coupled with a 6 1/2' Bass Pro extreme XPS rod, for Christmas and can't wait to try it out. The website says casts of 130'+ are possible with experience. (Vinny: The last time we went out you were using a baitcaster setup and I was really impressed with the distance you were getting.) On shore you have to watch out for clearance to cast a 7 1/2' rod.  Because of the brush this could be a problem. Similarly a 7 1/2' rod on a small rowboat could be difficult to manuver.  I have 7' and 6 1/2' rods and they seem to do the trick. However I have seen some old timers using rods in the 8' to 9' range ... even for trolling.
Tom

[phishahn]

If you can get away with it, go w/8'6" rod. It can be a multi purpose stick. You can cast it from shore and when your in the boat, in the rod-holder it would keep the line far away as not to interfere with your oars and your rowing, Da-phish.

[KenH]

I've been strictly shore fishing since i got two boats stolen way back ages ago.
So for a couple of decades I've been using a pair of Fenwick graphite 8'6"
steelhead rods with medium action. I find that with 6-8 lb line I can get a 1/4oz spoon reasonably far out there, where you sometimes see a rise.
More importantly, since I use a bottom rig often, the extra length gives me
leverage when lifting the sinker off the bottom to set the hook when a fish
is running. At least I think it does.
Admittedly the drawback is that I gotta have fairly decent casting space.
In some places it's pretty close to impossible to cast with an 8'6" rod when
you're squeezed between overhanging tree branches.
Ken H

[medalist]

Thanks guys for the replies. I ended up getting a Fish Eagle II 8'6" 6-10# 1/4-1/2oz 3pc from cabelas-good deal on sale right now BTW. I think this rod should help to cover alot of water from shore. I already have the 9' 10-20# 1/2-2oz version that I got for SW striper fishing in the spring- so I know it's nice blank + serviceable components seems like a decent bang for $$$, especially @ closeout price. I like the multi piece travel rods; the benefits far outweigh any shortcomings for me,since I live in the city and don't own a car, and mostly rely on MTA/walk/bike to go fishing. You get some crazy looks from people toting fishing rods around NYC, so a 3 or 4pc packed in a rod sock keeps things stealthy, it could be my pool cue, yoga mat, nunchuks, flute who knows??. also prevents public harassment by PETA members
My other 6'6" spinner is a 4pc too-only about 20" long +straps nicely to the side of a small backpack, so I plan on bringing both rods along when I'm fishing, in case I find a spot where casting with 8'6 will be tight. I'm looking forward to getting out there as many weekends as I can this winter and early spring, I've been reading up on how to work spoons properly and have been hording kastmasters + krocs, can't wait to wet a line again soon!!
Tight lines!

[phishahn]

You actually gat harrased by the scum Peta? Time to move out of the city, all outdoorsmen especially hunters better watch that group, they aim to stop all animal "harvest", thay are scary bunch.