Hi Guys and Gals,

I just got home from a trip to Myrtle Beach the other day. While we were there, we took a trip on a head boat. It was great fun and we caught fish all day. Most were black sea bass, but we also caught sea bream, ring tail, lizzardfish, and I got a sea robin. There were a bunch of first time fishermen with me, so it was interesting watching the learning curve. Anyways, the rods we used left a bit to be desired. They were about 6'6" or so, roughly 14" rear grips, 8" front grips, cheap reel seats, most had two guides and a tip, etc. The biggest problem I had was the blanks. We were fishing 60' of water with 30-50 lb test and using 12 oz weights to hit bottom. When you'd set the hook on a fish, there was enough weight in the sinker alone that the tip would bend halfway to the butt before the hooks would ever more. They also would bend well down past the butt guide as you reeled up. Clearly they were undergunned for the weight, but considering the size of the fish they were about right in fish fighting power.

I'm moving to northern jersey in a month and I can see myself and my girlfriend doing a headboat or two there every now and then for something to do. I'd like to have a better rod/reel setup, so I'm checking out blanks now. Any thoughts? I'd like something with a light tip so I can feel small hits on a slack line, but I want the rod to lock up pretty quickly so I don't have to move the tip 6' to set the hook all the time. Also, the physical weight of the rif was tough on Rachel. I'd say the rods were about a pound and a half alone, then put another 12 oz weight on the tip. She doesn't have very big arms, so a lighter rod will be better. These rods won't be abused. I figure I'll rig it with powerpro to eliminate stretch and get better sensitivity. That should also let me go with a lighter weight (say 8 oz?).

If anyone builds for party boats in the Jersey/NYC area, I'd love to hear your suggestions.

Thanks,
Rick

If he doesn't chime in on his own, e-mail Billy Vivona. He will be able to give you some good ideas from the type of fishing he does in that area.

What type of fishing are you planning on doing? FLuke, Sea Bass/Porgies, Bass & Bluefish, Blackfish?

If I were limited to make one rod to do a little of everything, I would get the Calstar 700L. Of course, it will be a little overkill for some uses, perfect for some, whil slightly undergunned for others - but it is about as versitile of a blank as you can use for the Party Boats up here.

Rental rods are the worst thing ever invented for fishing. lol.

Hi BIlly,

I have no idea what I'll be fishing for or how. I've been on two party boats. One I described above, the other in Virginia beach we caught some croakers and sea bass about the same as above. I've never been to northern Jersey (give me two weeks) so I have no clue if there are party boats there. I would assume there are at least some. I figure any rod that I'll build for a party boat will be a lot better than the rods they had. I have a 9' steelhead casting rod that is rated up to 1 oz (but casts 2 1/2 nicely still) that I figure will work for light stuff.

I'm finding out that I'm not a fan of surf fishing. The sand gets everywhere, the wind never stops blowing, and you can never cast quite far enough to hit the deep water. I won't have a boat up there, so I figure jetties and party boats will be my best fishing bet to start.

Thanks,
Rick

Rick when you're all settled in, maybe we can "double date" on one of the boats. If you don't have rods, don't worry, I have enough for 10 people. lol. Not kidding either.

GUSA 65H or 70H.

Jeff - I'm all for GUSA's, but they are not for everyone on a PB. These rods will be abused, regardless of how well you try and take care of them. The SW70H's are sweet rods and are a great choice, but you really have to consider the fact that your $150 blank will take a bit of a beating - from every angle imagineable.

Rick,There are plenty of party boats in NJ.How far north are you going to move??Central jersey is a hot spot for head boats however the state is not really that big and no matter where you live it will only be about an hour or two to get to a boat.There also is a great selection of species fished for.I was out in the 1st week of may to do some bottom fishing and was amaised at the different types of rods used.they went from medium spinning to heavy conventional with any type of reel you could imagine.I felt a little out of place with my custom built spirial wrapped rod and a Penn 965.Really all that matters though is that the people are fishing and having a good time,what they use to do dont make a difference.

Fred

Fred - what boat did/do you fish on?

Billy ,fished the Teal out of the Highlands(first time on a head boat in 5 years,I got my own 23 footer).