Is getting a "jetty" fishing rod a waste of money?

[M_Duong60]

I'm considering on getting a 8'6'' tica graphite rod paired with a penn battle/fierce for jetty fishing at IRI/OC inlet or anywhere really for fishing for blues/stripers from shore. I am unfamiliar with how productive fishing in these areas is (on a day to day basis). What im trying to say is, is if spending money on this combo would help in catching fish or would I be better off somewhere in a yak.

[RxForFishin]

I bought a 10' ocean master (bass pro) and paired it with a fierce 5000 reel specifically for IRI and the surf. The total set-up probably cost about $160 and I've been happy with it. I use it more in the surf, but it's the only rod I take on the jetty so I can reach the holes I like. The rod is only suitable for these uses in my opinion, but the reel fits most of my other kayak/boat rods for when I'm targeting larger fish. I think it comes down to how often you think you'll be using it. Go by the adage: spend money where you spend time.

[M_Duong60]

How good do you do at IRI? As in what does a particular trip look like. Ive fished there a few times,but have never gotten a blue or striper. Ive caught tog (got a keeper yesterday actually) but never of the former species. I just dont want to spend x amount of dollars to get skunked consistently.

[tufnik]

I've collected rods/reels over the years. They're for boat, surf, pier, kayak, whatever. For surf/pier fishing I have 9' to 12' rods, convention and spinning. Point is, buy the rod/reel to give you opportunities for different types of fishing. If you're like me, your interests will shift around, but you'll enjoy all types of fishing.

If you're on a budget, you really ought to visit fishing flea markets. They happen mainly during Jan-Apr, and you can get great deals.

[Redfish12]

If you have a decent spinning reel already then check out the penn series of surf rods, they are a little heavier than some of the nicer ones but they hold up well and are sensitive enough for swinging lures in the current. That way you only need to buy a rod. I think they are around $60?

http://www.amazon.com/Penn-Spinfishe...ords=Penn+surf

[M_Duong60]

thanks I'm mainly looking for a nice combo for my Dads birthday along with one for myself. The people at Oyster Bay Tackle picked out the combo I stated above for all round fishing (surf with cutbait, casting lures i.e. poppers, bridge fishing) I was wondering if fishing these areas is productive enough to warrant buying a higher end combo.

[tufnik]

Yeah, I like Penn rods too. I have a couple, but I really like my Tsunami Airwave surf rods.

I would not base my decision on whether a particular area is "productive enough." I would base it on whether you intend to do more fishing in the future, you like higher quality gear and if it gives you the versatility to do other types of fishing.

[camelbird]

I bought 2 ticas this year. Got to fish iri northside twice with them. No complaints. Heard some people say to get the dolphin series which have fuji guides. I have an 8'6" ml (I think) with a shimano 4000 on it. No problem throwing 1.5 oz metal or bucktails. Also Check out long lining at the iri, pretty neat. Definitely a cool place to fish, just don't have much experience to offer you in the fish catching department

[toyomo]

Ive fished IRI as well as nearby surf and have had good success. That inlet is productive year round, although there are never any guarantees when it comes to fishing. It is full of snags and gets crowded but there are so many species caught there. I posted a recent fishing report from there in the other forum if you wanna check it out.
I think your decision on rods should be based on how often you intend to use it. It is really easy to go nuts and have 50 rod and reel combos if you don't control yourself, at least for me anyway. I actually have 2 surf poles because it allows me to bait differently. Jetty pole I would dedicate for that task because my surf poles are basically made to throw 4-8 oz + bait and if you try to throw some light topwater lure it wont cast well.

[jsquare]

I can't speak for IRI, but there is a lot you can do around Ocean City with a combo like the one you mentioned. You can fish off the piers, off the 50 bridge, off the jetties in the inlet, etc. As others have said, I would nail down the type of fishing you want to do before you drop the money on gear...I have trouble following this advice.

[M_Duong60]

Thanks for the advice...I won't be fishing IRI until next summer I think so Ill have a lot of time to chose a combo. I would use it mostly for casting plugs,bucktails, any lure really. Id use it specifically for jetty fishing since I also have a surf rod.