Hey Guys -

I am starting on a 9 foot surf / pier rod for sharks and such down here in Galveston Texas. I have made rods for over 25 years but would like some input on suggested guides for this one. There so many varieties of guides these days, I want this to be well received by the customer and all. The reel will be a penn 500 or equivalent. This makes it a caster or level wind .

thanks in advance

Ron Beagles

Regardless of the guides you settle on, I would suggest you look at setting it up utilizing the bumper or simple spiral method as outlined in Rodmaker Vol 8 Issue 2.

I have built and setup several boat rods for shark with this method and they have performed flawlessly.

I setup utilizing Turbo Guides, but the rods are not used for casting. Even though, you might want to look at using them.

Regards......Doug@
TCRds

For a 9' Revolving Spool Casting SURF Rod (w/Penn 500 JigMaster),
THINK SPIRAL WRAP [RMM-8(2)] and see if the customer is receptive.

FUJI: Hardloy (x-xx-LG) or Alconite (x-xx-AG), or higher grade.
(or similar styles in other brands would be a good choice, too.)

BSVLG (Tri-Legged, Double-footed, Higher-frame, Regular duty) for a Butt Guide; (a 25mm or 20mm ring size may not be too big)

BNLG-H or BHNLG (Tri-Legged, Double-footed, Lower-frame, Heavy Duty) for the Bumper Guide thru the Mid-section guides; or

BNLG (Tri-Legged, Double -footed, Lower-frame, Regular Duty) for the Bumper Guide thru the Mid-section, on out thru Tip-section guides.

PST (Silicon Carbide - SiC) or similar large flange ring Tip-Top.

American Tackle's TITANS Series NIV and NIC (or Fuji all SiC x-xx-SG) should be considered if the customer wants to (really) splurge.

If he really spends that much time on piers for large fish, heavy-duty guide frames would be preferred, even in the tip section. The pier rail is usually pretty rough on most guides and rod blanks. If he is using 25# to 30# test, I would consider preferring the heavy-duty frames.

If he uses 40# test or higher, the Fuji Hardloy BOAT / TROLLING Rod Guides Series BLRLG would be a better choice. This FOLDED-Frame style is about the toughest style of guide frame out there. AmTack's HDHG Series is analogous to the Fuji BLRLG series and the AmTack TURBO Series (xx-BTR-x or xx-CTR-x), and will save a few $$.

You haven't told us anything about the rod blank other than the length. But this sounds more like a bait heaver, and not a lure slinger, so overall weight or tip section over-loading from heavier line guides may be less of a concern than overall STURDINESS and durability. (It's your warranty.) ... How big are these sharks ... 20# or 120+# ...?

IMO, Cliff Hall, Gainesville, FL-USA+++



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 10/10/2005 01:33PM by Cliff Hall.

First of all I would say a 9' surf rod may not be well received as a shark fishing tool on a pier. I specialize in sharking from the beaches and piers so would suggest that if you are building a surf rod for sharks set it up like you would any heaver that is going to cast 6 - 10 oz. using 20 - 30# line. Usually, you don't need to be able to cast very far as the sharks come in close at night (which, in public areas is the only time they should be fished.) A surf fisher that casts bait can expect to catch sharks in the3 - 5' range. As for guides, I would go with the best stainless steel from one of the sponsors. I know they aren't fancy but they work great and are low maintenance. If, he wants a pier rod build him a shorty ( 5' ) with a 50# class blank and roller guides are the best way to go. Check out the tackle used by serious sharkers and you will only find rollers.